Uber launching rewards points program for ordering rides and food
The free Uber Rewards program will be open to the public in early 2020.
Uber is introducing a frequent-flyer style rewards program where users can earn points for rides and ordering food through Uber Eats.
The program is free to join and will be open for sign-ups in Australia and New Zealand from early 2020, although some members will be able to join this week.
Users will be able to earn points for rides and ordering Uber Eats at the rate of:
- One point per eligible dollar spent on Uber Eats orders and UberPool rides
- Two points per eligible dollar spent on UberX, UberXL, Comfort and Assist rides
- Three points per eligible dollar on Uber Premier rides
Points can be earned for rides in Australia and internationally, but the benefits are only available in your home country. Points are also not yet earned for Uber JUMP trips.
Just like an airline frequent flyer program, Uber Rewards will have membership tiers starting at Blue and topping out at Diamond. Once you earn enough points to reach a new membership tier, you'll have six months at that tier unless you earn enough points to jump to the next tier.
The tiers and benefits will include:
| Tier | Points required | Example of benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | None - all users start on this tier | Exclusive member offers |
| Gold | 1,200 points | Earn "Chosen Rewards" for every 750 points earned (600 points in New Zealand). Rewards can include temporary discounts on Uber Eats or rides. Also enjoy 10% off one Uber Comfort ride per month up to $30. |
| Platinum | 4,000 points | UberX trips between two favourite locations you set will not exceed a promotional price (except for extremely busy times when the reduction is capped at 35% off). |
| Diamond | 7,500 points | 24/7 phone support, high priority in-app message replies, some complimentary upgrades from UberX to Uber Comfort or Premier |
As mentioned above, once members reach Gold tier and above they'll be able to select from specific "Chosen Rewards" for every 750 points earned. Options will include:
- 15% off Uber Eats orders over a 3-day window
- 15% off Uber rides over a 3-day period
- A $10 donation to Paralympics Australia
9News reports Uber may eventually offer the option to convert points into airline frequent flyer points. Given that Uber already has a partnership with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program this is one logical possibility.
The introduction of Uber Rewards comes after Uber Pro was introduced in Australia in 2019. Uber Pro is a rewards program for Uber drivers, and like Uber Rewards, has four tiers also named Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
Benefits include discounts on fuel, tyres, coffee and business services depending on the level of the driver.
Uber Rewards was also launched in the USA earlier this year, and while similar to the Australian/New Zealand program, has some notable differences in rewards.
For example, for every 500 points earned in the US program, riders can get a $5 Uber Cash reward. Other differences include Diamond level riders getting special access to "highly rated drivers" and Platinum and Diamond riders getting priority pick-ups at airports.
