Key Takeaways
- Uber One combines discounts on rides and food deliveries with one subscription.
- Offers $0 delivery fees and up to 10% off on Uber Eats orders.
- Includes 5% off Uber rides, prioritizing top-rated drivers for members.
- Membership provides savings, priority support, and exclusive perks across Uber services.
What is Uber One?
Uber One is a subscription program that allows you to save on rides and orders. The membership offers:
- $0 delivery fee on eligible Uber Eats deliveries
- Up to 10% off on qualifying orders
- Up to 5% off on eligible Uber rides
At 5% off on qualifying rides, if you spend $200 or more on Uber rides per month, you’ll break even (5% x 200 = $10) and cover the subscription cost.
That’s without considering the unlimited $0 delivery fees and other perks, such as access to top-rated drivers.
Let’s discover what else the membership offers to give you a full picture.
What is the Difference Between Uber One and Uber/Eats Pass?
Uber Pass was a membership service that only applied to Uber rides. It gave members promotions and discounts on their rides. Similarly, the Eats Pass gave discounts on Uber Eats orders and delivery fees.
As of November 16, 2021, Uber Pass ceased being available for purchase and was replaced by a brand new membership program–Uber One– which works across Rides and Eats.
How Much Does Uber One Cost?
Uber One has two subscription options: A monthly membership at $9.99 and an annual one at $99. Both memberships offer the same benefits, but the yearly option lowers your monthly investment by approximately $1.75.
Uber has also partnered with American Express to give Gold Card Members up to $120 ($10 monthly) and Platinum Card Members up to $200 ($15 monthly + $20 bonus in December) in Uber Cash.
You can only use this money on rides or Uber Eats orders in the US.
Disclosure: Claiming a Free Trial = Getting Charged
One thing that I have noticed, especially in doing research for my post about how to contact Uber customer service, is that Uber is heavily pushing this subscription within the Uber and Uber Eats apps.
Oftentimes, when riders are booking a ride or ordering a meal, the apps will suggest signing up for the service – usually claiming a free trial for the first month – to unlock ride or delivery discounts.
After the free month is over, however, users will be charged a monthly fee. Many are VERY upset about this, as they view it as a bait and switch.
I believe it is a creative business practice, but, if it happens to you and you’d like to cancel, you can do so in a few simple steps: How to cancel Uber One.
What Do You Get Out of an Uber One Subscription?
You save up to $25 monthly and get to enjoy five other delightful perks and services.
1. $0 Delivery Fee
It applies to all eligible stores and restaurants. Participating organizations are marked with a gold Uber One icon to showcase eligibility.
For participating non-grocery stores (e.g., clothing stores) and restaurants, you get a $0 delivery fee on orders worth $15 and above. You’re also eligible for up to 10% off your order.
For participating grocery stores, you get a $0 delivery fee on purchases worth $35 or more and up to 5% off your order.
Taxes and other fees, such as service fees, still apply.
2. 5% off on Uber Rides
The company promises that the 5% discount will apply to most types of rides, including UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black.
Still, you must confirm that the trip is eligible before requesting a ride. Typically, members are entitled to the discount if:
- The ride is worth at least $15 before fees and taxes
- The ride isn’t shared or booked more than 30 minutes in advance
3. Priority Access
Uber One members are eligible for priority access to top-rated drivers on the platform. Also, you receive high-end customer support.
4. Uber One Promise
An Uber One Promise guarantees you’ll receive $5 back on eligible orders if the Latest Arrival Estimate (LAE) is inaccurate.
The app calculates the LAE as soon as you place the order, and the Uber One Promise will apply if the estimated time is exceeded by any margin.
For example, if the estimated arrival time is 6:45 p.m. but the order arrives at 6:46 p.m., you’ll get $5 back. You can use the cash for future rides, pickup orders, or food delivery.
5. Uber One Exclusive Perks
The benefits include promotions, special offers, and access to third-party partnerships that offer discounted memberships and invite-only experiences.
A good example is access to the partnership between Uber One and Capital One (a financial services company).
It grants Capital One’s members with the Quicksilver, QuicksilverOne, and QuickSilver Secured cards up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership. The offer will expire in November 2024.
Such deals are geared toward incentivizing more people to sign up for Uber One.
My Honest Thoughts: Is Uber One Worth It?
Uber One may be worth it if you frequently use Uber and Uber Eats, as the subscription offers a 5% discount on eligible rides and orders, priority service, and waived delivery fees, which can lead to substantial savings over time.
However, if you use these services sparingly, the cost of the subscription may not offset the benefits received, making it less advantageous.
It’s ideal for users who engage with Uber services multiple times per week and can fully utilize the offered discounts and perks. If you don’t fully take advantage of these perks, you will likely end up paying more for the subscription than the perks it offers.
I asked a few friends – Uber power users – and they agreed. Most believed the subscription to offer enough value to be worth the cost.
Reduced prices on many Uber services, including Uber Eats food deliveries.
Zero fees on many food delivery services, including grocery drop-offs.
Priority customer services and rebates if orders don’t go according to plan.
The discount applies to eligible orders rather than all orders on the Uber platform
Because the discount is only 5%, you have to use Uber services a lot each month to get a financial benefit from it.
How to Sign Up for Uber One
To join Uber One, follow these steps.
Log in to your Uber or Uber Eats account using your email and password. If you don’t have an account, set it up first.
Tap the Account button located in the bottom right corner.
Select the Uber One button at the top of the screen, slightly below the Help, Payment, and Activity buttons.
Tap Join Uber One and select your preferred monthly or annual membership option.
Follow the instructions to start your subscription.
Cancel Uber One Membership
To end the membership:
- Click the Account button
- Select the Uber One button below the Messages button on the Uber app, and underneath Business Preferences on Uber Eats
- Click Manage Membership at the bottom of the screen, which displays all your billing information
- At the bottom of that page, you’ll see the End Membership button. Click it, select your motivation behind the cancellation among the four possible reasons, and then click Confirm to end the membership
You can cancel your Uber One membership at any point, but doing it 48 hours before the next billing date will ensure you’re not charged.
How to Maximize Your Uber One Subscription After Sign-Up
Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your Uber One subscription.
1. Check for Promotions Before Making an Order
Uber Eats often runs promotions and deals, especially for local restaurants.
Check for available promotions under your Uber Eats account or the homepage of your favorite restaurants/stores to lower the overall cost of your order.
2. Plan Your Trip Outside of Peak Hours
If many people in the same area request a ride simultaneously, the fare tends to hike. This often happens during the weekends or whenever an event is nearby.
Avoid scheduling your trips during these times. If taking a trip outside of peak hours is impossible, consider walking a few blocks to change your pickup location.
3. Pay With an Apple Card
Paying with the card gives you unlimited 3% cash back on all Uber Eats orders and rides. However, you must pay with your Apple Card via Apple Pay.
To do so:
- Open your wallet on the Uber account
- Select Payment Methods
- Click Apple Pay
Wrapping Up
Uber One works best for individuals who use Uber (Rides and Eats) more than once per week. It allows them to break even, save on costs, and take advantage of the full benefits of the subscription service.
Keep that in mind as you sign up for the service.
