If you’re a frequent traveler who relies on rideshare services like Lyft and Uber to get to and from the airport, you may have noticed that fares can vary between the two platforms. Many travelers, myself included, have developed a habit of checking both Lyft and Uber to find the cheapest option before ordering a car. However, what you may not realize is that the potential rewards earnings on Lyft and Uber are not the same. In fact, Lyft offers a unique opportunity to triple stack rewards and maximize your earnings. In this article, we’ll explore the Lyft trifecta and how you can start maximizing your Lyft rides.
One of the key players in the Lyft trifecta is Chase Ultimate Rewards. Chase has extended its partnership with Lyft, which means that Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can continue to earn 10 points per dollar on all Lyft rides through March 2025. The Points Guy (TPG) values each Chase Ultimate Rewards point at 2.05 cents, which means that by using the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can get around 20% back on your Lyft rides in Ultimate Rewards points. This is a significant earning potential compared to what you can earn on Uber.
But the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card don’t stop there. Cardholders also receive a complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for two years, worth up to $199 annually. This membership includes various benefits such as discounted rides, free bike and scooter rentals, and priority pickup upgrades. To activate this membership, you need to do so by December 31, 2024. If you don’t have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, there are other options available to you. You can earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (equivalent to a 10% return based on TPG’s valuations) or 5% cash back by using certain Chase credit cards. Alternatively, you can earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides by using specific cards.
Another way to maximize your Lyft rides is by paying with a World Mastercard, World Elite Mastercard, or the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. If you take three eligible rides in the United States in a month and pay with one of these cards, you’ll automatically receive a credit after the third ride. The credit amount depends on the card you use, with World and World Elite Mastercard holders receiving a $5 credit, and Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard holders receiving a $10 credit.
In addition to credit card rewards, Lyft also partners with several airlines and hotel loyalty programs, allowing you to earn even more points or miles. Partners include Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, Hilton Honors, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles, and Bilt Rewards. However, it’s important to note that you can only earn rewards with one partner at a time, and rewards are earned only on the base fare of your Lyft ride.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can earn from each rewards partner:
– Bilt Rewards: 2 Bilt Rewards points per dollar spent on rides when you link your Bilt account in the Lyft app, with an additional 3 Bilt Rewards points per dollar when you pay with your Bilt Mastercard.
– Hilton Honors: 3 Hilton Honors points per dollar spent on private Lyft rides in the U.S., and 2 Hilton Honors points per dollar spent on shared Lyft rides in the U.S.
– Delta SkyMiles: 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent on airport Lyft rides in the U.S., and 1 Delta SkyMile per dollar spent on non-airport Lyft rides in the U.S.
– Alaska Mileage Plan: 1 Alaska Mileage Plan mile per dollar spent on all Lyft rides in the U.S. and Canada.
To start earning points or miles with these partners, you need to add your membership number to Lyft in the “Rewards” section of the app.
Overall, the ability to stack offers on Lyft allows you to save significantly on Lyft rides when you factor in the value of your earnings. However, the value of your rewards will depend on the specific program and how you choose to redeem them. It’s important to set up and link your accounts correctly to ensure that you can earn multiple rewards on your Lyft trips.
In conclusion, if you’re someone who frequently uses Lyft to get to and from the airport, it’s worth exploring the various rewards opportunities available to you. By utilizing the Lyft trifecta, which includes Chase Ultimate Rewards, credit card benefits, and airline and hotel loyalty partnerships, you can maximize your earnings and potentially save a significant amount on your Lyft rides. So next time you’re comparing fares between Lyft and Uber, remember that Lyft offers more than just a cheaper ride – it offers a chance to earn valuable rewards.