New Uber Program Provides Tuition, Bonuses & Discounts to Top-Tier Drivers

Uber is offering new benefits to its most dedicated drivers.

Last week, the rideshare giant announced the launch of Uber Pro, a rewards program giving top-tier drivers access to free online tuition and discounts on gas and repairs. The program is currently being beta-tested in eight U.S. cities.

Uber Pro sets four status tiers that have gradually increasing reward levels: Partner, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Drivers reaching Platinum and Diamond status earn 100%-paid tuition to Arizona State University’s online program, which offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees. Eligible drivers can transfer the tuition coverage to their spouse, child, domestic partner, parent, sibling, legal guardian or dependent.

Platinum and Diamond drivers also earn an extra 3% and 6% on time and distance rates, respectively.

The program includes discounts for car maintenance and gas that increase based on the driver’s status level. Gas discounts include up to 5% cash back at any gas station and up to 6.5% cash back at Exxon and Mobil stations when using the Uber Visa Debit Card.

Drivers earn points on each trip during a fixed three-month period, with bonuses for completing fares during peak hours. The points earned during one period go toward unlocking rewards for the next period. Also, drivers must maintain a star rating of at least 4.85 and a cancellation rate below 4%.

Uber Pro is now available to all drivers in Chicago, New Orleans, Phoenix and Seattle. Drivers will be randomly selected for the program in Denver, New Jersey, Tampa and Orlando, Florida.

For more information on how to earn points and perk details, click here.

Matt Reinstetle is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. He covers side gigs and career advice. If you have a story idea, please email him at [email protected].