Uber has consolidated its various subscription models into Uber One, a new service that offers benefits across all Uber apps, streamlining the user experience but possibly lacking some expected perks.
Let’s look at what’s going on with Uber One and what makes it different from previous Uber subscriptions.
Key Information
Unified Subscription
Uber One is a unified subscription service offering benefits across Uber’s rideshare and delivery platforms, introduced in late 2021.
Membership Perks
Subscribers enjoy perks like discounts on rides and deliveries, zero delivery fees for eligible orders, and premium customer support.
Value Pricing
Priced at $100 annually or $10 monthly, Uber One is cost-effective for frequent users who will benefit from consistent service discounts.
Easy Sign-Up
Signing up is straightforward via the Uber app or website, making it an accessible premium service for all verified Uber account holders.
What Is Uber One?
Uber One is a comprehensive subscription service from Uber Technologies, providing users with a handful of benefits in exchange for a monthly or annual fee, which users can apply to both Uber rides and Uber Eats.
Launched in the last part of 2021, it consolidates various individual Uber service subscriptions into one umbrella program, allowing for a more streamlined user experience with the convenience of auto-renewal.
Anyone with a verified Uber account is eligible for Uber One, regardless of their spending or frequency of using Uber services. To join, you simply need a valid payment method linked to your Uber account.
What’s Included in Uber One?
Similar to Uber Rewards, Uber One merges a variety of user advantages into a single subscription package, enhancing the overall experience across Uber’s platforms. Here’s what members can expect:
- Rides Discount: Uber One members receive a 5% discount on eligible Uber rides, plus access to premium options and exclusive perks.
- Waived Delivery Fees: Benefit from zero delivery fees on a wide array of orders, including groceries and alcohol, subject to age verification for alcohol delivery.
- Uber One Promise: A commitment from Uber that offers a $5 Uber Cash rebate if a food delivery from select restaurants does not meet the latest estimated arrival time.
- Additional Member-Only Benefits:
- Receive special offers and promotions exclusive to Uber One subscribers.
- Gain priority in customer service with dedicated support channels.
- Be part of invite-only events, creating a VIP experience for all Uber One members.
Related: AMEX Platinum Uber Credits Promotion
How Much Does Uber One Cost?
Uber One offers two payment plans: an annual subscription at $100, which breaks down to about $8.33 per month, providing a more economical choice for regular users.
Alternatively, users can subscribe monthly at a rate of $10, which allows for the flexibility to test the service without committing for a full year.
Opting for the annual subscription results in savings and is ideal for users who consistently utilize Uber’s services. Both plans grant access to the same range of Uber One benefits.
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.
How to Sign Up for Uber One
So, if Uber One seems like a good fit for you or you just want to try it out, signing up for the service is pretty straightforward.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is how to sign up for the Uber One subscription service:
- Go to the Uber website or application and sign in.
- Go into your Account settings, searching for Uber One.
- Select Uber One and fill in some information, including a payment method.
- Confirm that everything is correct and choose Confirm.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the common questions out there about Uber One and how it works:
Is Uber One Free With Amex?
While Uber partners with American Express, the American Express Gold and Platinum credit cards give Uber Cash to use on orders each month.
The Uber Cash card has to be used on food orders, rideshare trips, or fees rather than your Uber One membership.
How Is Uber One Different From Uber Pass?
Uber Pass is the Canadian version of Uber One. It features many of the same benefits and perks that Uber One has, but for Canadian customers instead.
Does Uber One Have a Free Trial?
There is a one-month free trial available for Uber One. However, this free trial is only open to first-time users of Uber One, so you will not be able to use this trial period if you paid for Uber One on your account before.
Wrapping Up
Uber One offers Uber users a way to get cheaper rides and deliveries. Also, Uber One users will have their customer service troubles fast-tracked to someone who can help out.
When combined with the special promos and events Uber does for its Uber One members, it is clear that Uber wants its subscription holders to feel important.
However, this subscription will not be an excellent choice for all, or maybe even most, Uber users. Unless you use Uber for rides and deliveries multiple times per week, the monthly price of the subscription will be more expensive than the fees on your occasional ride or delivery fee.