About Lyft

Lyft is a leading transportation-as-a-service provider primarily operating in the United States and Canada. Launched in 2012, it revolutionized the way people move by offering a mobile app that connects passengers in need of a ride with drivers with vehicles.

Beyond its core ridesharing service, Lyft has expanded into bike-sharing, electric scooters, car rentals, and specialized transit for healthcare and business. The brand is known for its focus on community, sustainability, and its “pink” branding that emphasizes a friendly, approachable alternative to traditional taxis.

Disclaimer
Affiliate program terms can change frequently. The figures below are based on general information and may vary based on specific campaigns or affiliate tiers.

Lyft Affiliate Program Overview

The Lyft affiliate program is designed to reward partners who refer new riders or new drivers to the platform. It is a performance-based marketing program that helps Lyft expand its user base through trusted third-party voices.

Information Details
Industry Transportation / Gig Economy / Travel
Product Type Service (Ridesharing & Driver Recruitment)
Affiliate Program Type Lead Generation / CPA (Cost Per Action)

Lyft Affiliate Program Offers

Lyft provides its affiliates with the necessary tools to promote their services effectively while maintaining strict brand safety guidelines.

Feature Details
Promotional Materials Banners, text links, deep links, and occasional promo codes
Affiliate Cookie Duration Typically 30 days
Accepted Traffic Source SEO, Content sites, Social media, Email (opt-in), PPC (with brand keyword restrictions)
Accepted Countries United States and Canada
Explicit Content Strictly prohibited
Religious or Political Content Generally restricted; brand prefers neutral/lifestyle environments

Lyft Affiliate Commissions & Payments

The commission structure is typically split into two categories: high-value payouts for referring new drivers and smaller payouts for referring new riders.

Payment Factor Details
MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) No (This is a standard performance-based program)
Commission Rate 1-10 per new rider; 100-600+ per new driver (varies by city)
Commission Structure Fixed CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)
Payout Frequency Monthly (Net-20 or Net-30)
Payout Methods Direct Deposit (ACH), PayPal, or Check
Minimum Payout Typically $50 (depending on the affiliate network used)

Suitable Affiliates for Lyft Affiliate

Who should join this program? Because Lyft is a localized service, it is best for creators with a North American audience.

  • Bloggers: Travel bloggers, personal finance bloggers (side hustles), and local city guides.
  • TikTokers: Those sharing “Day in the life” of a driver or travel hacks for navigating cities.
  • KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Real users sharing their referral codes with their immediate social circles.
  • KOL / Influencers: Lifestyle influencers who promote safe rides home or convenient travel.
  • YouTubers: Tech reviewers (app experience) or gig economy experts teaching people how to earn money.
  • Video Editors: Content creators making high-energy ads for social media distribution.
  • Livestreamers: Often used by “IRL” (In Real Life) streamers who use Lyft to move between streaming locations.

Lyft Affiliate Software

Lyft does not manage its affiliate program entirely in-house. They primarily use Impact (Impact Radius) and have historically used CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction). These platforms allow affiliates to track clicks, conversions, and payouts in a centralized dashboard.

3 Alternatives for Lyft Affiliate Program

If you are looking for similar programs, here is how Lyft compares to its top competitors.

Comparison Factor Uber DoorDash Turo
Average Bill $15 – $50 $30 – $60 $150 – $500
Entry Fees Free Free Free
Withdrawal Threshold $50 $50 $50
Payment Frequency Monthly Monthly Monthly
Commission Competitive CPA (Riders/Drivers) $2 – $10 (New Customer) 5% – 10% per booking
Conversion High (Global Brand) Very High (Food/Grocery) Moderate (Travel specific)
Marketing Materials Extensive Banners/Deep links High-quality imagery