Quick Tips
The New Uber Visa — Your Next Credit Card?
Let me say up top that I don’t really need another credit card. However, the just-announced Uber Visa is making a compelling case for itself. Not only does it offer 4% back on dining, 3% on hotel and airfare, 2% on online purchases, and 1% everywhere else but also comes with no annual fee. Here are a few other reasons why I’m considering applying for this new card come November 2nd:
No foreign transaction fees
As I recently mentioned, my foreign transaction-free Discover card has some great partnerships that help boost its acceptance in certain countries. Still, there’s no denying the reach of Visa — as they used to declare, “it’s everywhere you want to be.” Thus, adding a Visa that offers 0% foreign transaction fees (and rewards on anything I do purchase while away) to my wallet could be a very good thing.
Points can be used for Uber rides but don’t have to be
Now, one reason I might shy away from a card branded by Uber is that I don’t use the service all that much. That’s why I was pleased to discover that the points accrued with the card can be exchanged for cash back or gift cards instead of Uber credits. However, the card’s FAQ notes that while you can redeem your points for Uber credit starting at just $5, all other redemptions are only available above $25.
$50 streaming credit
Do you love your Netflix, Spotify, and other streaming accounts as much as I do? Well, you just might save yourself $50 a year if you were to use this new Uber Visa. The card says it will give you a $50 credit as long as you spend more than $5,000 on your card per year and use your card to pay for the applicable services.
Cell phone insurance
Another interesting perk the Uber Visa will offer is the cell phone insurance. If you pay your mobile phone bill with your Uber card, you’ll be eligible for up to $600 in cell phone insurance to cover damage or theft of your phone. Granted, $600 might not cover the entire cost of your phone these days, but it’s definitely a start (note: there is also a $25 deductible on claims and you’re limited to two claims per 12 month period).
Great point categories
While I briefly mentioned the Uber Visa’s point categories at the top, they’re really worth diving into again. First, 4% on dining (which, since you were about to ask, does include UberEats) is outstanding for a non-rotating category on a no annual fee card. Furthermore, 3% on hotel and airfare is also very appealing to my needs. But it’s the 2% on “online purchases” and Uber rides that really got my attention as Amazon is kind of a go-to for me. Currently, my Discover It card offers me 5% back on Amazon through December but, after that, this Uber card would be my go-to.
$100 sign-up bonus
Finally, like many credit cards, the Uber Visa will offer a special sign-up bonus worth up to $100. To nab that $100, all you have to do is spend at least $500 in your first 90 days — which seems pretty reasonable. This might not be the greatest initial bonus of all time but, considering all the other benefits, I think it’s still a good one.
Like I said, I’m not sure I need another credit card (it especially pains me to want a new card right after I froze my credit), but I’m being 100% honest in telling you I’m strongly considering this new Uber Visa. With impressive point categories, seemingly simple redemption, some added perks, and no foreign transaction fees all without an annual fee, this really does sound like the card for me. So will you be applying for the new Uber Visa card on November 2nd?
Quick TipsYou may already know that Credit Utilization is the second-largest factor FICO considers when determining your credit score. Specifically, it makes up 30% of your score, topped only by Payment History at 35%. But what does that look like in practice? Well, I recently got the "opportunity" to see firsthand. In April, I elected to...
Travel Product ReviewsAs I've mentioned more than a few times before, after purchasing a pair of water-resistant Allbirds Runner-Up Mizzles a few years back, they quickly became my go-to travel shoe. That's because they're not only comfortable but also help protect my feet from wet weather while on the road (there are few things I hate more...
Quick TipsWelcome back to another Quick Tip — and the latest edition of our occasional, unofficial series Things Kyle Wants to Buy. When I returned from my most recent trip, for some reason, I had hardshell luggage on my mind. That's strange because my current soft-sided luggage has served me well and, moreover, I've traditionally not...