- Initially, drivers in four countries will be able to benefit from the move.
- All drivers across the Uber app ecosystem will be able to benefit.
- “We’re thrilled to launch this partnership with Uber to serve everyone earning on the Uber platform,” said MoneyGram CEO Alex Holmes.
Online money transfer firm MoneyGram will be working alongside ride-hailing app Uber to help drivers during the pandemic, it said.
The firm will offer Uber drivers and delivery professionals a discount on digital-based cash transfers to loved ones around the world.
It will be possible for those earning money via any part of any Uber system, including the core ‘Driver’ app as well as food delivery services and others, to make the most of the discount.
Those who qualify can send cash to friends or family in more than 200 locations around the world.
MoneyGram said that the terms of the discount could be found on its website.
The discounts will first be applied to drivers in four locations – the UK, the US, Australia and Canada.
According to a press release from MoneyGram, however, these locations are only where it has “initially” launched – suggesting that it may be launched in other destinations soon.
According to MoneyGram chairman and CEO Alex Holmes, the move came about because of “customer feedback”.
“We’re thrilled to launch this partnership with Uber to serve everyone earning on the Uber platform – many of whom frequently send money back home to friends and family,” he said.
“Our companies have significant overlap in the populations we serve, and drivers know and love the MoneyGram brand.”
“In fact, this partnership is a direct result of customer feedback, and we’re proud to provide drivers with affordable access to our global platform during this challenging season brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
For Uber’s part, a spokesperson said that the firm was “excited” to be working alongside MoneyGram.
“The spread of COVID-19 has been hard for everyone, and it has been particularly challenging for people who drive and deliver with companies like ours,” the spokesperson said.
“To help those who are supporting loved ones abroad during these uncertain times, we’re excited to partner with MoneyGram,” they added.
To some, this will simply look like a smart PR move on the part of MoneyGram – and might be interpreted as a way to generate headlines during a difficult period – but to many, this discount will be welcome news.
Uber drivers, and others in the so-called ‘gig economy’, are among some of the most economically precarious workers there are in many countries.
This move will help them save a little chunk of cash at a time when they need it most.
It’s clear that the coronavirus pandemic is a time of unprecedented upheaval and change, and companies such as MoneyGram are leading the way by offering a helping hand.
Keep up to date with everything that’s happening in the cross-border payments industry during these uncertain times by taking a look at our magazine pages.
