Uber, in partnership with Bankaool, the first Mexican online bank, and MasterCard, has announced the launch of Uber Bankaool Debit Card, which gives consumers in Mexico an alternative way to pay for rides using a mobile banking app.

"This reflects how fintechs with an open IT architecture can work together with IT companies, bringing innovative and disruptive solutions to an increasing number of markets," said Francisco Meré, CEO of Bankaool.

Bankaool's press release did not make clear how a consumer uses the mobile banking app to pay for Uber rides. One would assume that the rider links the payment card account to an Uber profile.

Other advantages of the Uber Bankaool card include: free first Uber ride (up to MXN$100 for new users of the app); acceptance at physical retailer and e-commerce sites; free unlimited interbank transfers; online access to account balances and statements; and monthly fee refunds on two cash withdrawals at any ATM.