It’s time to save! Uber unveils new rewards scheme for regular customers

It’s a must-have app for those who want cheap travel, without the hustle and bustle of public transport, or those who are no longer able to drive, but now regular Uber users can get excited for another reason as the company has unveiled a brand new rewards program for loyal customers of both the Uber and UberEats apps.

Through the Uber Rewards program, customers will be able to earn a number of benefits through the points-based system that is said to resemble that of an airline loyalty program.

After revolutionising the ride-sharing world and conquering the food-delivery sector, Uber is definitely no stranger to innovating the industry. Australia is just the third market globally to welcome the program which will be free for Aussie customers to access inside the app by early 2020.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Uber said their name has now become synonymous with pioneering change adding: “The arrival of Uber Rewards is just another example of our dedication to offering our customers the best possible experience – be that our always-on commitment to safety or the newly turned on Rewards program – on our operating system for everyday life.”

Points will be earned simply by using the app, with different amounts of points allocated depending on the customer’s driving choice. Those who drive with UberPool (a cheaper, shared ride with others heading in a similar direction) or order their food through UberEats will receive one point for every dollar spent.

Those riding with UberX (the basic four passenger ride), UberXL (cars with more than four passengers), Assist (those who need special assistance) and Comfort (cars with greater comfort) will receive two points per dollar spent. And finally those who choose Uber Premier (luxury cars) earn triple points to the dollar spent.

Those who use Uber semi-regularly will quickly notice an accumulation of points and, depending on the number of points received, people have the opportunity to receive rewards from four different levels including Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.

Blue is considered basic and will be available to everyone who is enrolled in the program. Once customers have racked up a total of 1,200 points, they will graduate to Gold, then Platinum at 4,000 points and finally Diamond with 7,500 points.

While benefits can be redeemed once each level is unlocked, those who achieve Gold status will receive special rewards for every 750 points they receive. These particular rewards will include 15 per cent off both Uber rides and UberEats deliveries within a three-day window.

Each level will provide people with new benefits that will help loyal users save a few precious pennies and the rewards available range from receiving a percentage off certain rides, dedicated phone priority from the support team as well as free upgrades to more comfortable car options.

The new loyalty program will become the first of its kind in Australia and will follow in the footsteps of other popular rewards-based systems such as Flybuys and Frequent Flyers memberships. New members will be able to sign up to the system as early as this week and start receiving their benefits and savings soon after.