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How to turn off this new Uber feature so you aren't overcharged

Feb. 14, 2025
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3 min read
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How to turn off this new Uber feature so you aren't overcharged
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Even if you're well educated on foreign transaction fees and how to avoid them with a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card when you travel abroad, a sneaky new Uber feature may thwart your fee-free international spending strategy.

Uber is rolling out Preferred Currency Pricing in select locations, including the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union, news that came to our attention after one member of the TPG team received an account update email from Uber.

Beginning Feb. 27, Uber will charge residents in these areas a 1.5% currency conversion fee if they choose to pay in their preferred currency instead of the local currency when they request a ride abroad.

Person getting into Uber car_UBER
UBER

The preferred currency setting is intended to help riders know how much they pay when they travel internationally by displaying prices in their home currency, rather than the local currency. This can also help alleviate conversion fees charged by some banks and credit card issuers, which can exceed the 1.5% rate charged by Uber.

Related: Tips to save on overseas ATM withdrawals

Of course, if you pay with a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, you're essentially giving Uber an extra 1.5% when you request a ride outside of your home country.

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When the feature rolls out, Uber will automatically assign your home currency as your preferred currency — but you can opt out to avoid this surcharge.

uber pricing screenshot
UBER

To opt out, open your Uber app and click "Account." From there, go to your "Wallet" and click on "Preferred Currency." It should default to your home currency — but you can change the setting to "No preferred currency" if you prefer to pay in the local currency when you travel. By making "No preferred currency" your default, you can avoid the 1.5% surcharge.

UBER

Even if you don't change this setting before you travel, you will also see the option to opt out of paying in your preferred currency at checkout when you book a ride abroad. It's best to change this setting before your next international trip, though, so you don't forget.

While you are at it, make sure the card(s) in your Uber wallet are ones that don't charge currency conversion fees and that you keep up to date on ways to maximize perks when riding with Uber.

Featured image by DUKAI PHOTOGRAPHER/MOMENT/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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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.