As if ridesharing and food delivery apps weren’t enough of a money pit, companies like Uber have found another way for consumers to spend: premium memberships. The pitch is that these monthly and annual memberships will save you money in the long run. But being the skeptical Cheapists that we are, we decided to see if Uber’s subscription service is really worth it. Here’s what we found.
What Is Uber One?
Uber One is the rideshare and food delivery app’s subscription service, which offers perks such as free delivery for $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually. The San Francisco-based company announced the combined “One” membership in 2021 after phasing out its separate rideshare and delivery memberships, Uber Pass and Uber Eats Pass. With Uber One, the idea is that subscribers will “receive savings and an elevated experience" integrated within one app, with the company claiming that members save $27 per month on average.
What Are the Benefits?
While promotional materials make an Uber One membership sound like a red-carpet experience, the perks are fairly straightforward. Most importantly, you’ll save money on rides and food orders.
Uber One’s full list of benefits includes:
Free Delivery: Receive $0 delivery fees for food orders over $15 and grocery orders over $30.
Member Pricing: Earn a 5% discount on eligible rides and up to 10% off on Uber Eats orders.
Better Service: Ride with top-rated drivers and receive the Uber One Promise, which pays $5 in Uber Cash if a delivery’s latest arrival estimate is wrong.
Other Perks: Get premium member support, special offers, and access to invite-only experiences.
Photo credit: Cheapism / Maxwell ShukuyaIs Uber One Worth It?
In theory, those perks sound great — who wouldn’t want free delivery? — but it’s important to remember that you’re paying a fee to receive these discounts. So, is it worth paying $10 a month or $100 a year to receive free delivery and a few modest discounts? It depends.
If you use Uber and Uber Eats occasionally, then Uber One likely isn’t worth the $8 to $10 you’ll spend on the membership. To earn back that money (and then some), you should be someone who orders food multiple times a month.
If, for example, we assume that the average delivery fee is around $2.50 (the range is $0 to $8), then you’d have to order at least three times a month to make up the annual subscription. However, it’s hard to reliably calculate when Uber One makes up for its cost given that the fees and discounts vary per ride and order.
Suffice it to say, Uber One is great for existing power users but likely a waste of money for occasional riders.
What Do Subscribers Think of Uber One?
Multiple Redditors have alleged that Uber inflates its prices for Uber One subscribers, with some calling the membership a “scam.” When Cheapism reached out to Uber regarding those complaints, a company spokesperson said that Uber does not increase pricing “for members vs. non-members on Uber or Uber Eats.”
Other than that, Redditors have mixed opinions, though the general consensus is that Uber One is worth it if you order food often.
Photo credit: Ceri Breeze/istockphotoCan I Get Uber One for Free?
If you’re ordering delivery sushi on the reg, consider a Capital One Savor or Quicksilver credit card. The first card ($95 annual fee) comes with a complimentary Uber One subscription alongside other benefits like 10% cash back on Uber purchases. On the other hand, the Quicksilver card ($0 annual fee) offers six months of free Uber One, plus other benefits like 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
The Bottom Line
Is Uber One worth it? The short answer is that it depends. If you order food often, go for it. Otherwise, you’re better off cooking at home or subscribing for free through a Capital One credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uber One?
Uber One is a subscription service that offers membership benefits like free delivery, discounts on orders and rides, and top-rated service.
How much is Uber One?
Uber One costs $9.99 per month or $99 a year, though Capital One Savor and Quicksilver card holders can subscribe for free.
Is Uber One worth it?
Uber One is worth it if you order food delivery at least a few times a month. If you’re not already someone who orders food from Uber Eats, your Uber One savings might not make up for the subscription fee.
How do I sign up for Uber One?
Follow this link to sign up for Uber One. You’ll be asked to log in or make an account.
How do I cancel Uber One?
Tap the account icon in the Uber app, then select Uber One. Scroll down to “Manage Membership” and tap “End Membership.” For users who are on a free trial, you will lose all your Uber One benefits upon cancelation. You can cancel up to 48 hours prior to the next scheduled payment to avoid being charged.
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