Uber gift cards work like prepaid accounts you load money into before you ride

An Uber gift card is a prepaid card or code you buy and give to someone else, or load onto your own account. When the recipient uses it, the balance pays for rides, Uber Eats orders, or both depending on the card type. The money sits in their Uber account until they spend it, and they can add their own payment method once the gift card balance runs out.

You can buy Uber gift cards in fixed amounts from Uber's website, the Uber app, or from retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS. The cards come as either a physical card you receive by mail or an instant digital code sent by email. There's no expiration date on the balance itself, though Uber accounts that sit inactive for a long time may be closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber gift cards are available in set dollar amounts starting at $15, and you can buy them online, through the app, or at major retailers.
  • Digital gift cards send a code by email within minutes, while physical cards arrive by mail in five to seven business days.
  • The recipient can use the balance for Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, or both, depending on which type of card you purchase.
  • Gift card balances don't expire, but the account itself may close if unused for an extended period.
  • Once the balance runs out, the user can add a debit card, credit card, or other payment method to keep using Uber.

Where to buy Uber gift cards and what amounts are available

Uber sells gift cards directly through its website and mobile app in denominations of $15, $25, $50, and $100. You can also buy them at physical retailers including Target, Walmart, CVS, Best Buy, and some grocery store chains. Availability varies by store and location, so calling ahead can save a trip.

Physical cards ordered through Uber's website or app take five to seven business days to arrive by mail. Digital codes are faster—Uber sends them to an email address within minutes of purchase. Retailer gift cards are immediate if you buy them in-store, or they follow the retailer's shipping timeline if ordered online.

How to send a gift card to someone else

If you buy a digital code through Uber's website or app, you enter the recipient's email address at checkout and Uber sends the code directly to them. They'll receive an email with instructions on how to redeem it. You can also add a personal message when you send it.

For physical cards, you receive the card by mail and can give it to the person in person or mail it yourself. If you buy from a retailer, the card comes in a package you can wrap or hand over as-is. The recipient scratches off or enters the code on the back to add the balance to their Uber account.

How to redeem an Uber gift card

To redeem a digital code, the recipient opens the email from Uber, clicks the link, and signs into their Uber account or creates one if they don't have one yet. They enter the code, and the balance appears in their account immediately. If they're redeeming a physical card, they go to Uber's website, select "Redeem a gift card," and type in the code from the back of the card.

The balance automatically applies to their next ride or Uber Eats order. They don't need to do anything else—Uber deducts from the gift card balance first, then charges any remaining amount to a linked payment method if the order costs more than the balance.

What happens when the balance runs out

Once the gift card balance is spent, the account still works normally. The user simply adds a debit card, credit card, or other payment method to their Uber account and continues using the service. They can also add a new gift card code if they receive another one.

If the account sits unused for a very long time—typically a year or more of no activity—Uber may close it. The balance itself doesn't expire, but an inactive account may be deleted. If this happens, the user would need to contact Uber support to recover any remaining balance, though recovery is not may provide.

Uber Eats gift cards versus Uber ride gift cards

Uber offers separate gift cards for rides and for Uber Eats, though some cards work for both. When you buy a gift card, check the description to see whether it covers rides only, Eats only, or both services. A card labeled for "Uber" typically covers rides, while one labeled "Uber Eats" covers food delivery only.

If you're not sure which service the recipient uses more, a dual-purpose card is the safer choice. These cards work for both rides and Eats, so the recipient can use the balance however they prefer. Dual-purpose cards are available at most retailers and through Uber's website.

Things to know before you buy

Uber gift cards have no fees for the buyer or recipient. The amount you pay is the full value of the card—there are no hidden charges or activation costs. However, if you buy a physical card from a retailer, the retailer may charge a small fee on top of the card's face value, so check the price tag.

Gift cards are not refundable once purchased. If you buy a code by mistake or change your mind, Uber typically will not issue a refund. Some retailers may have their own return policies for unopened physical cards, so check with the store where you bought it. If the recipient loses the code or card, they can contact Uber support, but recovery depends on whether Uber can verify the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Uber gift card if I don't have an Uber account yet?

Yes. When you redeem the code, Uber prompts you to create an account if you don't have one. You'll need an email address and phone number to set up the account, then the gift card balance is added immediately.

What if the gift card code doesn't work when I try to redeem it?

Check that you've entered the code exactly as it appears, including any hyphens or spaces. If it still doesn't work, the code may have already been redeemed, or there may be a technical issue. Contact Uber support with your receipt or order number, and they can investigate.

Can I combine multiple gift card codes into one account?

Yes. You can redeem as many gift card codes as you want into a single Uber account. Each code adds its balance to the account total, and you can use them all together or separately.

Do Uber gift cards work in other countries?

No. A gift card purchased for one country only works in that country's Uber app. If you're traveling or moving, you'll need to purchase a new gift card in the country where you're using Uber.

Can I get a refund if I don't use the entire gift card balance?

No. Uber does not refund unused gift card balances. The balance stays in your account indefinitely as long as the account remains active, so you can use it whenever you're ready.