Uber Rewards Guide – CreditCards.com

If you ride frequently with Uber, you may have been asked to join the popular ride sharing service Uber Rewards. The program allows users to earn points towards Uber cash bonuses and level up with additional benefits.

It’s free to join Uber Rewards, but the program isn’t particularly impressive in our opinion. The benefits you get with each new membership level are not very interesting. However, you should never lose sight of the opportunity to get a little more rewards.

How to join Uber Rewards and start earning points

When you open the Uber app, you may be prompted to join the loyalty program at the bottom of the screen. Or select Uber Rewards from the main menu on the left and click Join for Free.

After signing up, it’s easy to start earning Uber Rewards points. You earn points for every Uber purchase as follows:

• 1 point per dollar at Uber Pool and Uber Eats
• 2 points per dollar for UberX, UberXL, Uber Green, Uber WAV/Assist, Uber Comfort, Uber Select, Uber Pet and Uber Connect rides.
• 3 points per dollar on UberBlack and Black SUV

Unfortunately, the more budget-friendly Uber Pool option won’t earn you the same amount of points as an UberX ride.

Levels and Benefits

For every 500 Uber Points you earn, you will receive a reward. In addition, you can progress through different membership levels and unlock new perks. Here is a quick overview of each level, how to qualify and what benefits are included:

Rewards every 500 points

Once you have earned at least 500 Reward Points, you have the option to convert those points into rewards. Options vary by user and location. Rewards range from discounts to highly rated drivers for two weeks. Once you have accumulated the required 500 points, you have 28 days to choose your reward – otherwise the points will expire.

Priority support

Thanks to this bonus, you will be able to answer support questions faster when you call. However, calls during peak hours may still include a hold.

Flexible cancellation

Uber will send you an in-app message if your ride qualifies for a cancellation fee refund. If you rebook your trip within 15 minutes, you may be refunded your original cancellation fee. Unfortunately, this does not apply to the Pool and Express Pool rides. Plus, it’s only available in the US.

Elevate a Favorite Waypoint

This benefit allows Platinum members and above to set up a favorite route (the two places they travel between most often) that will earn them 10 points for every dollar spent on UberX rides. You can change your favorite route once every 30 days by contacting support.

Priority airport pickup

Platinum and Diamond members get first access to nearby drivers at participating airports. Many airports have local rules for Uber, such as a designated pickup area, although some restrict priority pickup.

Highly rated drivers

Diamond Uber Rewards members automatically select the highest rated drivers rather than the next ride.

Double points for Uber Black and Uber SUV rides

Diamond Uber Rewards members earn double points on their first five Uber Black and Uber SUV rides – 6 points per dollar instead of the standard 3 points per dollar.

Double points for Uber Eats orders

In addition to other benefits, Uber Diamond members earn double points on Uber Eats orders. You still have to pay taxes and service charges, but this can be a nice perk if you book frequently.

Unfortunately, the benefits of Uber Rewards aren’t particularly visible even when you reach Diamond status. However, it’s easy to see the value of an increased reward rate on your favorite route if you frequently book UberX rides to and from the same locations.

Using Uber Rewards

As you accumulate Uber points, you can only redeem them in increments of 500 points for a limited set of rewards, which typically range in value from $5 to $7. Your points will expire 12 months after their date of publication if you do not use them (for example, if you earn 300 points in May 2022, they will expire at the end of June 2023).

Other Ways to Make Money Uber

If you are dedicated to accumulating Uber cash to pay for rides and purchases of Uber Eats, a few credit cards can also help you achieve this goal.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows you to earn 3 times more points for purchases on trips, including taxis and car services. Platinum Card® by American Express offers up to $15 in Uber Cash each month (plus an additional $20 in December) to cover Uber travel or food orders in the US, which means up to $200 in credits per year. The American Express® Gold Card offers up to $120 in Uber Cash per year (up to $10 per month) for U.S. travel and meal bookings (you must add the gold card to the Uber app to receive this benefit).

bottom line

Signing up for Uber Rewards is easy and free, so start earning points towards your next Uber cash bonus. Keep in mind that you cannot transfer points and they can expire, so make sure you use them before they disappear.

Emily Sherman is a senior editor at CreditCards.com, specializing in news and product recommendations. She is also a founding member of To Her Credit, a two-week series of women’s financial advice for women. When she’s not writing about credit cards, she’s spending her points and miles planning her next big vacation.