What first-time promo codes actually give you

Uber Eats offers a discount on your first order when you use a promo code at checkout. The discount amount varies — it might be a dollar amount off (like $10 off) or a percentage off your order total (like 50% off). The code is entered in the "Promo Code" field on the payment screen before you complete your order.

The discount applies to food and drink items only, not to delivery fees or service fees. If your order total is less than the discount amount, you pay nothing — the order is free. If your order is more, you pay the difference. You can use the promo code only once per account, on your first order, and it usually expires within 30 to 90 days of when you receive it.

Key Takeaways

  • First-time promo codes are sent via email or SMS when you create a new Uber Eats account, or they appear in the app under "Promotions."
  • The discount applies only to food and drink, not to delivery or service fees, and you can use it only on your first order.
  • You enter the code in the "Promo Code" field at checkout, and it must be used before the expiration date printed in your email or app.
  • If you do not see a promo code in your account, check your email spam folder, or look under the Promotions tab in the Uber Eats app.
  • Promo codes cannot be combined with other offers, and they do not roll over if you do not use them before they expire.

Where to find your first-time promo code

When you create a new Uber Eats account, the app or website usually displays a promo code on the home screen or sends it to your email address within a few minutes. Check the email address you used to sign up, including your spam or promotions folder, because the message sometimes lands there instead of your inbox.

If you do not receive an email, open the Uber Eats app and tap the "Account" or profile icon at the bottom right. Look for a "Promotions" or "Offers" section. Your first-time code should appear there with the discount amount and expiration date. Some accounts show the code immediately; others take a few hours to generate it.

How to enter the code at checkout

Once you have selected your restaurant and added items to your cart, tap "Checkout" or "Review Order." On the payment screen, look for a field labeled "Promo Code," "Add Promo Code," or "Have a Promo Code?" Tap that field and type or paste your code exactly as it appears — codes are case-sensitive and include no spaces unless shown in the original.

After you enter the code, tap "Apply" or press Enter. The app will show you the discount amount and the new order total. If the code does not work, you will see an error message saying the code is invalid, expired, or already used. Check that you typed it correctly, that the expiration date has not passed, and that you have not used it on a previous order.

What happens if the code does not work

If you see an error message when you try to apply the code, the most common reasons are: the code has expired, you have already used it on another order, you are not a first-time user on that account, or you typed it incorrectly. Copy the code directly from your email or the app instead of typing it by hand — this prevents typos.

If the code still does not work and you believe it should, take a screenshot of the error message and the original promo code email, then contact Uber Eats support through the app. Tap "Account," then "Help," then "Contact Us." Describe the problem and attach your screenshots. Support can sometimes manually apply the discount if the code was valid but failed to process.

Restrictions and what the code does not cover

The promo code discount applies only to the subtotal of food and drink items. It does not reduce delivery fees, service fees, or taxes. If your order subtotal is $8 and your code gives you $10 off, you pay $0 for the food but still owe the delivery and service fees — usually $2 to $4 combined, depending on your location and restaurant.

You cannot combine the first-time promo code with other offers, such as restaurant-specific discounts or Uber Pass membership discounts. If you have an active Uber Pass subscription, the system will use whichever benefit saves you more money, but you cannot stack them. The code works only on your first order and cannot be transferred to another account or used again if you delete your account and create a new one.

Timing and expiration

Most first-time promo codes expire 30 to 90 days after you receive them. The exact expiration date is shown in your email or in the Promotions section of the app. If you do not use the code before that date, it becomes invalid and cannot be recovered or extended. There is no way to request a new code if yours expires unused.

You do not have to use the code immediately — you can wait days or weeks to place your first order, as long as you do it before the expiration date. Once you place an order with the code, it is consumed and cannot be used again, even if you cancel the order afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a first-time promo code if I used Uber (the ride service) before?

Yes. Uber Eats and Uber (rides) are separate services with separate accounts. A first-time Uber Eats code works even if you have an existing Uber rides account. However, if you have previously ordered from Uber Eats on that same email address, the code will not work.

What if I place an order and then cancel it — can I use the code on a different order?

No. Once you use the code on an order, even if you cancel it, the code is marked as used and cannot be applied again. The discount is consumed at the moment you apply it, not when the order is delivered.

Do I have to use the full promo code discount on one order, or can I split it across multiple orders?

You must use it on one order only. The code works only on your first order, so you cannot save part of the discount for a second order. If your first order is small, the full discount still applies to just that order.

Can I get a new promo code if I create a second account with a different email?

Yes, each new account with a unique email address receives its own first-time promo code. However, Uber may flag accounts created from the same phone number or payment method as duplicate accounts and deny the second code.

Does the promo code work on orders from all restaurants on Uber Eats?

The code works on most restaurants, but some restaurants or certain menu items may be excluded. When you add items to your cart, the app will show you the final discount amount before checkout. If a restaurant or item is excluded, the code simply will not apply to that order.