In late 2017 we saw Barclays and Uber introduce a new co-brand credit card. Then in late 2019 we saw major changes made to the card. Now, not even two years later, the Uber Credit Card is being discontinued — not only is the card closed to new applicants, but even existing cardmembers will now be transferred to a different product.
In this post:
Barclays View Mastercard replaces Uber Credit Card
It has been revealed that as of October 22, 2021, the Uber Credit Card will be converted into the Barclays View Mastercard. The no annual fee Barclays View Mastercard will offer:
- 3x points on restaurant purchases
- 2x points on internet, select streaming, phone, and TV services purchases
- 2x points on grocery store purchases
- 1x points on all other purchases
Points can be redeemed for one cent each towards statement credits, meaning the card essentially offers 3% cash back at restaurants, 2% cash back on internet, streaming, phone, TV services, and grocery store purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
That’s not very compelling, especially when you consider that the card has foreign transaction fees, while the Uber Credit Card doesn’t (that has been one of the primary selling points of the card).
For context, currently the Uber Credit Card offers the following rewards structure:
- 5% back on Uber, including UberEATS
- 3% back on dining, hotels, and airfare
- 1% back on all other purchases
Meanwhile before the 2019 refresh, the Uber Credit Card offered the following rewards structure:
- 4% back on dining, including restaurants, bars, and UberEATS
- 3% back on hotels and airfare, including vacation rentals
- 2% back on online purchases, including Uber, online shopping, video, and music streaming services
- 1% back on everything else
No matter how you slice it, this is a pretty significant card downgrade.
Why was the Uber Credit Card discontinued?
I’m not exactly sure what to make of the Uber Credit Card being discontinued about four years after it initially entered the market:
- Was the card just so unsuccessful and unpopular that it wasn’t worth maintaining the product?
- Does Uber see more potential working with another card issuer, and maybe the four year mark is when the contract with Barclays was up for renewal?
Personally the execution of the Uber Credit Card never made much sense to me:
- When the card was first introduced in 2017 it had a decent rewards structure, though ironically it didn’t offer a very compelling bonus for Uber spending
- Since the 2019 refresh the card became more rewarding for Uber spending, but less compelling otherwise
I can’t help but feel like there were some major missed opportunities here, and that a better job could have been done making the card relevant and valuable to frequent Uber riders, but that was never the case. Rather there were much better Uber benefits with cards like the Amex Platinum, for example.
Barclays has a bad habit of changing the rewards structures of credit cards, and/or discontinuing them. While the issuer introduces some useful co-brand cards (for example, the Emirates cards and Wyndham cards are pretty awesome), all too often we see cards discontinued.
For example, we saw Barclays introduce the Arrival Premier in 2018, which was supposed to be a new flagship travel card, but the issuer stopped accepting applications after just a few months. Barclays doesn’t seem to be very good at creating products that resonate with consumers.
Bottom line
The Uber Credit Card closed to new applicants in June 2021, and it has now been confirmed that the card will be discontinued permanently as of October 2021. Existing cardmembers will be converted to the Barclays View Mastercard, which doesn’t seem very compelling to me.
I’m curious if Uber is deciding to get out of the co-brand credit card space here, or if the rideshare company is looking for a different partner.
What do you make of the Uber Credit Card being discontinued?
This article and a declined payment on Uber Eats is how I found out. I don't use this as much right now. Automatically convert me to a different (and worse) card I never agreed to sign up for? Wow. Thanks. I'm not ever going to purposely do buisness with Barclays in the future, that's for sure.
And yeah I have money in rewards that I don't seem to be able to access. They "converted it"...
This article and a declined payment on Uber Eats is how I found out. I don't use this as much right now. Automatically convert me to a different (and worse) card I never agreed to sign up for? Wow. Thanks. I'm not ever going to purposely do buisness with Barclays in the future, that's for sure.
And yeah I have money in rewards that I don't seem to be able to access. They "converted it" which means I can only redeem it for the silly new things they let me, and statement credit is only once I reach a minimum high threshold. Wow.
Thanks for breaking things down in the article. I had no idea what had happened.
I ended up submitting a CFPB complaint due to the fact that Barclays is discontinuing a product yet it is not offering any ways to "cash out" earned rewards leftover in the account. I was told that if I close my account before it converts that I will lose out on my rewards.
The only "way" to get my earned rewards was to wait for the product change. Obviously I don't like the product...
I ended up submitting a CFPB complaint due to the fact that Barclays is discontinuing a product yet it is not offering any ways to "cash out" earned rewards leftover in the account. I was told that if I close my account before it converts that I will lose out on my rewards.
The only "way" to get my earned rewards was to wait for the product change. Obviously I don't like the product I am being forced to switching - so it feels unethical they want us to forego earned rewards. If anyone wants to file a complaint here is the page: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
Honestly stopped using the card when they hacked the rewards in 2019. It went to the back of the wallet. I originally got the card because I was allowed to migrate my Apple Rewards card through a limit transfer. The original rewards worked for my spending habits. Heck, I got enough rewards to get a free couch from Crate and Barrel. I currently have over $300 in Uber credits sitting on the card that are...
Honestly stopped using the card when they hacked the rewards in 2019. It went to the back of the wallet. I originally got the card because I was allowed to migrate my Apple Rewards card through a limit transfer. The original rewards worked for my spending habits. Heck, I got enough rewards to get a free couch from Crate and Barrel. I currently have over $300 in Uber credits sitting on the card that are worthless to me. I only use Uber when I travel and typically use my company card in those situations. I also don’t use Uber Eats. I hated the last change and called Barclays every 6 months about a product change and lit them up on Facebook. While the new rewards are not as good as the original at least I can actually use them. I could also care less about foreign transaction fees.
Read my comment above. Submit a CFPB complaint: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
Barclays site shows "N/A" for foreign transaction fees. https://www.creditcardinsider.com/credit-cards/barclays/barclays-view-mastercard/
Are your sure the Barclays View card has foreign transaction fees?
On my newly converted Barclays View account, it's showing 0% foreign transaction fee.
I seem to recall that the main use for the Uber Visa’s initial hi reward rate on dining was to build data on where cardholders were dining in order to best target the rollout of Uber eats using popular restaurants. After they got the data they needed they dropped the rewards rate and switched the bonus back to Uber rides. Now that they have Uber cash and an in house rewards program, there’s no use...
I seem to recall that the main use for the Uber Visa’s initial hi reward rate on dining was to build data on where cardholders were dining in order to best target the rollout of Uber eats using popular restaurants. After they got the data they needed they dropped the rewards rate and switched the bonus back to Uber rides. Now that they have Uber cash and an in house rewards program, there’s no use for the card and that is likely why it’s being dropped. Always remember, nothing is free, and you are the product!
As others have pointed out, Uber is a complete sh*t show of a company. Burning through billions of VC Funding, paying their drivers (who aren’t real employees but 1099’ers) less than minimum wage, and they STILL can’t turn a profit. The credit card is almost like the straw that broke the camels back, they had to get rid of it. These “sharing” economy companies are complete trash— no ethics, douchey Silicon Valley tech bros trying...
As others have pointed out, Uber is a complete sh*t show of a company. Burning through billions of VC Funding, paying their drivers (who aren’t real employees but 1099’ers) less than minimum wage, and they STILL can’t turn a profit. The credit card is almost like the straw that broke the camels back, they had to get rid of it. These “sharing” economy companies are complete trash— no ethics, douchey Silicon Valley tech bros trying to screw the working class (drivers pay their own gas, vehicle upkeep, insurance etc.), STEAL their tips, what they make afterwards comes out to ~$5/hr.
But once their self-driving cars go to market, they will dominate the market and be worth Quadrillions!!!!!!!!
However, you sounded like you drive for Uber and have some customer reversed your tip. With your attitude maybe you deserve it. I hardly use Uber anymore because drivers these days feel they are entitled for tips. I suggest every driver, earn your tips otherwise don't expect them. Uber has made it clear tips are optional, if you...
But once their self-driving cars go to market, they will dominate the market and be worth Quadrillions!!!!!!!!
However, you sounded like you drive for Uber and have some customer reversed your tip. With your attitude maybe you deserve it. I hardly use Uber anymore because drivers these days feel they are entitled for tips. I suggest every driver, earn your tips otherwise don't expect them. Uber has made it clear tips are optional, if you don't like it don't drive for them.
These “sharing” economy is everywhere, depends on if you are smart enough to see it or not. Last I remembered, I "shared" my savings money in the bank with hundred other loan customers, or I "shared" my last A350 with (sadly only) 20 other people, or my FedEx truck delivered my package along with bunch of my neighbors' Amazon orders.
Would you be a passenger in a self driving car?
Would you ride in a self driving car?
Given how many idiots are on the road these days, yes I would.
The likelihood of autonomous vehicles collide into each other or other objects is probably very very low, even with today's technology.
The likelihood of idiots collide into each other or other objects (including innocent autonomous vehicles minding it's own AI) is probably much much higher, even if they had their drivers license for more than 10 years.
Did I mention AI can't...
Given how many idiots are on the road these days, yes I would.
The likelihood of autonomous vehicles collide into each other or other objects is probably very very low, even with today's technology.
The likelihood of idiots collide into each other or other objects (including innocent autonomous vehicles minding it's own AI) is probably much much higher, even if they had their drivers license for more than 10 years.
Did I mention AI can't drink?
Did I mention AI won't have road rage?
Did I mention AI doesn't fall asleep?
Heck, I probably trust Skynet more than my Uber driver. But is Uber really a billion dollar company, probably not.
What about the idiots that take naps in their fancy self driving Tesla’s and end up crashing at 80 mph? It’s happened many times. Not to mention the Tesla’s that spontaneously combust. Machines make mistakes too, the AI will need some REAL QA testing in infinite situations before it can be trusted. Be my guest though, enjoy your elitist “my farts don’t smell” ride.
No I never drove for Uber, I shopped for Instacart and was awarded $3500 in a class action lawsuit because it was proven that the company KEPT tips meant for the shopper. Tips get reversed sometimes, and they are far from guaranteed, that’s understood. This is a separate issue—companies STEALING from both the customer and the driver. Keeping the tips meant for the driver. More and more states understand the whole model is crooked and...
No I never drove for Uber, I shopped for Instacart and was awarded $3500 in a class action lawsuit because it was proven that the company KEPT tips meant for the shopper. Tips get reversed sometimes, and they are far from guaranteed, that’s understood. This is a separate issue—companies STEALING from both the customer and the driver. Keeping the tips meant for the driver. More and more states understand the whole model is crooked and these people should be treated as employees (thus the passage of AB 5 in California and similar measures in NY etc.) Uber and the like spent HUNDREDS of millions to reverse AB 5 with a deceptive ballot measure. Real sleaze balls. Sounds like you may be in upper management or have a stake in these companies.
To clarify I mean the whole “Gig economy” which some ppl informally refer to as sharing. Nice assumption but I never did Uber, I use to deliver groceries for Instacart. I was awarded $3400 in a class action lawsuit against the company after it was proven to engage in wage theft and would keep some of our tips for themselves. Tips are never expected and it’s understood that they sometimes change. This is a totally...
To clarify I mean the whole “Gig economy” which some ppl informally refer to as sharing. Nice assumption but I never did Uber, I use to deliver groceries for Instacart. I was awarded $3400 in a class action lawsuit against the company after it was proven to engage in wage theft and would keep some of our tips for themselves. Tips are never expected and it’s understood that they sometimes change. This is a totally different issue— Instacart was stealing from the driver’s and deceiving the customers by taking our tips for themselves! Google “Instacart class action lawsuit” it’s right there
First to get things straight, I don't think Uber or many of these tech companies are being ethical about the "gig economy" But like other jobs, you have a choice (like choose not to work for Uber) to work under their terms. What really is broken isn't the company but the system. The tipping system is broken. How about a real fair wage and no tips. And I feel sorry that you got cheated. But...
First to get things straight, I don't think Uber or many of these tech companies are being ethical about the "gig economy" But like other jobs, you have a choice (like choose not to work for Uber) to work under their terms. What really is broken isn't the company but the system. The tipping system is broken. How about a real fair wage and no tips. And I feel sorry that you got cheated. But here's the thing, they settled, you get paid, but the next person still works for them. Justice wasn't served.
Don't go hate these companies or their products, go hate your State or regulators. People will jump red lights if no cameras are there (can't fix people) It the lack of authorities that can be fixed.
Now back to your negative energy towards self driving car.
Why don't you tell me how many idiots take naps in their fancy self driving Tesla’s and end up crashing at 80 mph?
And while you're at it, how many idiots not in a Tesla take naps and end up crashing at 80 mph?
Like I said, I trust Skynet more than my Uber driver. That says a lot.
They are also eliminating the free cell phone insurance that you got if you paid your cell phone bill with the Uber card.
Does anyone know if the Barclays View card can be product changed to anything else?
My Uber Visa is actually one of my older cards, and since there's no AF, I'd like to keep that credit line open. But the View isn't useful for me in any categories. I guess maybe I'll just set it up to auto-buy Amazon gift cards every 3 months or something, to make sure they don't close it. But that's obnoxious.
My experience with the Uber Card (which I'm assuming is the same with the new View card) is that one purchase per year keeps them happy.
That's hardly a hassle to keep the credit line open.
Fair enough. Still hoping I can product change it (ideally to the Wyndham Earner+ card) as I'd prefer that to something that isn't totally worthless to me.
The refresh in 2019 adjusted from cashback to 'Uber cash' back. That's where the drop off comes into the picture. As an avid user before the swap, the cashback/no fee structure was an ideal scenario. Once it switched, it became effectively useless for non-Uber purchases.
It’s being discontinued because the current product is trash, and no intelligent person would use it. Did I miss where you noted that the current product doesn’t earn US$, it earns “Uber Bucks”, usable only on Uber/Eats?
And the pre-2019 product was one of the best no-fee cash back cards out there. That’s why I had it. It’s been in the sock drawer since the change. I travel too much for an intl fee card...
It’s being discontinued because the current product is trash, and no intelligent person would use it. Did I miss where you noted that the current product doesn’t earn US$, it earns “Uber Bucks”, usable only on Uber/Eats?
And the pre-2019 product was one of the best no-fee cash back cards out there. That’s why I had it. It’s been in the sock drawer since the change. I travel too much for an intl fee card to be broadly useful, but the “new” card can at least assume a back up role.
Pretty simple. Uber is having to face cost discipline. Any reward categories over 2% are not profitable for banks on a transactional basis (they hope to make it up with volume on lower reward categories or via interest). Uber was likely paying for at least part of the excess in categories above 2%, but now that the company is public they’ve realized it’s just a waste of their money and time.
I'm sure Barclay's bears some responsibility for this, but Uber is a financial tire fire. The company recently reported Q2 losses of half a billion (with a B) dollars...which was actually better than analysts had expected. It has never recorded an operational profit. It's not a transportation company, it's a light-money-on-fire company. This move is squarely in line with the company culture of flailing about trying to make something, anything, work.
Agree entirely. The Naked Capitalism blog had a lengthy review yesterday of the Q2 results from Uber and indicates the performance was even worse than state bc they are using their own metrics, which obscure even larger cash burning. There is no path to profitability. How much longer will investors subsidize users?
Barclay's obviously wants to get out while the getting is good. Eventually the whole concept will come crashing down.
Once it crashes and...
Agree entirely. The Naked Capitalism blog had a lengthy review yesterday of the Q2 results from Uber and indicates the performance was even worse than state bc they are using their own metrics, which obscure even larger cash burning. There is no path to profitability. How much longer will investors subsidize users?
Barclay's obviously wants to get out while the getting is good. Eventually the whole concept will come crashing down.
Once it crashes and burns the public will be stranded, since it has decimated yellow cabs and shuttle services.
What @Ben L. said is correct. But I disagree a bit with @upstarter.
In a time where dying business like GameStop or AMC is worth more than ever, or people trade snake oil under the name 'cryptocurrency', the public is dumber than ever. Heck, even when Hertz went Chapter 11. it's trading up not down.
Finance has become gambling, you don't quit because you're on a loosing streak. You sell drugs or steal...
What @Ben L. said is correct. But I disagree a bit with @upstarter.
In a time where dying business like GameStop or AMC is worth more than ever, or people trade snake oil under the name 'cryptocurrency', the public is dumber than ever. Heck, even when Hertz went Chapter 11. it's trading up not down.
Finance has become gambling, you don't quit because you're on a loosing streak. You sell drugs or steal or rob Uber, to gamble even more.
The startup valuation based on crazy growth also needs to be stopped. Unfortunately, these scammers who invest in startup also invest in crypto.
The public will be stranded because they follow tweets of scammers like Elon Musk, not financial results of TSLA.
GameStop wasn't the result of the dumb public. It was a bunch of short sellers being way too confident that the company could only go bankrupt, discounting the fact that GameStop had a legitimate way out (to change their business) if they were given a way to raise capital. That came to pass when a bunch of retail investors short squeezed the hell out of over confident short sellers.
The whole thing was quite clever.
@David
Yes, the scheme was clever, but who do you think cash out? The average retail investors (aka dumb public)? The main casualties are hedge funds, but the collateral damages also hit retail investor riding the tide.
And by any chance you think GameStop are really trying to change or just cashing out on this. Which by the way has diluted the dumb public's holding in the process.
Robinhood didn't open investments to retail...
@David
Yes, the scheme was clever, but who do you think cash out? The average retail investors (aka dumb public)? The main casualties are hedge funds, but the collateral damages also hit retail investor riding the tide.
And by any chance you think GameStop are really trying to change or just cashing out on this. Which by the way has diluted the dumb public's holding in the process.
Robinhood didn't open investments to retail investors, they opened the worlds largest casino to gamblers of all ages. It's easier than Blackjack.
So do you use Uber?
How do you get around?
Barclay's seems to not understand that every product launch that they abandon or reset the benefits for just makes the next product launch more difficult to convince customers to adopt.
Nah, the number of people who know the history of Barclays products is insignificantly tiny in the grand scheme.
Readers of OMAAT (and the like) are not “regular people”.