Uber, Visa partner with local merchants to offer discounted rides

Uber riders in San Francisco and Los Angeles are getting even more benefits when they book a ride. A partnership between Uber and Visa will enable customers to earn discounted rides when they use their Visa credit card on file with Uber at their favorite local merchants.



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, according to VisaNet. Uber and Visa hope to expand this volume through Uber Local Offers, a program that rewards Uber riders with one point for every dollar spent at enrolled merchants. For every 100 accumulated points, riders will receive $10 off a future Uber ride. Points are tallied directly in the Uber app.



“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.



Merchants participating in Uber Local Offers expect the program to encourage riders to shop and dine in their stores and restaurants in exchange for Uber points, a move that drives increased customer acquisition, engagement and retention. The program, which is currently available in San Francisco and Los Angeles, features Peet’s Coffee and Mixt Greens, among other local restaurants.