Free trips and cashback: how Uber and Lyft fight for customers and how to use it

Uber and Lyft simultaneously announced new reward programs to be released in the coming weeks. Like both of these services, the programs are similar, but there are some rather subtle differences in them that are worth understanding to make a more expedient choice.

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Lyft Rewards

The company has not yet published full information about the Lyft Rewards program, but representatives say that customers will earn points in the program for every dollar spent, writes Smarter Travel. “Earn enough points and you'll unlock rewards—like an upgrade to Lyft Lux, or savings on future rides,” the press release states. Passengers will be able to check their points balance when logging into the app.

Looking to the future, Lyft says that he “is exploring how Lyft Rewards can be improved over time. We hear you: passengers need benefits, such as increased travel, access to more experienced drivers and days of double points. ” It looks like these benefits will be part of the program in the future.

Uber Rewards

The Uber Rewards program is more clearly defined and structured like a traditional frequent flyer program, with tiered reward tiers—Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond—each providing increasingly valuable benefits.

“Once you're in the program, you'll start earning one point for every dollar you spend on UberPool and Uber Eats; two points for UberX, UberXL, Select and WAV; and three points for Black and Black SUV,” the company said in a statement. - Once you earn 500 points, you will move from Blue to Gold. After 2500 points you will upgrade to Platinum. And from 7500 points you will move on to Diamond.

You will also receive 5 dollars from the Uber Cash balance for every 500 points, regardless of your level.

The Gold level includes flexible cancellation (you can cancel and re-call a taxi within 15 minutes and get a cancellation refund), as well as "priority support" for faster response. Platinum members get these benefits plus on-route price protection, allowing you to "catch lower prices at your favorite spots on UberX, even during traffic or rush hour." Platinum members also receive priority boarding to reduce wait times at most airports.

Diamond Uber members will benefit from Gold and Platinum benefits, as well as special telephone support with fast response times 24 / 7, free upgrades for UberX to premium products such as Uber Black, and a special UberX Diamond option in the app that gives users access to drivers with the most high marks. Diamond members can also miss the delivery fee for three Uber Eats orders every six months. ”

Uber Rewards will be launched in stages over the coming months, and the initial version will be limited to Miami, New Jersey, Denver, Tampa, New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Atlanta and San Diego.

Should you join?

As with any loyalty program, the value of participation depends on how often you use the service. While it is impossible to compare the program, since none of them are not ready for use. But if you use Uber or Lyft often, you can register for any program. If you are using Uber Eats, this may be an additional incentive to join the Uber reward program. Why not get something in return for the money you already spend?

The equation changes if you do not use any service regularly. For example, to earn and use your rewards on Uber, you will have to travel a lot for a six-month period. It's easy enough if you live in a city and use Uber at any time of the day, but non-urban residents may find it all a rather difficult and unprofitable task.

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