You can send an Uber Eats gift card through the Uber app, by email, or as a physical card from a retailer

The most direct way is through the Uber app itself. Open the app, tap the account icon, select "Wallet," then "Send a gift." You choose the dollar amount (typically $10 to $500, depending on your location), add the recipient's email address or phone number, and complete the payment. Uber sends them a code they can use immediately on their account.

If you don't have the Uber app or prefer email, you can buy a digital gift card from Uber's website at uber.com/gift. The process is the same: pick an amount, enter the recipient's email, and they receive a code to redeem. Physical Uber Eats gift cards are also sold at grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers like Target and Walmart — these work the same way once the recipient enters the code into their account.

The recipient doesn't need an existing Uber account to receive the gift card. When they use the code, it creates an account or adds the balance to an existing one. The card never expires, though the terms of service can change how long Uber holds unused balances.

Key Takeaways

  • Send a digital gift card through the Uber app by tapping Wallet, then Send a Gift, or through uber.com/gift using any web browser.
  • Physical Uber Eats gift cards sold at retailers like Target and Walmart work the same way — the recipient enters the code into their account.
  • You can send a gift card to someone's email address or phone number, and they can use it immediately without an existing Uber account.
  • Digital gift cards arrive within minutes, while physical cards are available at checkout but require the recipient to enter the code themselves.

Sending through the Uber app step by step

Open the Uber Eats app on your phone and tap the account icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and select "Wallet." You'll see an option that says "Send a gift" — tap it. Choose the amount you want to send (the app shows minimum and maximum limits for your region). Enter the recipient's email address or phone number, add a personal message if you want, and review the total charge to your payment method.

Tap "Send" to complete the transaction. Uber sends the recipient a notification with a code they can use to add the balance to their account. If they don't have the app yet, they can create an account and redeem the code during signup. The code works on both Uber Eats and the main Uber app if they want to use it for rides instead.

Buying a digital gift card online

Go to uber.com/gift and select "Uber Eats" from the options. Choose your gift card amount and enter the recipient's email address. You can add a custom message and select a delivery date if you want to schedule it for a future date. Complete payment with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method on file with Uber.

The recipient receives an email with a unique code and a link to redeem it. They click the link, sign in or create an account, and the balance appears in their Wallet. This method works even if the recipient uses a different device or operating system than you do.

Physical gift cards from retailers

Uber Eats gift cards are stocked at most major grocery stores, drugstores, and big-box retailers. Look for them near the checkout lanes or in the gift card section. The card itself contains a code on the back. The recipient scratches off or reveals the code, opens the Uber app or goes to uber.com, and enters it into their Wallet to add the balance.

Physical cards are useful if you want to give a gift in person or if the recipient doesn't have an email address or phone number you're certain about. The downside is that the recipient has to do the redemption step themselves — you can't complete it for them the way you can with a digital card sent to their email.

What happens after you send the gift card

Once the recipient redeems the code, the balance sits in their Uber Eats Wallet and can be used for food orders, delivery fees, and service fees on the platform. If they have a balance from a previous gift card or promotion, the new amount adds to it. They can check their balance anytime by opening the app and tapping Wallet.

The balance does not expire under current Uber policy, but Uber's terms can change. If an account remains inactive for an extended period, Uber may close it and the balance could be forfeited — though this is rare and Uber typically notifies users before taking that step. The recipient can use the balance across multiple orders over time.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the recipient says they didn't receive the email with the gift card code, ask them to check their spam or promotions folder — Uber's emails sometimes land there. If it's still not there after 10 minutes, you can resend it through the Uber app by going back to Wallet and selecting the transaction. Make sure you have the correct email address or phone number.

If a code isn't working when the recipient tries to redeem it, they should check that they're entering it exactly as shown, with no extra spaces. If the code still doesn't work, contact Uber Support through the app — they can verify the code and manually add the balance if there's a technical issue. Physical gift cards sometimes have printing errors; if the code is illegible, the retailer where it was purchased can usually issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a gift card to someone who doesn't have an Uber account yet?

Yes. When they redeem the code, they can create an account as part of the process. The balance will be ready to use as soon as their account is set up. They don't need to have an account before you send the gift card.

What's the difference between an Uber gift card and an Uber Eats gift card?

Uber Eats gift cards are for food delivery only. Uber gift cards can be used for both rides and food delivery. If you want the recipient to have options, send an Uber gift card instead. Both are sent the same way through the app or website.

Can I get a refund if I send a gift card by mistake?

If the recipient hasn't redeemed the code yet, contact Uber Support and explain the situation. They may be able to cancel the code and refund your payment, but this depends on how quickly you contact them. Once the code is redeemed and added to an account, the balance cannot be refunded.

Is there a limit to how much I can send?

Yes, but the limit varies by location and payment method. Most areas allow gift cards from $10 to $500 per transaction. The Uber app shows your specific limit when you go to send a gift. If you need to send more, you can send multiple gift cards.

Do gift cards work for Uber Eats Plus membership?

No. Gift card balances can only be used to pay for food orders and delivery fees. Uber Eats Plus is a separate subscription and must be paid for with a credit card or other payment method, not with a gift card balance.