Verizon Up Rewards Program Review [Changes Beginning in March]

Update 1/29/20: Starting March 1, you’ll be able to grab your favorite reward after the first of each month. No more credits needed. Make sure to use existing credits by 2.29.2020 in the My Verizon app. FAQ

Update 5/3/19: You now get one credit per month, rather than needing to spend $300 to get a credit. Credits also must be now redeemed within 30 days, instead of the previous 60 days. Hat tip to reader Mike G

 

7/25/18: Verizon Up has added a Local Offers section with many BOGO’s and the like at local stores. Added section below.

Verizon Up Review

Direct Link / FAQ

On August 1, 2017, Verizon rolled out a new rewards program called Verizon Up. This is part of the ‘thank your customers’ competition which started with T-Mobile Tuesday’s and then AT&T Thanks.

The idea is to simplify the older, bloated Verizon rewards program called Verizon Smart Rewards which some people didn’t find smart or rewarding. The new program has simpler earning and redeeming options. Verizon Up is accessed via the Verizon app only, so you’ll need that to take advantage of the program.

Note: Verizon Up is only for mobile phone users. Verizon Fios users can participate in a different rewards program called Verizon My Rewards+.

Those who still have Verizon Smart Rewards can use them by October 31. Unfortunately, points do not roll over to the new program, and there aren’t any good deals to be had with them; people are trying to unload their huge stash of points to get any sort of $5 gift card via auctions.

 Earning Rewards

You now earn one credit per month.

Verizon Up earnings are simple: each $300 you put into Verizon’s coffers you’ll get one credit. This includes your wireless bill or any other purchases paid on your Verizon Wireless monthly bill, like a phone purchase which gets paid monthly.

The rewards program is only for products and services paid on your monthly bill, not a phone purchased outright and certainly not on home phone service or internet service.

Redeeming Rewards

Each 1 credit earned entitles you to one reward. It doesn’t matter which reward you pick – it’s always one reward per 1 credit, meaning one reward per month. Once earned, you have 30 days to redeem a credit.

Reward options are refreshed each month. To give you an idea, here is a list of some of the current options:

• $5 Starbucks gift card
• 20% off 10 Uber rides within a month
• $10 off a new device
• Free 3 months of HBO Now
• 15% off any case
• 4 months free music (Apple Music, I think)
• 1 GB of bonus data (useful for those not on Unlimited plans)

They also will offer periodic ‘Super Tickets’ which can be anything from concerts to local sporting events. Be sure to snag these fast since they’ll go quick.

At the minimum, a $5 Starbucks gift card is an easy option, and the Uber option looks fantastic: assuming there’s no cap there, it can easily be worth $50 or more for the right person which is incredible.

Signup Bonus

You get one free credit upon signup. Could worth signing up just for that.

Verizon Up Local Offers

Verizon Up also offers deals at man local establishments. One common offer is BOGO at local restaurants. Many similar offers as well.

Final Thoughts

Most people will probably like the new rewards program better (I think?), though people who were experts at picking up on the deal under Verizon Smart Rewards will find they got better value under the old system.

The jury is still out on the value proposition of Verizon Up – sounds like there are good options available, and the fact that they have the $5 Starbucks gift card for easy redemption is nice. The bigger question is how these rewards will change over time. We’ll see.

Some people have expressed concern that in order to enroll in the new Verizon Up program you need enroll in Verizon Select which mines data about you. If you’re worried about that kind of thing, you’ll want to steer clear of this rewards program.

Let us know your thoughts or tips to maximize in the comments.