Quick Points: Earn more points and miles with Uber, Lyft and Starbucks apps
Editor's Note
Credit cards (and their welcome bonuses) are at the top of our list of easy ways to earn points and miles. Beyond that, we hope you're shopping through an online shopping portal like Rakuten to earn even more cash back or rewards on your online purchases.
But you may have overlooked one of the simplest ways to earn points and miles: linking a rewards program in some of your favorite apps. If so, now is the time to grab your phone and make sure you've connected your accounts to earn rewards for multiple programs when you make a coffee run or call a ride-hailing service.
Link your Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks accounts
Delta Air Lines and Starbucks' partnership allows customers to link their rewards accounts to earn Delta SkyMiles alongside Starbucks Stars, and double Starbucks Stars on days when flying with Delta.
Previously, you could earn miles for every dollar spent at Starbucks, but this changed in 2024. Now, you'll only earn miles when you reload at least $25 into your Starbucks app.
The number of miles you'll earn depends on the amount you reload, but you can earn as many as 2 miles per dollar when your accounts are linked.
Don't expect a free flight from a coffee order, but this is an easy way to squeeze even more rewards from your coffee habit.
And, of course, be sure to use a card that offers a nice bonus on dining purchases.
Related: The best credit cards to use at Starbucks
Earn points and miles with Lyft
On your Lyft app, you may think you're already maximizing your earning potential by setting an eligible Chase card as your automatic payment method. But if you haven't chosen a travel rewards program to link, you're leaving rewards on the table.
On your app home screen, under "Earn as you ride," you can connect your United MileagePlus, Hilton Honors, Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards or Bilt Rewards account.
Note that different types of rides earn different reward amounts on your linked account, so be sure to check out Lyft's description of each program's earning potential before deciding which one to link.
Pro tip: Consider Bilt. This is often the most valuable partner since you can earn 2 Bilt Rewards Points for every dollar spent and transfer them to various partners (including Hyatt) at a 1:1 ratio.
Related: New Bilt 2.0 cards have arrived: How you can earn points on rent, mortgages and more
Earn points and miles with Uber
In addition to taking advantage of your American Express Uber credits, you have two other ways to maximize Uber purchases. You can link either your Marriott Bonvoy or Delta SkyMiles account to earn Marriott points or Delta miles on your Uber rides and Uber Eats orders.
From your Uber profile, select "Partner Rewards."
You'll see your Uber credits from any Amex cards you have at the top. Then, scroll down to connect your Marriott or Delta account. Each program has a different earning structure, so review Uber's guidelines for Delta and Marriott and consider which type of reward is more valuable to you before making your selection. (You can always change it later.)
Once your accounts are connected, you'll start earning points or miles on qualifying Uber transactions, including rides and food delivery.
For both Uber and Lyft, consider adding a card that offers a bonus on travel purchases. One particularly great option is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), which offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $5,000 on purchases on your new card in the first three months from account opening. With it, you'll earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel — including ride-hailing services — on top of your linked account earnings.
Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you
Bottom line
Ensure you're taking advantage of opportunities to double-dip rewards, including by linking partner programs through the apps you use regularly when you spend. And while you're at it, become the friend who volunteers to make the Starbucks run or order the Uber or Lyft. Bonus rewards await.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.