When I was getting ready to go on a business trip to New York a while back, I noticed on my paperwork that I was instructed to use a taxi for transportation. After clarifying that by “taxi” they meant I should use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft and only take a taxi if no other option was available, they suggested that I sign up for both Uber and Lyft in case one of the platforms gave me trouble if I tried to use my corporate credit card.
The way they worded it made me feel like they knew something at the time but weren’t telling me. So I tried to add my card to my existing Uber account as a business card.
That’s when I received this message:
I tried multiple times and received the same message, they weren’t able to accept my card. Now, this is the only card I am supposed to use for work expenses. So I reached out to Uber support. The only option was to send a generic
“payment problem” email to which I received a response in a few hours.
We understand that it can be upsetting when you are unable to use your card, Joseph. Please allow me to further assist you here.
While the Uber app accepts most standard payment methods, some cards and methods are not compatible and can’t be used with Uber. It looks like the payment method you used recently is not compatible with our billing processes. We highly suggest that you add another payment method directly to the app for you to be able to request a trip again. We accept most standard credit and debit cards, and a number of options including Apple Pay, Android Pay and PayPal.
However, for you to use these payment methods, they should have a valid credit and debit card in them. You may also want to consider using Uber Gift Cards, this is a payment method that you can use even though you don’t have a valid card on your account. You can purchase it through this link. For more info on how to use Uber Gift Cards, click here.
In case you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us via the in-app Help menu or by clicking on this link and selecting the related category for better assistance.
I recently checked the Uber support site and the suggestions for when you’re having a problem adding a business card to your profile haven’t changed much. Their answer saying my corporate card isn’t compatible with their billing system and I should use another card wasn’t an option I wanted to use. So I did the next best thing; I opened an account with Lyft.
Lyft’s system accepted my corporate card and I used their service for the 18 rides I took over the course of my assignment.
The strange thing is that while some of the other employees with me on this trip had the same problem adding their card to Uber, others were able to use it with no issues. That leads me to believe it’s more of a problem with Uber than with the bank. Besides being unable to use the card with Uber, they also lost out on me using the card for Uber Eats and forced me to use DoorDash instead.
Final Thoughts
I was disappointed with Uber’s reply about this problem. Their ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ response to my question led me to use their competitors for most of my trip. The same goes for the others working with me who all used Lyft for our business travels for the two weeks of our trip.
Hey Uber, maybe you should figure out why your system isn’t accepting certain business credit cards instead of having your customer service reps tell customers to use a different card or buy an Uber gift card.
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16 comments
You should always be using Lyft because you get Delta Skymiles and Hilton Hhonors for free. Lyft seems to accept all credit cards while Get and Uber are selective.
My dork credentials need a little burnishing, so I thought I’d ask how you do the hands and mouth in your ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ?
The only way – copy and paste :=)
Whenever I see that emoticon I keep reading the middle Japanese character for what it is rather than seeing it as a face, so it always makes my brain blue screen while it tries to figure out what it is.
haha it always happened to me! The main issue is that Lyft is rarely abroad compared to Uber so thats when it was the biggest issue for me. I had to use my debit card for Uber or sometimes use a card with Foreign fees since my preferred card would not work with uber.
I have four different cards, and not any of them are comparable. I wasted hours trying over and over. I told UBER where to shove it.
I tried many cards with Uber. Never worked .
This was soooo helpful. Had a full on breakdown today with my dad before and after doing some shopping because I thought *I* was doing something wrong. But my main reason for commenting is that I actually ordered ubereats last night and it worked, but it didn’t work tonight when we tried to order in. I got the same “try a different payment method” notice as I did this morning when I tried to get a ride. Anyone have any idea why it worked but ONCE?
Delete your Uber app and reload the app. That worked for me.
I tried many cards and paypal, and Uber rejected them. I decided to purchase the Uber Gift card from Walmart on-line, and Walmart rejected my payment too, they flagged it as a fraudulent transaction, an American Express…kind of weird. After so many attempts with Walmart, I decided to purchase it from Giftcards.com. I got my Uber gift card on my email 3 minutes later, and Uber accepted it. Finally !
I’ve had issues with business cards as well when the zip code associated with the card is not the same as my home address.
Same problem although sometimes accepts Apple Pay… rejected platinum Amex and a Visa.. stupid freaky and frustrating glitch. Not being addressed…Feb 8 2023
same for me with personal card it will add as payment method but can’t add funds I just get free uber gift cards from like chase for points.
I might do what you said and go to lyft.if I want to take a short trip
Walk.
Uber’s response to most problems seems to be ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ in my experience.
ditto with problems with Uber–I just deleted it and hope for the best with LYFT..