Uber's New Rewards Program Lets You Earn Cheaper Rides, Priority Pickups, & More
If you're a frequent Uber rider (which, hello, I definitely am), you're going to be stoked about the company's latest endeavor. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, the ride sharing platform unveiled its very own loyalty program called Uber Rewards — and it'll help frequent riders earn points that'll score them cheaper rides, priority pickups, and so much more. Now, I'm sure you're excited to learn about what Uber's Rewards program is and how you can get involved. Thankfully, it's super easy — and totally free — to sign up for. In fact, you can become an Uber Rewards member without spending a penny... and it'll actually help you save money in the long run.
Before I break it down for you, I'll give you a quick overview of the program. For starters, Uber Rewards helps Uber customers gain a certain amount of points for ever eligible dollar they spend on rides or Uber Eats. Then, those points add up and help customers unlock one of four membership levels, which include Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Once you sign up for the program, you'll automatically be put in Blue. However, the amount of points you've acquired for six months prior to signing up will count toward your level — so, you might unlock a higher tier upon joining.
Here's a breakdown of the point system:
- 500 points = Gold
- 2,500 points = Platinum
- 7,500 points = Diamond
So, how do you earn the points? That, my friend, depends on which Uber service you use. For instance, you'll get one point for every dollar you spend on UberPool or UberEats. Then, you'll get two points for every dollar you spend on UberX, UberXL, Select, and WAV. Finally, you'll earn three points for every dollar spend on Black and BlackSUV.
Once you start taking rides and collecting your points, you'll be able to take advantage of the following tiers:
Gold
After you've hit 500 points, you'll automatically be put into the Gold membership level. Once you're in Gold, you can avoid cancellation fees if you decide to cancel a trip and reschedule it within 15 minutes. Additionally, Gold members will have access to priority support agents for Uber and UberEats.
Not to mention, when you hit 500 points, you'll get $5 in Uber cash that you can put toward rides or food. Pretty convenient, right?
Platinum
Believe it or not, Platinum will making riding with Uber even more convenient. Once you hit 2,500 points and become a Platinum member, you'll have the Gold advantages in addition to a few more. Platinum members will get priority pickups at airports and be able to use price protection on their favorite route via UberX (!!!). In other words, Platinum members can lock in a cheap ride fare between two of their go-to spots and not have to worry about traffic or weather affecting the cost.
Diamond
The Diamond tier is the highest level an Uber Rewards member can reach. It includes the features that both Gold and Platinum have, plus a few more. Not only will Diamond members get surprise ride upgrades for free and 24/7 premium Uber support, but they'll also get an "UberX Diamond" feature that'll grant them access to drivers that have high ratings. Plus, Diamond members can order three meals on Uber Eats every six months with free delivery. That's a pretty great deal if you ask me.
Now that you know the breakdown of Uber Rewards, you can go ahead and start collecting points. However, keep in mind that the program is beginning in nine U.S. cities that are listed on Uber's website. If you're city isn't included yet, be patient. The feature will be rolling out throughout the next few months, and you can be notified when it's in your town by joining Uber's waitlist. Happy riding!
