Uber Reintroduces Rewards Program With Visa Local Offers
Update 8/28/17: We've updated the text below to reflect a cap of $20 in credit earned on Whole Foods purchases.
Uber has announced that it's bringing back a new version of its Local Offers rewards program, teaming up with Visa to reintroduce it as Visa Local Offers.
The original partnership which started in August 2016 and ended in late 2016 is back. Now, US Uber riders will be able to earn Uber credits when they shop at participating restaurants and businesses with their Visa card(s) that are attached to their Uber account.
According to Uber, there are thousands of merchants that you can shop with, and from my time scrolling through the offers in New York City, I saw about 75 participating businesses. All the offers in New York displayed that you'd get 10% back in Uber credits from your purchase. The list included a variety of merchants including places like Whole Foods, Regal Cinemas, Walgreens and dozens of restaurants.
There is a limit on how much you can earn, usually capping you out at $100 in credit per transaction, though select offers are capped at lower amounts — such as a maximum of $20 in credit at Whole Foods.
You'll have to opt in to the program to start earning credits. It takes five steps to join:
- Make sure you have the latest version of the Uber app
- Add at least one eligible Visa card to your Uber account
- Open the app and tap the bottom of the screen to see your messages
- Scroll down to the 'Visa Local Offers' message
- Tap 'Get Started' and then tap 'Count Me In'
Once you've opted in, you'll want to make sure you add all your Visa cards to your Uber account. Then whenever you use one at a participating location, you'll be sure to get 10% back. Although, those who have authorized users for their credit cards need to be wary, as Uber says:
"Only one cardholder per Visa can earn Uber credits on their Uber account. If multiple people have the Visa on their Uber accounts, only the person who enrolled in Visa Local Offers most recently with that Visa card will receive the credits."
Most Visa cards should be eligible, even debit cards, but when using a debit card you'll want to make sure you select 'credit' when you pay to ensure the transaction registers. Visa Buxx, Visa Gift Cards, Visa Healthcare Cards, Visa Incentive Cards, and Visa TravelMoney are not eligible for Visa Local Offers.
This is a great opportunity to "double dip" and earn credit card points and Uber credits at the same time. For example, you could use your Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred to earn 3x or 2x points respectively on a restaurant purchase, plus you'd get 10% back in Uber credits. So if you were using the Reserve and spent $100 at a participating restaurant, you'd get 300 Ultimate Reward points worth $6.60 according to TPG's latest valuations plus $10 in Uber credit. Not bad for just enrolling in the program.
If you're new to Uber you can sign up here and receive $20 in credit from TPG.
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| 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.