Uber's first ride discount is usually a code you enter in the app, not something you find on a website
Uber sends first ride codes to new users through email, text, or in-app notification — you don't search for them. The code typically covers a portion of your first trip, often $5 to $20 depending on your city and the current promotion. You enter it in the Uber app under "Wallet" or "Promotions" before you request your ride, and the discount applies automatically at checkout.
The catch is that these codes are tied to your account and location. A code sent to you works only on your first ride in that city. If you've already taken an Uber ride anywhere, you won't receive or be able to use a first-time user code. Some codes also have expiration dates — usually 30 to 90 days from when they're sent — so checking your email and app notifications matters.
If you haven't received a code and you're a new user, check your email (including spam folders), text messages, and the Promotions tab in the Uber app itself. Sometimes Uber holds the code in the app and doesn't email it. If nothing appears after a few days, the promotion may not be running in your area at that moment.
Key Takeaways
- First ride codes are sent directly to your email, phone, or Uber app — you don't find them by searching online.
- The code must be entered in the Uber app under Wallet or Promotions before you request your ride.
- Codes only work on your first ride and are tied to your account and city, so you can't use someone else's code.
- Most codes expire within 30 to 90 days, so check the expiration date before your ride.
- If you've already taken an Uber ride, you won't receive a first-time user code in that city.
Where to find your code in the Uber app
Open the Uber app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Wallet" — this is where all your payment methods and promotional codes live. You should see a section for "Promotions" or "Promo Code." If you have an active first ride code, it will appear here with the discount amount and expiration date.
If you don't see a code in Wallet, check the home screen of the app. Uber sometimes displays a banner at the top advertising your first ride discount. Tap it to add the code automatically. You can also look in your email — search for messages from Uber or noreply@uber.com — and check your text messages if Uber has your phone number on file.
Once you've located the code, you don't need to do anything else until you're ready to book. The code will be applied when you request your ride, as long as it hasn't expired and you haven't already used your first ride credit.
How to enter the code at checkout
Request your ride as you normally would — select your pickup and dropoff locations and choose UberX or your preferred service. Before you confirm the ride, look at the fare breakdown on the screen. You should see a line for "Promotions" or "Discounts" showing your first ride credit already deducted from the total.
If the discount doesn't appear automatically, tap "Add Promo Code" (the exact wording varies by app version) and enter the code manually. Paste or type the full code exactly as it appears in your email or the Promotions section — codes are case-sensitive and spaces matter. Once you enter it, the discount should show up immediately in the fare breakdown.
After the discount is applied, confirm your ride and complete the trip as normal. The credit is used at the end of the ride when you're charged. If your trip costs less than the discount amount, you won't get the difference back — the credit is one-time use only.
What happens if your code doesn't work
The most common reason a code fails is that it's expired. Check the expiration date in your Promotions tab or email. If it's past that date, the code is no longer valid and Uber won't honor it. Some codes also have restrictions — they may only work on certain ride types (like UberX, not Uber Eats) or in specific cities, so verify those details before you book.
Another reason codes don't work is if you've already taken a ride. First ride codes are one-time credits for new users only. If you've completed even one trip on your account, the code won't apply. Similarly, if you're trying to use someone else's code, it won't work because codes are locked to the account they were sent to.
If you believe your code should work but it's not applying, try signing out of the Uber app completely and signing back in. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to recognize a new promotion. If it still doesn't work after that, contact Uber support through the app — tap your profile icon, then "Help," and describe the issue. They can manually investigate whether the code is valid for your account.
Codes from referral links versus first-time promotions
Uber runs two different types of discounts for new users. A first ride promotion is sent directly to you by Uber and doesn't require a referral. A referral code is generated by an existing Uber user and shared with you — when you sign up using their code, you both get a credit. Referral codes work differently: they're entered during account creation, not after.
If you're signing up for Uber for the first time and someone gives you a referral code, use it during the signup process. You'll see a field asking for a promo code — enter the referral code there. After you complete your first ride, both you and the person who referred you will receive credits. This is separate from any first-time promotion Uber is running, so you may be able to stack both if you time it right.
If you've already created your account without a referral code, you can't go back and add one. You can only use the first ride promotion that Uber sent to your account directly.
Regional differences and timing
Uber's first ride promotions vary by city and change throughout the year. In some cities, the discount might be $5 off; in others, it could be $15 or $20. Some cities run promotions only during certain seasons or when Uber is trying to attract new users in that area. This means your friend in another city might receive a different code with a different discount amount than you do.
The timing of when you receive a code also varies. Some users get it immediately after creating an account, while others receive it days or weeks later. Uber sometimes sends codes in waves, so if you don't see one right away, check back in a few days. You can also check the Promotions tab in your app regularly — Uber adds codes there without always sending an email notification.
If you're in a city where Uber isn't currently running a first ride promotion, you won't receive a code. This doesn't mean you'll never get one — promotions rotate, and a new one may start in your area later. In the meantime, you can still use referral codes from friends if they have active referral programs running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's first ride code?
No. First ride codes are tied to the specific account they were sent to and won't work if you try to enter them on a different account. Each new Uber user receives their own code, so you'll need to wait for yours to arrive or use a referral code from a friend instead.
What if my first ride costs less than the discount amount?
The discount applies up to the amount of your trip, but you don't receive the leftover credit. For example, if your code is worth $10 and your ride costs $7, you pay $0 and the remaining $3 is not added to your account. Use the credit on a longer ride if you want to get the full value.
Can I use my first ride code on Uber Eats?
Most first ride codes are for Uber rides only and won't work on Uber Eats. Check the terms in your Promotions tab or email to confirm what service the code covers. Uber Eats has its own separate promotions for new users.
How long do I have to use my first ride code?
Expiration dates vary, but most codes are valid for 30 to 90 days from when they're sent. Check your Promotions tab or email for the exact date. After the expiration date passes, the code can't be used, even if you haven't taken a ride yet.
What if I delete my Uber account and create a new one — can I get another first ride code?
Uber tracks accounts by phone number and payment method, so creating a new account with the same information won't may have access to you for a new first ride promotion. You'd need a different phone number and payment method to be treated as a new user, and even then, Uber may flag the account if it detects the pattern.