We all know the experience of pulling up a rideshare app, going to call a ride, then realizing that the Uber is way more expensive than you thought.
While this is a common feeling, few know why this is the case. After all, traditional taxi cabs charge by distance—what metric does Uber use to calculate its pricing?
Some claim that unexpected things can affect the price you end up paying. As a TikToker recently alleged, one of those things can be the card you’re using to buy the ride.
Why Was This Uber So Much More Expensive With An American Express Card?
In a video with over 2.5 million views, TikToker @1c0n1c.c0m shows someone attempting to call an Uber in Atlanta. The quoted price for an UberX is $33.05.
“It’s $33 because she put her American Express,” the TikToker says.
The woman holding the phone taps her payment method, which is American Express. She then changes the payment method to a Visa card. Suddenly, the cost of the same ride is $20.33.
“They scammin’!” the TikToker laughs.
Has This Uber Price Change Happened Before?
This TikToker isn’t the first to point out the phenomenon. However, just how much the price changes varies wildly.
On Reddit, one user noted that altering his payment method reduced the price by a few cents.
In contrast, a user on X alleged that a colleague saw a major price difference after switching from a business to a personal card. The original quoted price for an UberX Priority was $28.33. After switching to a personal card, the cost dipped to $19.35.
Others have stated that other changes to the payment method can affect prices. For example, Gary Leff of View from the Wing theorized that adding Uber ride credits to his account caused his price to increase. Leff had received the credits from his American Express card.
Uber Responds
In April 2025, SFGATE investigated claims that adding gift cards to one’s account increased the price of an order.
Author Keith A. Spencer reached out to Uber for a statement. The company responded that “Uber does not personalize fares for drivers or riders.”
“We want to be clear that Uber’s pricing tech does not set different prices for riders according to the payment type they use,” spokesperson Zahid Arab told SFGATE. “Riders will pay the same fare for the trip regardless.”
As far as why some people see different prices, Arab said, “Uber handles a large scale of trips and Uber’s pricing changes in real-time, which means a request even seconds apart could result in different prices, or riders could be eligible for different discounts.”
Still, this does not explain the situation shown in the TikToker’s video, nor how it could be recreated for the video’s recording.
We have reached out to Uber via email for clarification.
@1c0n1c.c0m HEY SO @Uber WHATS TEA ???? #civilsuit #uber #fyp ♬ original sound – maybeimher
Commenters Don’t Like It
No matter why this was happening, commenters didn’t enjoy what they were seeing.
“I noticed thisss, it changes for every card,” claimed a user.
“Yes I noticed this a while ago. The price drops when I use my capital one,” said another.
“Yupp! It’s usually cheaper when I use my cashapp card compared to my bank cards,” alleged a third.
The Mary Sue reached out to @1c0n1c.c0m via TikTok direct message and comment, and American Express via email.
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