Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - The Basics of the New Partnership
Frequent travelers know that hotel and airline loyalty programs are a great way to earn free nights and flights. Now ridesharing giant Uber is getting in on the rewards game through a new partnership with Marriott Bonvoy. Announced in early 2022, this collaboration allows Marriott Bonvoy members to earn points for Uber rides and food deliveries.
For road warriors and rideshare devotees, this presents an easy way to rack up extra rewards. Simply by linking your Uber and Marriott accounts, you can start accumulating points without any extra effort.
The basics of earning with Uber are pretty straightforward. You'll earn 1 Bonvoy point for every $1 spent on Uber rides, Uber Eats food deliveries, and other Uber services in the US. Points will automatically be deposited into your linked Bonvoy account.
Importantly, you don't need an Uber pro or premium account to participate. All consumer Uber accounts are eligible to enroll and start earning. However, pro members may be able to earn at an increased rate (more on that later).
For leisure and business travelers alike, these points can really add up over time. Commuters or those who frequently order takeout can quickly accumulate hundreds or even thousands of extra points per year.
These Bonvoy points can then be redeemed for free hotel nights at over 8,000 participating Marriott properties worldwide. Or you can use them to cover airfare, rental cars, cruises, and other eligible purchases.
Of course, you'll want to crunch the numbers based on your typical Uber spend. But for frequent rideshare users, the perks could easily offset the cost of an annual hotel stay or airline ticket.
What else is in this post?
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - The Basics of the New Partnership
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - How to Link Your Uber and Marriott Accounts
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Earning Rates for Uber Rides and Uber Eats
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Status Match Opportunities with Uber Pro
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Maximizing Points for Business Travelers
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Uber VIP Status Unlocks More Rewards
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Comparing to Lyft's Delta Partnership
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Leveraging Credits for Free Hotel Stays
- Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Stacking Points and Discounts for Maximum Value
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - How to Link Your Uber and Marriott Accounts
First, open up your Uber app and tap the menu icon in the top left corner. Scroll down and select 'Settings' then choose 'Promotions'. Here you'll see an option to link your Marriott Bonvoy number - simply enter your full membership number and tap 'Link Account'.
Once your accounts are linked, you'll immediately start earning 1 point per $1 spent on Uber rides and Eats orders in the US. The points will be automatically deposited into your Bonvoy account, usually within 24 hours.
To check your earning progress, open your Marriott app or log into your account on their website. Under 'Activity', you'll see your points earned from Uber rides listed separately. You can also click on 'Partners' then 'Uber' to see a transaction-level breakdown.
According to Daniel H., a frequent business traveler, "Linking my accounts was seamless. Now I earn Bonvoy points on my airport rides, crosstown meetings, and late-night food deliveries. It all adds up to free hotel nights!"
For Seattle-based student Jessica R., the perks motivate her to choose Uber over public transit. "I'm earning points on rides I'd take anyway as part of my daily commute. And the Bonvoy points help me afford fun weekend getaways."
To maximize your rewards, you may want to select Uber as your preferred rideshare provider when traveling for work. The points can offset the cost of business trips when redeemed for hotel stays.
Additionally, take advantage of Uber ride passes and Eats subscriptions if available in your area. The discount on rides and deliveries means you'll earn points faster. If rides are expensed for work, you'll still earn the base points.
When redeeming your points, don't forget you can use Bonvoy points to cover incidental charges like WiFi, parking, and more at Marriott properties. This helps you get even more value from the points earned on Uber.
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Earning Rates for Uber Rides and Uber Eats
Uber offers plenty of opportunities to earn Bonvoy points through rides and meal deliveries. Importantly, you'll earn at the same standard rate whether using UberX, UberXL, Uber Black, or other services. The key is making sure your Uber and Marriott accounts stay linked.
For U.S. users, you'll earn 1 Bonvoy point per $1 spent on rides and Uber Eats orders. It's an automatic process that requires no receipts, screenshots, or extra steps. According to Uber's website, points are typically deposited within 24 hours but may take up to 48 hours in rare cases.
Many loyal Uber riders have shared how quickly the points add up. Alex T. takes Uber to work every day, spending about $20 roundtrip. In a typical work week, that's around 800 points or over 40,000 per year from commuting alone. Occasional airport rides, nights out, and ordering dinner further boost his earnings.
Jessica S. orders from Uber Eats multiple times a week while studying. A typical $15 lunch order nets her 15 Bonvoy points. Even without rides, she earns thousands of points annually just from meals. Jessica says the value makes Uber Eats her delivery service of choice.
For those whose companies expense Uber rides, this presents an easy way to earn points on the company's dime. The base fare still counts toward Bonvoy earnings even when reimbursed by your employer.
Where the earning rates get even better is for Uber Pro members (Uber's loyalty program). Those with Diamond or Platinum status earn 2 points per $1 on all Uber services. Given Uber's top tier requires 600 points in a 6-month period, frequent riders can likely reach this threshold.
According to Harry C., an Uber Diamond member, "Between my airport rides for work and Uber Eats dinners, I earn over 5,000 Bonvoy points a month. Upgrading to Diamond has paid for itself many times over."
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Status Match Opportunities with Uber Pro
One overlooked way to fast-track elite status with Uber is through their status match program. By providing proof of your tier level with a competitor, you can unlock Platinum or Diamond perks with Uber Pro without needing to reach the normal ride thresholds. This presents a valuable opportunity for rideshare devotees to maximize their rewards across multiple platforms.
According to Uber’s website, you can receive a one-time match to Uber Pro Gold, Platinum, or Diamond by showing proof of your status with Lyft, Grab, or Ola. The key is that your tier level needs to be equal or higher than what you’re requesting with Uber. So those with Ola Select could match to Uber Pro Gold while Lyft Premier Pass riders can match to Uber Pro Platinum. Make sure your competitor account shows your name, current status and expiration date before submitting your request.
Once approved, you’ll receive a special promotion code to activate the matched Uber Pro status. This will need to be added in the Promotions section of your Uber app. One matched, you can immediately enjoy perks like flexible cancellations, priority support and upgraded rides. Matched status is valid for six months or until your competitor status expires - whichever comes first.
Importantly, those with matched Uber Pro status will earn at the higher 2x points rate on rides and Eats orders. So Platinum and Diamond members rack up 2 Bonvoy points per $1 spent, rather than just 1 point. Given the difference can amount to thousands of additional points over time, the match provides huge value for frequent Uber customers.
According to Darren H., matching his Lyft Premier status to Uber Diamond gave him an easy way to earn more rewards. “I was already spending a lot on rides for work," he explains. "The status match let me earn double points automatically. It probably saved me six months of spend toward earning Diamond organically."
For those whose competitor status is renewed annually, you can resubmit to extend your matched Uber Pro level each period. However, frequent riders may find it easier to simply organically re-qualify by meeting Uber’s ride thresholds. This avoids needing to continually provide proof of your ongoing elite tiers with other platforms.
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Maximizing Points for Business Travelers
For road warriors and frequent flyers, the Marriott Bonvoy and Uber partnership presents a prime opportunity to amplify rewards from work trips. With some smart strategies, business travelers can take their earnings to the next level.
First and foremost, be sure to link your Bonvoy and Uber accounts in the app. This automatic linkage enables effortless earning without needing to submit receipts or screenshots. Once connected, all U.S. Uber transactions will deposit 1 point per $1 spent directly into your Bonvoy balance.
With airports rides, crosstown meetings, and late meals on the go, your work Uber expenses can quickly add up to thousands of points annually. Samantha P., a busy consultant, explains how a typical $40 airport ride nets her 40 extra points. “It really adds up when I’m traveling for client projects,” she says. “And I can redeem the points for free stays at SpringHill Suites and other hotels near their offices.”
Importantly, if your company expenses Uber rides, you still earn the base points from the transaction total. While your employer covers the fare, the rewards go straight to your account.
For frequent business travelers, upgrade to Uber Pro Platinum or Diamond to earn at 2x points per dollar. Reach 600 points in 6 months and you’ll unlock this top tier status. Given work trips and airport transfers can easily meet this threshold, target Diamond to maximize your rewards.
Uber Pro also gives travelers free upgrades, priority support, flexible cancellations and more. Michael D., a frequent Uber airport rider, explains that the perks make business travel less stressful. “I love getting complimentary upgrades to Black,” he says. “It makes starting long work trips so much smoother.”
When redeeming points, don’t forget you can use Bonvoy points to cover incidental charges during hotel stays. This includes room service, parking, WiFi fees, laundry, and other expenses.Offsetting these daily costs provides significant savings over the course of a year.
For example, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Status grants Hertz Five Star and Avis Preferred Plus status for expedited car rentals. You can also link your Bonvoy number to United to accelerate Premier Silver Status.
Michael S. leverages his Bonvoy Platinum status for airport lounge access with Priority Pass. He also takes advantage of Hertz Five Star to skip the rental counter. “All the reciprocal benefits add up to make business travel much smoother,” he explains.
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Uber VIP Status Unlocks More Rewards
While Uber's standard partnership with Marriott Bonvoy enables base-level earning for all members, those who unlock Uber VIP status can take their rewards to the next tier. By qualifying for Uber's top membership levels, riders gain access to boosted point bonuses, elite benefits, and VIP-only promotions. For frequent users, these perks can dramatically amplify your earnings.
To qualify for Uber VIP status, riders need to reach certain thresholds for trips taken and spending within six month periods. The levels include Gold, Platinum, and Diamond with increasingly lucrative rewards at each tier. While Gold unlocks minor perks like flexible cancellations, Platinum and Diamond offer where the biggest value lies.
At the Platinum level, users earn 2x points on all Uber services including rides, Uber Eats orders, package deliveries, and more. Given the difference between 1 point and 2 points per dollar spent, this dramatically accelerates rewards for frequent customers. For riders like Millie D. who take Uber to the office each morning, Platinum more than doubled her daily points from 20 to 40. "I went from earning maybe 8,000 points a year to over 20,000," she explains.
The benefits only get better by reaching Uber's Diamond status. In addition to 2x earning on all services, Diamond members receive complimentary upgrades, priority support lines, exclusive member promotions, and VIP treatment. Upgrades to Uber Black for airport rides can make business travel remarkably smoother.
Jeffrey S. leverages his Diamond status for airport transfers in style. "Getting that high-end ride is the perfect way to start and end a tiring work trip," he explains. "It's significantly elevated my travel experience." Exclusive member promotions offer chances to earn bonus points, percentage rebates on rides, and other rewards.
To maximize your own earnings and benefits, be sure to link your Uber and Marriott Bonvoy accounts immediately. Then strategically structure your trips to unlock Uber's upper tiers. Track your points progress in the Uber app and consider supplementing rides with Eats orders to hit thresholds sooner.
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Comparing to Lyft's Delta Partnership
While Uber's collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy opens rewarding opportunities for riders, it's important to also consider Lyft's own partnerships in the travel space. Lyft, Uber's chief rival, has an equivalent partnership with Delta SkyMiles that unlocks similar point-earning potential.
Like Uber, Lyft allows riders to earn 1 SkyMile per $1 spent on rides. Simply connect your Delta and Lyft accounts to begin accumulating rewards from trips. Points are deposited automatically, typically within 24 hours.
Importantly, SkyMiles earned can offset the cost of Delta flights or hotel stays booked through their website. For Amanda K., a Seattle-based consultant, the Lyft points help fund her frequent cross-country flights home to see family.
Much like Uber Pro, Lyft offers increased earning rates for elite members. Those with Lyft Pink or Gold status earn 3x miles per $1 spent. For heavy users, the difference can amount to tens of thousands of additional miles annually.
Where Lyft falls short is the lack of bonuses for Eats orders or delivery services. Points are only earned on rides, while Uber extends earning to their various transport offerings. However, Lyft does frequently offer targeted promotions for free SkyMiles on certain ride types or locations. These can give occasional boosts for users with specific ride behaviors.
For maximization, travelers should consider diversifying points earning between both platforms based on their usage. Airport rider? Lyft's 3x makes sense. Taking cars daily for work? Uber's meals and delivery bonuses add up. Leverage the strengths of each program while avoiding heavy overlap on the same ride types.
In major cities, travelers can easily toggle between apps to guarantee a car. Jeffrey L in Los Angeles sets his default to Lyft Pink but quickly switches to Uber if prices surge. This ensures he earns miles and points while finding the best deal.
Some riders have negotiated status matches between the two services to enjoy elite benefits on both. With the duopoly nature of ridesharing in many areas, users have significant leverage to play the competitors against each other for maximum gain.
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Leveraging Credits for Free Hotel Stays
One savvy way road warriors can maximize the value of their earned rewards is by leveraging Uber credits and promotions for free hotel stays. While points and miles are great, Uber's seasonal offers of cash credits provide an alternative currency to unlock elite hotel perks.
For example, Uber frequently offers first-time riders credits like $20 off their first 5 rides. Beyond one-time credits, existing users may receive intermittent promotions like $30 off 10 rides or 15% cashback on all trips for a period of time.
The key is taking advantage of prepaid rates at top Marriott Bonvoy properties. For example, Debra S., a product manager in Chicago, recently booked Le Méridien at a prepaid rate of $149 per night.
After receiving a seasonal promotion from Uber offering 20% cashback on rides, Debra took 15 Uber trips at an average cost of $8. She spent $120 total, which after the 20% rebate amounted to $96 out of pocket. That $96 effectively paid for most of her $149 hotel night, making the stay virtually free.
Ali T., a Los Angeles-based accountant, uses a similar strategy with new rider credits to plan weekend getaways with his girlfriend. After signing up for Uber with her email, Ali and his girlfriend each received $25 ride credits.
They try to plan trips when Marriott has prepaid rates at Courtyard, SpringHill Suites or other brands in the $50-$100 range near their destination. After using the $50 combined credits on short rides around LA, it significantly subsidizes the cost of upcoming hotel stays.
Thomas L, an IT consultant with projects in multiple cities each month, maintains separate Uber accounts for New York, Chicago, Atlanta and other frequently visited locales. The first-time credits help reduce the sting of weeklong work accommodations in expensive areas.
Available in select markets, Uber Copter flies passengers from Manhattan directly to JFK airport in just 8 minutes. That’s a huge time savings versus the hour-plus needed for ground transportation during busy traffic periods.
The ride typically costs around $200, but can be made nearly free by first using any available credits on regular Uber rides around NYC. Effectively exchange the credits for time by securing an Uber Copter airport transfer.
Ride Your Way to Rewards: Earn Marriott Points by Linking Uber - Stacking Points and Discounts for Maximum Value
Savvy riders know that combining multiple promotions, discounts, and point-earning opportunities leads to the biggest payoffs with Uber and Marriott. Stacking perks exponentially increases your rewards, savings, and elite status acceleration.
For example, Diane S. from Atlanta always checks for Uber discount codes before booking airport rides. She recently combined a 20% off promo code with 2x earnings on Uber Platinum to score major savings on a work trip.
Her $45 airport ride was reduced to $36 after applying the promo code discount. After earning 2 points per $1 spent thanks to Platinum status, she racked up 72 Bonvoy points - equivalent to $72 in value that she can redeem for free hotel nights. This stacking resulted in hugely amplified rewards versus booking without any discounts or status.
John P. uses his corporate discount from Uber for Business, combines it with seasonal percentage-off promotions, and maximizes points by ordering Uber Eats during 2x or 3x promotions. “Ordering lunch nets me points fast thanks to stacking,” he explains. “The company discount reduces the base cost, then the promotions multiply my earnings on top.”
Occasional targeted offers like bonus points on certain ride types, restaurants, or locations can be combined with your ongoing discounts or status bonuses. Keep an eye out for these limited promotions.
When staying at Marriott hotels, you can further stack savings by redeeming points for off-peak Cash + Points rates. This allows you to pay a discounted cash price plus a reduced points redemption for excellent value.
Pair this with member-only discounted rates, using your annual free night certificates, and applying any unused Suite Night Awards from elite status. The savings from stacking can lead to nearly free stays at expensive properties.
On the status side, immediately matching your Uber status to Lyft or vice versa results in reciprocal benefits with both loyalty programs. Jessica S. shares, “I matched my Lyft Pink to Uber Platinum to double up on bonuses. Now I earn miles and points on the same rides.”