Does Uber make you pay first?

Okay, so does Uber always make you pay upfront? Well, not exactly. It's more like they sometimes do this pre-authorization hold thing, and honestly, it kind of bugs me. You know?

Like, the other day, I was rushing to get to my friend's birthday – massive panic, running late, the whole shebang – and as I'm requesting the Uber, BAM! There's this notification about pre-authorizing my card. I'm thinking, "Seriously, Uber? Right now?"

They say it's to make sure your card is valid, which, okay, I guess makes some sense. But doesn't it feel a little like they're subtly suggesting you might not have enough funds? A bit insulting, maybe? Or is that just me being overly sensitive?

I mean, I get the idea – they don't want to get stuck with a bill, especially if it's a long ride or surge pricing is in effect. It's a business, after all. And I guess it prevents people from, like, ordering a ride and then cancelling at the last minute, leaving the driver hanging.

But still! It just feels a tad inconvenient and, dare I say, slightly distrusting. It's like they're saying, "We need to make sure we get our money first, then we'll provide the service." Maybe it's just me, but it leaves a slightly sour taste, you know?