5 Ways to Boost Your Uber Passenger Rating
Now that it's possible to check your Uber passenger rating, a few readers expressed concern that their rating seemed "too low."
While the readers concerned about 4.5 to 4.8 ratings have nothing to worry about, riders with much lower ratings are at risk of having drivers decline their ride request. This can leave you with longer wait times, and — if your rating drops too low — there's the risk of being booted from Uber completely.
As a former Uber driver, I wanted to share my thoughts on what causes lower Uber passenger ratings and some ways that you can boost your Uber rating going forward.
1. Be ready at the pickup location.
I know that this one was one of my biggest pet peeves while driving: The passenger that knows the driver will arrive in 10 minutes, gets an alert that the driver is arriving but still isn't at the pickup location until 10 minutes after the driver arrives.
Drivers are people too, and they know that problems come up. Maybe you figured you could cash out at the bar before the driver arrives, yet you couldn't close out in time. Just remember that the driver doesn't start getting paid until you're in the car and the trip officially starts!
So, if it took the driver 10 minutes to get to your pickup location and you make the driver wait the maximum 10-minute "free waiting period," the driver hasn't made any money for 20 minutes. While you're completely entitled to this waiting period, using much of it isn't likely to bode well for your rating.
One way to mitigate this: If you're running late, text the driver that he/she can start the ride once they get to the pickup location. It won't cost you much. For UberX in Dallas, it'll cost you just $0.10/minute. In LA and Austin, the rate is $0.18/minute. The highest UberX rate I could find was $0.40/minute in NYC.
2. Don't act drunk.
Some of my lowest-rated riders were certainly my drunkest ones. But, Uber is perfect for when you've had too much to drink and can't drive. So, what's a drunk rider to do?
Don't act drunk.
Rolling down the windows and cat-calling strangers, turning up the volume on the car radio too high, chanting/singing loudly with your "crew," packing more people in the car than the car you requested allows — all of these will likely earn you a low rating. Plus, multiple driver complaints can lead to a rider being banned from the system.
Speaking of drunk riders, remember that if you have a "reversal of fortune" in the driver's car, Uber can charge you a cleaning fee up to $200 — or even higher for severe damage. While you might not be banned the first time this happens, you're sure to get a low rating and you'll be on thin ice with Uber going forward.
3. Treat your driver like he/she is your friend.
Yes, I realize that your driver is a complete stranger to you and that you're paying for the ride. But, one way to get a good rating is to treat your Uber driver like he/she is your friend.
Harry from The Rideshare Guy says it best: "You probably wouldn't ask your friend to break the law or be short with them for things like traffic that are out of their control. And remember, most of us didn't grow up thinking one day we'd become an Uber driver. So if we make a mistake, know that we're trying to do our best!"
You'd probably greet your friend warmly when he/she picks you up — even if you need to spend most of your ride working on your cell phone. You'd probably wish your friend a pleasant day/evening/night when you get to your destination. Having this "friend" mentality should guide you in the right direction.
Also, believe it or not, "human kindness" is actually a requirement under Uber's Code Of Conduct.
4. Be mindful of the small things.
Harry's rider rating system is a bit harsher than mine and may help explain better why your rider rating is "only" a 4.8 when you feel that you've been a 5.0 rider. He lists some items that might get you docked a star or two with drivers like him:
- Not entering a destination in the app
- Riding a very short distance
- Slamming the door when getting in or out of the car
- Giving turn-by-turn directions (when the driver already has directions)
- Causing a stink with alcohol, food or tobacco
Another one that I'd add: Check your shoes before getting in the car. I once had to go offline for a couple of hours to clean my carpets after a group of riders got into my car with muddy shoes.
Even if you don't make as much of a mess as they did, if your Uber driver sees that you dirtied his/her car, you aren't likely to get a very good rating. And, you might end up with a cleaning fee charged to your account — like my muddy-shoe riders did.
5. "Five for five"
Unlike Lyft, Uber doesn't allow riders to tip drivers directly through the app. While Uber's official policy is "there's no need to tip," many Uber drivers don't make much money after factoring in wait times between rides, vehicle wear and tear, gas (although it's currently cheap) and taxes. This is the reason that I'm an inactive Uber driver; after crunching the numbers, it just isn't worth my time — especially after Uber dropped the rates in Austin and 47 other cities earlier this year.
While I could easily leave behind driving for Uber, your Uber driver might be struggling trying to make a full-time living driving. So, if you're kind enough to tip him/her a few dollars, it'll very likely earn you a better rating — especially if you weren't a perfect rider.
Around Austin, some of the other drivers I talked with used the phrase "five for five": if the rider gives a $5 tip, they'll get a five-star rating. While I'm not sure this mentality is universal, a $5 tip surely can't hurt your case.
Again, tipping isn't required. But, if you're looking to boost your rating, tipping should certainly help!
While you're working on increasing your Uber rating, make sure that you're also maximizing the earnings from your Uber rides. If you don’t have an Uber account, you can sign up here to receive a free ride (up to $20) from TPG.
What's your Uber rating?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.