As Uber – now valued at more than $60 billion – irons out its business model, it is testing new programs like Local Offers to get more people to use its app.
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Uber and Visa Inc., announced today Uber Local Offers, a brand new way for riders to earn discounted rides just by using their Visa card on file with Uber at their favorite local merchants. It is also worth pointing out that this feature is only now being trialed in San Francisco and Los Angeles, although it is expected to see further rolling out to other cities and areas in due course. After adding a Visa credit card to their account, users can then enroll in any offers they like, like Peet’s Coffee or San Francisco burger joint Super Duper. For every dollar spent at participating places, users will receive one point.
The Local Offers feature has been built right in the Uber app so riders can easily find all of the participating merchants while they request a ride.
Uber provides its services in hundreds of cities across the globe and if you use it often in your home city, chances are you might use it when you’re in a new city.
There is already a strong connection between Uber, riders and local businesses. 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.
The Uber program is part of an expansion of Visa’s Commerce Network, a platform launched in January that allows merchants at separate businesses to cooperate on rewards and loyalty programs, using the payment-processor as a link.
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Visa plans to keep expanding Visa Commerce Network, so airlines could perhaps connect their customers to local stores or hotels, or events ticketing services can direct people to restaurants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers.
