Lyft Rewards vs. Uber Rewards - Which Frequent Rider Program Wins?

Lyft and Uber are in a constant battle to attract new customers.

Recently, both companies announced subscription service options within days of each other.

Now, they’re fighting for the loyalty of rideshare passengers by launching rewards programs. Find out everything you need to know about Lyft Rewards and Uber Rewards in this guide.

What You Need to Know About the Lyft and Uber Rewards Programs

Both Lyft and Uber rewards programs mimic the schemes of many airline and hotel programs by using a point system. The more a customer utilizes the service, the more perks they earn.

While there are key differences between the two, the goal of each is the same – customer loyalty. In the rideshare industry, loyalty not only means higher revenue, but also translates to beating the competition.

The Ins and Outs of Lyft Rewards

Lyft was the first to announce their rider rewards program.

However, the company has remained incredibly quiet on the details. They’ve released that they’re piloting the program this month in a small number of markets, followed by a rollout to more territories in 2019.

The system is designed so that riders earn points for each dollar that they spend. Beyond that, public details are minimal, and Lyft has yet to offer a more comprehensive outline of the program.

Here’s a breakdown of what we do know thus far:

Limited launch in December
Limited user access at first—for an unknown time period
Points-based system
Free ride upgrades and discounted trips
In-app tracking

In the initial statement, the company mentions that the plan is ever-evolving to meet the needs of their customers.

The program is separate from Lyft’s Business Rewards, which offers credits and airline rewards to commercial clients. There’s a possibility that similar perks may become available in the new rewards program, but at this point, any reporting is mostly speculation.

The Ins and Outs of Uber Rewards

Uber has been much more straightforward about what their rewards program offers.

While the system is also based around earning points, it also takes a tiered approach by splitting earnings into levels, and offers points for orders through Uber Eats.

Uber Rewards

Currently, the program is only available in these nine markets:

Atlanta
Denver
Miami
New Jersey
New York City
Philadelphia
San Diego
Tampa
Washington, D.C.

If it hasn’t yet launched in your area, you have the option to sign up for the Uber Rewards waitlist for a notification when it goes live.

The loyalty program is composed of three main elements: points, reward levels, and Uber Cash. Take a closer look at each separate component and how they interact with one another, below.

Points

According to the Uber Rewards program terms, every trip booked and meal ordered through Uber earns points for every qualifying dollar spent. However, this excludes tips, surcharges, and discounted portions of rides.

The Uber point system is broken into three tiers:

UberPool, Express Pool, Uber Eats: One point per dollar
UberX, UberXL, Select: Two points per dollar
Black, Black SUV: Three points per dollar

Once you’ve opted into the Uber Rewards program, your points will continue to accumulate.

If you earn enough, you reach new reward levels – each of which offers its own exclusive perks. However, e-bikes and e-scooters rented through Uber’s JUMP service aren’t yet included in the points system.

Reward Levels

Uber Rewards levels are split into four stages: Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Once you hit a certain number of points, you level-up to the next tier. Here’s a closer look at each:

Blue

Level: 0 to 499 points
All points count toward the first Uber Cash goal

Gold

Level: 500 to 2499 points
Earn $5 in Uber Cash for every 500 points
Given priority response on support issues
Opportunity to avoid cancellation fees with a 15-minute rebooking window

Uber Flexible Cancellation

Platinum

Level: 2500 to 7499 points
Includes all the perks of Blue and Gold levels
Ability to lock in discounted rates on a set route
Given pick-up priority at airport departures

Diamond

Level: 7500+ points
Includes all the perks of Blue, Gold, and Platinum levels
Receive premium-level, around-the-clock support access
Access to UberX Diamond with top-rated drivers
Enjoy complimentary ride upgrades
Free Uber Eats delivery on three orders every six months

Uber Cash

As mentioned, all your ride and Uber Eats points help you earn Uber Cash. Riders also have the option to add their own money to their Uber Cash account. However, once converted into Uber Cash, the funds are only usable for qualifying rides and food orders on the platform.

Lyft Rewards vs. Uber Rewards: Who Wins?

It’s hard to judge both programs side-by-side because so little is currently known about Lyft Rewards. Lyft’s arrangement seems like it’s in a testing phase while Uber has launched a well-formed program.

Uber Rewards is already available in multiple markets, and the team has a plan for fast expansion. The rewards are incredibly alluring and the system is easy to understand.

As a rideshare passenger, Uber’s perks are simply much more appealing at this point.

While Uber may have this round in the bag, the war is far from over. Both companies have expected IPOs in 2019, so the competition is sure to result in more one-ups between the two enterprises.

In the end, passengers of both rideshare services are the real winners.