3 easy steps to join a car subscription plan for Uber
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Ridesharing is one of the most flexible ways to earn an income in Australia, whether you own a car or not. Many new and experienced drivers are choosing subscription plans instead of buying or financing their vehicles.
With an Uber-ready car subscription, you can get on the road quickly, with one simple weekly payment covering everything you need to start earning.
At Splend, we’ve helped thousands of drivers across Australia launch and grow their rideshare careers Flexi Try and Flexi Own plans. This guide answers the most common questions we hear every day about car subscriptions for Uber, and shows you how to get started.
Step 1. What do I need to know about using a subscription car for Uber?
Does Uber have a car subscription program in Australia?
Not anymore. Uber retired its own subscription program several years ago. Instead, it now partners with vehicle solution providers like Splend to give drivers flexible access to Uber-ready cars. You can subscribe to drive an Uber-ready car from Splend in the following cities:
Is it worth it to get on a car subscription plan for Uber?
Yes — for thousands of drivers across Australia, car subscription has become the smarter choice compared to buying, financing, or renting.
Flexi Try: Best for drivers new to Uber or those wanting to test out a car with low commitment. After the minimum subscription period, you can return the car if it’s not for you.
Flexi Own: Designed for long-term drivers. Your weekly payments contribute towards eventually owning the car, with all your running costs bundled into one fixed payment.
Beyond the car itself, Splend subscriptions include support, training, and perks like access to a courtesy Uber-approved vehicle if yours is off the road, so you can keep earning without interruption.
Can anyone get on a car subscription for Uber?
You need to be an approved Uber driver before subscribing with Splend. Once approved, the process is straightforward: sign your subscription agreement, collect the keys, and start driving.
What is the best car for Uber driving in Australia?
Since Splend specialises in rideshare, we make sure the cars we bring to market are fit for purpose. SUVs are generally considered a great option for Uber drivers. Due to the extra legroom and boot space, you and your passengers will be extra comfortable. We offer a range of SUV's that are extremely popular, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Subaru Forester Hybrid.
Another great option if you want to be able to take more passengers and maximise profitable journeys like airport transfers is to consider a 7 or 8 seater car like a larger SUV or a People Mover. Some good options in this space are the Kia Carnival or the Chery Tiggo 8.
For most Uber drivers, especially those driving full time, fuel can be extremely expense. For this reason, EVs are becoming increasingly popular amongst rideshare drivers. At Splend we are the EV specialists and have a range available on both our Flexi Try and Flexi Own subscriptions. Some of the most popular EVs for Uber drivers are the Polestar 2, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5 Long Range and Mercedes EQB, amongst others.
Step 2. What are the costs of car subscription for Uber in Australia?
How much does it cost to subscribe to drive a car for Uber?
It will depend on your subscription provider, the vehicle you want and the type of plan and term.
At Splend, our all-inclusive subscription vehicle plans start at $279 per week on our Flexi Try plans, or $329 per week for our Flexi Own plans.
Do I need to pay a deposit for car subscription?
At Splend, we don’t ask for a deposit. You just pay a one-time set up fee, which allows us to secure your vehicle, transport it to our hub for handover to you and get the vehicle set up on the Uber portal for you.
How often do I pay for my Uber car subscription?
We charge weekly payments, always one week in advance. This means when you pick up your car, you’ll need to pay for the next week as well as the remaining days of the current week.
Paying in advance means we don’t have to issue credit, which in turn means we don’t have to perform credit checks either. This means less paperwork for our drivers and more flexibility.
Are there any additional costs involved in subscribing a car for Uber?
Yes, there will be other costs you’ll need to consider, such as excess kilometre fees (1000kms per week is included in the subscription price) and insurance excess if you ever have an accident. On Splend's Flexi Own subscriptions the excess kilometre fee goes straight towards paying down your car sooner, which is great news for drivers who want to own their car!
Step 3. How to start driving Uber with a subscription car?
How do I get started with an Uber car subscription in Australia?
It’s a simple case of signing your subscription agreement and picking up the keys, and you’re ready to go. Once you’re approved for Uber, that is.
Do I need a driving strategy for Uber?
Yes, we strongly recommend you have an Uber strategy in place. There’s a lot you can do to minimise your time on the road and maximise your income, but you need a plan. You need to put some thought into taking the necessary steps to maintain a good Uber rating, and have a strategy in place to boost your earnings with tips. At Splend, we have customer specialists who are always on hand with dedicated support to help drivers succeed.
What if I decide I no longer want to drive Uber?
If you no longer need the car, you can hand it back at no extra cost after the minimum subscription period.
Like a normal subscription car, you need to return it with a full tank of fuel, cleaned inside and out, and with no damage.
About Splend
Splend makes car ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible for rideshare drivers by building everything they need to earn more, pay less and worry less into one affordable weekly payment. It’s smooth driving, with no surprises and the lowest total ownership cost you’ll find – which is how car ownership for rideshare drivers should be. For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.