What is Uber VIP (everything you need to know)
Many companies offer their customers certain perks to use products designed to build brand loyalty.
Uber has many of these programs, one of which is Uber VIP, which we researched in this article, so keep reading to learn more!
What is Uber VIP in 2022?
Uber VIP is a program open to users with certain American Express cards, allowing them to receive additional benefits in 2022. When it launched, Uber VIP was available to anyone after 100 rides, but it was only available to American Express Centurion and Spending Platinum members. Uber VIP is currently only available in a few cities.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about Uber VIP, including the benefits you get from it, where it’s available, and more!
How do you qualify for Uber VIP status?
With an American Express Centurion or Consumer Platinum Card, you are eligible for Uber VIP.
When Uber VIP first launched, anyone could qualify by successfully completing 100 rides, as the program was designed to provide what the company had been offering from the start.
However, in November 2018, Uber changed its requirements and restricted it to certain American Express cardholders in the company’s partnership to promote both services.
When that happens, anyone who can use VIP but doesn’t have a single qualifying American Express card can’t use it.
How to get Uber VIP?
By adding a valid American Express Centurion or Consumer Platinum Card to the payment method in your profile, you’ll automatically gain Uber VIP access.
What can I get with Uber VIP?
The main benefit of being an Uber VIP member is that you will only be matched with drivers with high ratings.
Uber says you should also only match luxury cars, but that’s usually not the case, and VIP drivers and drivers say you can still get regular cars.
According to some Uber VIP members, those who qualify will also receive the following benefits:
- Rates that are less prone to surge pricing
- Deliver rides faster when there’s a high volume of requests
- Priority support via dedicated phone number instead of chat, available on request via the American Express app
Where is Uber VIP available?
Unlike the company’s other similar programs, Uber VIP isn’t as widespread, which is why it doesn’t get much promotion.
According to Uber’s website, Uber VIP is currently only available in the following cities:
- Atlanta
- Dallas
- Harrisburg
- houston
- Nashville
- New Jersey
- new orleans
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
How can I tell if I have an Uber VIP?
You can tell if you have an Uber VIP when you go to hail a ride and see a new ride type labeled “VIP” in the options list.
As mentioned above, all you need to do is add an eligible American Express card to your payment method, and you’ll automatically become a VIP; you don’t need to do anything else.
If you’ve added a card and still don’t see the new ride type, it might be because Uber VIP isn’t available in your area.
What is the difference between Uber VIP and Uber X?
Uber VIP is a program only open to those with an eligible American Express card, while UberX is a standard ride type available to anyone on the platform.
Is Uber VIP included in Uber Rewards?
Unfortunately, Uber VIP is not included in Uber Rewards, as it is only available to those with certain American Express cards.
If you have an Uber VIP, you can also have Uber Rewards as usual and continue to earn loyalty points as the two are separate programs.
How hard is it to get Uber VIP?
The ease of getting Uber VIP depends on several different factors, including your bank account, your financial situation, and your location.
If the service isn’t available in your region, you won’t be able to get it, so you’ll have to wait and hope it expands to your region.
If you’re not already an American Express customer, you can’t get Uber VIP because it’s limited to those with certain cards in the bank.
If you are an Amex customer, you still need to be eligible for one of the eligible cards, both of which are very demanding.
For example, the American Express Centurion Card, also known as the Black Card, is unique and can only be obtained by invitation.
It also requires holders to pay an annual fee of $10,000 and $5,000 upon acquisition, making it only available to those who are very wealthy and spend a lot of money.
As for the Consumer Platinum Card, it’s available to anyone, but it costs $695 a year, or less than $60 a month.
For most people, these factors mean that Uber VIP is harder to come by now than it was when it first launched.
In addition, the main benefit of Uber VIP, which is matching highly rated drivers, can also be obtained through other means, such as higher tiers of the Uber Rewards program.
Overall, this arguably makes Uber VIP less than worth it.
How to become an Uber VIP driver?
To become an Uber VIP driver, you just need to achieve and maintain a rating of at least 4.8 stars to be matched with VIP riders.
As we’ve already said, Uber VIP doesn’t always connect a passenger with a luxury car, so you can still use the same car you own.
What is the highest level of Uber?
When discussing what is the highest level of Uber, there are different answers, mainly the following points:
- Uber Pro Diamonds – This applies to drivers who have reached the highest level of the rewards program.Exclusive deals include gas cashback and other discounts
- Uber Diamond – This is for customers who have spent enough money to accumulate the points required to reach that tier.It offers benefits like priority support and free shipping on certain Uber Eats orders
- Uber Lux – This is the most expensive ride type and it uses only luxury vehicles, both classic and vintage
To learn more, you can also read our post on Uber X, Uber Cash, and why Uber is so expensive.
in conclusion
Uber VIP is a program open to holders of an American Express Centurion or Consumer Platinum card. To unlock Uber VIP, you just need to add one of the cards to your payment method.
Originally, Uber VIP was unlocked after riders completed 100 rides, but that changed in 2018. Uber VIP allows access to higher-rated drivers, priority matching for rides with shorter wait times and lower prices, and improved customer support.