American Express And Uber Launch First-Of-Its-Kind Mobile Loyalty Program

NEW YORK, June 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- American Express (NYSE: AXP) today announces a new partnership with Uber and a first-of-its-kind technology integration into the Uber iOS app that allows U.S. Card Members enrolled in the Membership Rewards program to choose to earn 2x points or use points for Uber rides. This is the first time that consumers can use loyalty reward points seamlessly in-app and in real time for on-demand transportation in this way.

Once a Card Member with an eligible Card on file with Uber downloads the latest version of the Uber iOS app, they will see a prompt to enroll their Card in the program – in just one tap.  Once enrolled, eligible Card Members have a new in-app option to toggle between "Earn 2x Points" or "Use Points" for Uber rides.  Card Members who choose to "Earn 2x Points" or "Use Points" will receive an on-screen ride summary and email receipt from Uber showing that 2x Membership Rewards points were earned or that points were redeemed.

"Our Membership Rewards program is known for delivering world-class value and we're focused on bringing it to life in innovative, relevant ways for our Card Members," said Leslie Berland, senior vice president, Digital Partnerships and Development at American Express. "Through this new, slick and powerful integration with Uber, one of the most forward-looking, mobile-based services in the industry, we are leveraging our unique technology to add a real-time benefit where we know our Card Members want it."

"Uber is at the forefront of evolving the way the world moves, and this integration with American Express – a company known for superior service and loyalty programs – helps make travel easier, more seamless and more rewarding for Uber users," said Emil Michael, senior vice president, business at Uber. "This first-of-its-kind platform is the most recent way we are delivering more value more seamlessly to our customers."

How To Get More Rewarding Uber Rides
To choose to earn 2x Membership Rewards points or use points for Uber – which operates in more than 60 U.S. cities – Uber users who are eligible Card Members enrolled in the Membership Rewards program and who have an eligible Card on file with Uber can:

• Download the latest version of the Uber iOS app  
• Tap "Enroll Me" when prompted with the Membership Rewards in-app promotional screen
• Select an Uber ride type and set pickup location; choose to "Earn 2x Points" or "Use Points" in the Uber app for each rideⁱ

If a Card Member's Membership Rewards points balance is not enough to use for the ride, then the Card will be charged the full fare and the Card Member will earn 2x points for that transaction.

Sixth Star Awards Program for Driver Partners Rewards Best in Customer Service
As part of the launch, Uber will also roll out a new incentive program funded by American Express – the Sixth Star Awards.  The awards will recognize the highest-rated Uber driver partners for service excellence and loyalty.  Each week, Uber will select one of its most highly-rated driver partners to receive the award, which includes a special prize valued at $1,000.    

About the Membership Rewards Program
The Membership Rewards program from American Express offers more than a million rewards from more than 500 brands. The program allows Card Members to earn one point for virtually every dollar charged on eligible, enrolled American Express Cards, with many opportunities to earn points faster. Membership Rewards points are redeemable in a wide selection of reward categories. Points have no expiration date, and there is no limit on the number of points a Card Member can earn. For more information about the Membership Rewards program, visit: www.membershiprewards.com or call 1-800-AXP-EARN (297-3276).

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress.

About Uber (www.uber.com)
Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through its platform, Uber make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more small business opportunities for drivers. From Uber's founding in 2009 to its launches in 128 cities in 36 countries today, Uber's rapidly expanding global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer.  https://www.uber.com

ⁱ Terms apply. Visit http://amex.co/uber for more information.

SOURCE American Express