Uber and Visa Inc. have launched Uber Local Offers, a new way for riders to earn discounted rides by simply using the same Visa credit card on file with Uber at their favorite local merchants.
Starting from riders in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Uber Local Offers will suggest shopping and dining offers from selected merchants in the two cities with a possibility of expanding the service globally. Participating merchants get a simple new way to acquire customers, drive loyalty and increase sales.
“We’ve built Local Offers right into the Uber app, making it a one stop shop for riders to see our curated list of places and track progress toward free rides,” said Drew Quinn, product manager, Uber. “We’re excited to partner with Visa to help riders get even more out of their experience shopping and dining at the places they love, and the local favorites they’ve yet to try.”
Uber riders earn one point for every dollar spent at enrolled merchants. Points are tallied in the Uber app, and for every 100 accumulated points, riders will receive $10 off a future Uber ride. The program can be accessed through the latest version of the Uber app and once signed-up, riders will find it works seamlessly without having to access codes or use coupons. Merchants can sign-up to take part in the program at: https://www.visa.com/loyalty/commercenetwork.
There is already a strong connection between Uber, riders and local businesses. Visa cardholders who use Uber in the United States spend more than $144 billion per year in physical stores with $2 billion spent at local businesses soon after getting out of an Uber. With Uber Local Offers, merchants can encourage riders to shop and dine in their stores and restaurants in exchange for Uber points, driving increased customer acquisition, engagement and retention.
Some initial participating businesses in Los Angeles and San Francisco include Barcito, Delarosa, Ike’s, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Mixt Greens, Peet’s Coffee, PizzaRev, Specialty’s Café & Bakery, Super Duper, The Pie Hole, Uno Dos Tacos, Veggie Grill, and Wurstküche.
“I love seeing great things come together, especially right in my home town of Los Angeles,” said Kaley Cuoco. “Now I get rewarded for things I already do – shopping, eating and paying with my Visa card. The security, speed and convenience I have through Visa makes the Uber Local Offers program a no-brainer.”
Uber Local Offers is powered by the Visa Commerce Network, an offers and loyalty platform that works by connecting transactions between two merchants.
“Our partnership with Uber and local businesses is a great example of Visa’s ability to deliver value to businesses and consumers in a way that is simple and seamless,” said Terry Angelos, vice president of loyalty and offers for Visa. “The rider experience can now be extended beyond the car and into the local community, where merchants can access $2 billion in local spending while rewarding cardholders for everyday purchases. That’s a relationship that makes sense for riders, Uber and local businesses.”
