Lyft has announced some changes that will make your next ride more rewarding. The new changes affect business riders the most; however, if you're a frequent personal Lyft rider and have linked Alaska Airlines as your rewards partner, you'll see some elevated earnings.
Let's jump into these exciting updates.
Lyft business rider updates
The bulk of the news benefits business riders the most. Beginning Aug. 4, eligible riders invited to their company’s Lyft Business program will now be able to earn Lyft Cash on most rides with no activation required. Business riders will earn:
- 6% back on standard work rides (Standard, Priority, XL, Pet, Wheelchair, Green)
- 8% back on premium rides (Black, Black SUV, Extra Comfort)
- 8% back on airport and scheduled rides
This Lyft Cash earned can be used on future rides, including personal rides. It's important to note that this Lyft Cash is only earned on business rides, and you must be enrolled through your company's Lyft Business profile.
Additionally, business riders who have linked a loyalty rewards partner will see increased earnings with their preferred partner. With Hilton Honors, they'll earn 6 points per dollar spent on most business rides, and with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, they'll earn 4-6 miles per dollar spent on most business rides.
Related: How to easily earn extra rewards on Lyft rides
Lyft personal rider updates
Lyft currently has partnerships with multiple airline and hotel loyalty partners, including Alaska Mileage Plan, Bilt Rewards and Hilton Honors. The main changes come with an improved partnership with Alaska Airlines. Riders who have selected Alaska Airlines as their rewards partner will now earn an elevated:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on all everyday Lyft rides, including Standard, Priority Pickup and XL rides
- 3 miles per dollar spent on airport trips and elevated modes like Black, Black SUV and Extra Comfort
This will benefit all Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan customers who take rides, especially those who like to take premium rides. Alaska Airlines states:
"This enhanced earning structure means frequent travelers and those who prefer premium ride experiences can accumulate miles faster than ever before. Whether you're catching a flight or treating yourself to a more comfortable ride, every dollar spent brings you closer to your next Alaska Airlines redemption."
Additionally, if you don't select Alaska Airlines as your rewards loyalty partner with Lyft, you can choose Hilton and earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible rides, or choose Bilt and earn 2 points per dollar spent on eligible rides. With Bilt, you can even use your Bilt points to pay for rides, although I don't recommend this option as you can get far greater value by transferring your Bilt points to travel partners.
Even better, you can stack these bonus earnings if you have an eligible Chase card and earn 5% rewards through Sept. 30, 2027.
Furthermore, if you're a Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see ) or Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see ) cardholder you'll receive up to $10 in monthly in-app credits, up to $120 annually, to use on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027. The credit applies to Standard, Extra Comfort, XL, Black and Black SUV ride modes.
Plus, thanks to Lyft's partnership with DoorDash DashPass (a perk that comes with many Chase cards), you'll receive double the ride discounts, including 10% off on-demand rides and 20% off scheduled airport rides (up to four rides per month through July 30).
Lyft has also published a handy guide comparing the cost of airport parking versus using a ride-hailing service at 15 major U.S. airports. This is incredibly useful, as I find myself in this scenario almost every time I fly, wondering whether I should drive and park or just call a ride.
Related: Chase extends Lyft partnership, with decreased earning rates for some cards
Bottom line
Lyft is further expanding its rewards program. If you're an eligible business rider, you can now earn Lyft Cash on most business rides that can be used on future rides. For personal riders, you can now earn more Alaska Airlines miles the next time you hop into a Lyft ride.
Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you
