Living Like a Celebrity in Los Angeles: Trip Review and Recap

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In this Uber Visa Card review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the new Uber Visa Card, which includes a max rewards rate of 4% back on special categories. Plus, we’ll have fun recapping my recent trip to Los Angeles. Enjoy!

I’m rolling down the Pacific Coast Highway in the back of a pimped out SUV, and I’m beginning to think I could get used to this. It’s Day 2 of the exclusive launch event for Barclaycard’s new Uber Visa Card, but my thoughts are currently on the incredible Malibu coastline I’m absorbing through the window.

Honestly, I feel like I’m on my own personal “road to rewards.”

“I’m a little surprised there’s no mini-fridge in the room,” my buddy calls from the front seat, jolting me out of my Southern California daydream.

Confused, the rest of us in the car agree that there actually is a mini-fridge. Our new pal just needs to look harder. After a friendly chuckle, the conversation continues… and I’m back to soaking up the scenery.

I feel like I’m in a presidential motorcade or something. We’re the third of five branded vehicles heading out on this all-day trip. My morning consisted of a quick breakfast, courtesy of UberEATS, before making my way to the lobby of the incredible SLS Beverly Hills hotel. There, I found our cars ready and waiting. Primed for a ridiculously delicious sushi lunch at Nobu Malibu, I can’t help but think how much Holly would have enjoyed this.

Sometimes, I just love my job.

“I really wish I had a bath robe, though,” my friend in the front calls out again. The rest of us can’t help but laugh, telling him to check the hook in his bathroom.

“Are you even staying at the same hotel, man?” ribs our Uber driver Sean. It’s the first good-natured joke he’s cracked this weekend, but it won’t be the last. Sean’s quick wit is as solid as his driving, and – with that – he whips us into the restaurant’s parking lot where the camera crew awaits our arrival.

Day 2 has officially begun.

Living Large in L.A.

From the moment I landed at LAX, I knew this was going to be different than any trip I’d ever experienced. James and his team from BMF Media had everything planned down to the smallest detail. Heck, even the room cards mirrored the look of the new Uber Visa!

My suspicions were soon confirmed when we arrived at the trendy Catch L.A. restaurant on Night 1. As our motorcade pulled up, the flashbulbs started popping from paparazzi and diners alike. I’d just enjoyed my first L.A. celebrity experience, but make no mistake, the Uber Visa Card was definitely the star of this show.

While returning from a spectacular tour of Malibu Wine Safaris on Day 2, I got to enjoy another authentic L.A. experience: traffic.

Half trying to compose my story and half keeping my mind off the fact that I reeeeeaaally had to pee, I started thinking about all the ways I could use the Uber Visa Card back home. Sure, I was in the midst of experiencing some of L.A.’s trendiest restaurants – like Tao and Rose Café – but how can this card help me enjoy my real life?

Honestly, it didn’t take much brain power to figure out.

The Uber Visa Card: Your Personal Road to Rewards

Great rewards. Sweet benefits. Exclusive invites.

That’s what the Uber Visa Card is all about.

Oh, BTW, there’s no annual fee! Seriously, how insane is that?!?

Let’s take a gander at how the cash back rewards break down:

• 4% back on restaurants, takeout, and bars (includes UberEATS)
• 3% back on hotels, airfare, and vacation home rentals like Airbnb
• 2% back on online purchases, streaming services, and Uber
• 1% back on everything else

As a cardmember, you’re rewarded for the things you do every day. Dining, travel, and online shopping – seriously, that’s my jam! (Did I really just write that? L.A. must have gotten to me…) Head out for a $300 dollar meal or grab a burger from Umami; either way, use the Uber Visa Card and earn a cool 4% back.

Another thing I love is that this card isn’t just for Uber customers. Sure, your rewards can be redeemed directly within the Uber or UberEATS app for credit, but you can also redeem them for straight cash back or a variety of gift cards. And while 2% cash back on rides is fine and dandy, it’s the card’s other rewards that make it “über” competitive with a host of more established rewards cards.

Offering 3% back on travel is a shot across the bow at the Chase Sapphire Reserve… except with the Uber Visa Card, there is no annual fee. The card does even better when compared to other straight cash back cards – like the Chase Freedom. Sure, there are no 5% rotating bonus categories, but the already impressive Uber Visa Card’s rewards are actually fixed. You gotta like that.

But wait, there’s more…

Yes, I Went to Katy Perry’s House

Day 3 of my trip included a delicious vegan brunch at Gracias Madre followed by a pool party at a private residence in the Hollywood Hills. The place was once owned by Katy Perry, and this starter castle was totally dope! I spent the afternoon snapping photos of the pool, and I even got to impress my kids who happen to love her music. Ha!

Lunch was served by celebrity chef Eric Greenspan, whose food tastes even more delicious than how it looks on TV. After a late lunch, performing artist Wrabel wrapped up the afternoon with a private acoustic performance overlooking L.A.’s skyline at sunset. It was incredible.

So, what does this have to do with the Uber Visa Card? I’m glad you asked.

Bonus Features of the Uber Visa Card

If you’re familiar with some of the premium rewards cards, you probably know that several of them offer access to special events. As a perk for being a cardmember, you receive exclusive invites to concerts, events, and more.

Well, the Uber Visa Card has the same benefit… except you don’t have to pay out the nose with an annual fee to get it! Even better, you can search for events and offers near you from directly inside the Uber app itself. How handy is that?

Additionally, the Uber Visa Card rewards you with a $50 bonus that can be used to cover online subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify and more. Just note that your card needs to be connected to the account to claim your bonus. You’ll have to spend $5,000 on the card each year to redeem it.

Up to $600 of mobile phone insurance is also included when your card is used to pay your monthly bill. So, if you’re pushed into Katy Perry’s pool while you’ve got your phone in your hand, you’re good! #notsayinjustsayin

I don’t want you to miss anything, so here’s a recap of the Uber Visa Card’s most important additional benefits:

• No annual fee
• $50 annual credit toward online subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Spotify
• Up to $600 in mobile phone insurance per incident
• Exclusive invites to events, concerts, and more (select U.S. cities)
• No foreign transaction fees
• $100 signup bonus after making $500 in purchases within 90 days of opening
• $0 fraud liability
• In-app redemption experience

Disadvantages of the Uber Visa Card

So, what’s not to like about the Uber Visa Card? Honestly, not much.

As a travel rewards enthusiast, the 3% back on travel is nothing to scoff at. Lord knows I love a good statement credit wherever I can get it. But personally, I prefer a card that partners with my favorite travel brands. I also understand that I may be in the minority. Many people would rather just pocket the cash back, and I get it. So, if I’m stretching to find negatives, I guess that’s one.

At just $100 (for spending $500 in 90 days), the signup bonus is also a bit light. With that said, it falls relatively in line with other “no annual fee” cash back cards, even if it’s a bit lower than some. However, the rewards on the Uber Visa are pretty stellar, making it hard to beat.

Everything considered, the Uber Visa Card is one of the best cash back cards on the market, whether you’re an Uber customer or not.

Uber Visa Card Review: The Bottom Line

On the final night of my trip, I caught an Uber back to the hotel and started reflecting on what a wonderful weekend I had just enjoyed. It seemed only fitting to be driving down Hollywood Boulevard’s “Walk of Fame” on the way back, for this was truly a memorable event.

But, as I stated earlier, the new Uber Visa Card was really the star of the show because – quite frankly – the card is great.

If you love earning cash back rewards, this card definitely merits consideration. With up to 4% back on special categories, in-app redemptions, and gobs of benefits you don’t find on most cards without annual fees, the Uber Visa Card deserves a spot at the top of your wallet.