Uber Rewards program guide

If you frequently ride with Uber, you might have already been prompted to join the popular rideshare service’s loyalty program – Uber Rewards. The program allows users to earn points toward Uber cash bonuses and advance through tiers with extra benefits.

Uber Rewards is free to join, but in our opinion, the program isn’t particularly impressive. The benefits you get with each new tier of membership aren’t very exciting. However, the ability to rack up a little extra in rewards is never something you should overlooked.

How to join Uber Rewards and start earning points

When you open the Uber app, you might be prompted to opt into the loyalty program at the bottom of your screen. Alternatively, select Uber Rewards from the main menu on the left side and hit “Join for free.”

Once you’ve signed up, it’s easy to start earning Uber Rewards points. You earn points on every Uber purchase, as follows:

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

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

Tiers and benefits

For every 500 Uber points you earn, you’ll unlock a reward. In addition, you can advance through different membership tiers and unlock new perks. Here’s a quick look at each tier, how to qualify and the benefits included:

Rewards every 500 points

When a minimum of 500 reward points have been accrued, you have the option to convert those points into a reward. Options vary by user and location. The rewards range from discounts to highly rated drivers for two weeks. Once you have accumulated the required 500 points, you have 28 days to select a reward – otherwise the points will expire.

Priority support

With this perk, you’ll get a faster response time on customer service questions when you call. However, calling during peak times might still include a wait.

Flexible cancellations

Uber will send you an in-app message if your ride qualifies for a cancellation fee refund.  As long as you rebook a ride within 15 minutes, you can have your initial cancellation fee refunded. Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to Pool and Express Pool rides. Additionally, it is available only in the U.S.

Favorite route point boost

This benefit lets Platinum members and higher set up a favorite route (the two locations they ride between the most), on which they’ll earn 10 points per dollar on UberX rides. You can change your favorite route once every 30 days by contacting support.

Priority airport pickups

For Platinum and Diamond members, you get first access to the closest drivers at participating airports. Many airports have local regulations in place for Uber, like a designated pickup area, although some restrict priority pickups.

Highly rated drivers

Diamond Uber Rewards members will automatically match with the most highly rated drivers – rather than the closest ride.

Double points on Uber Black and Uber SUV rides

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

Double points on Uber Eats orders

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

Unfortunately, Uber Rewards benefits aren’t particularly eye-catching, even once you reach Diamond status. That said, it’s easy to see the value in an increased rewards rate on your favorite route if you frequently book UberX rides to and from the same spots.

Redeeming Uber Rewards

As you rack up Uber points, you can only redeem them in 500-point increments for a limited selection of rewards, which usually range from $5 to $7 in value. Your points expire 12 months after their post date if you don’t redeem them (e.g. if you earn 300 points in May 2022, they will expire at the end of June 2023).

Other ways to earn Uber cash

If you are dedicated to racking up Uber cash to use on your rides and Uber Eats purchases, several credit cards can also help you meet this goal.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows you to earn 3X points on travel purchases, which includes taxis and car services. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $15 in Uber Cash every month (plus an additional $20 in December) to cover Uber rides or eats orders in the U.S., which translates into up to $200 in credits per year. And the American Express® Gold Card offers up to $120 in Uber Cash per year (up to $10 per month) for U.S. rides and eats orders (you must add the Gold Card to the Uber app to receive the benefit).

Bottom line

Signing up for the Uber Rewards program is free and easy, so go ahead and start earning points toward your next Uber cash bonus. Keep in mind that you can’t transfer points and they can expire, so make sure you redeem them before they’re gone.