Review and FAQ: Uber VIP – What It Is and How It Works

Uber VIP is a little-known elite status program offered by ride-hailing service Uber in a limited number of cities, but it has gotten more attention recently since American Express partnered with the company. As a result American Express offers $200 per year in Uber ride credits as well as Uber VIP status to Platinum card members.

Customers who have Uber VIP status have access to Uber’s top drivers and vehicles, according to the company. However, Uber is somewhat vague about the benefits that Uber VIP status confers, saying only it “unlock exclusive perks, discounts, and giveaways where available.”

It’s important to note that the American Express $200 credit can only be applied to rides in the United States and that each month’s credit is good only during that month and will not be carried forward. In addition, American Express will give Platinum cardmembers double Membership Rewards points when paying Uber fares with the Platinum Card.

The Unisphere at New York’s Flushing Meadow Park

When the program was first introduced several years ago, it was simply called “VIP” and status was awarded to customers who completed 100 or more rides with Uber in a handful of cities including New York and Washington, D.C. Uber modified the requirements later to be ten rides per month on a regular basis.

USING UBER VIP

Uber says that the cost of a VIP ride will be “at par” with the price of a non-VIP ride although, in our brief time as a VIP member, we’ve seen the price quoted as much as 16% higher.

An Uber spokesman told Frequent Business Traveler that there is a known issue which is causing Uber VIP pricing to be “higher or lower” for a given ride and stated that the company is “quickly” working on fixing the problem.

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