What an Uber code is and how it works
An Uber code is a unique referral link or code that lets you invite someone to use Uber for the first time. When they sign up using your code and complete their first ride, both of you receive account credits — usually a discount on future rides. The person you invite gets a credit toward their first ride, and you get a credit toward a later ride. The exact amount varies by location and changes over time.
Uber codes work differently depending on whether you're inviting someone to use Uber for rides (UberX, Uber Black, and so on) or Uber Eats (food delivery). The mechanics are the same — you share a code, they use it at signup — but the credits apply to different services. You cannot use a rides referral code for Eats, or vice versa.
The code itself is a string of letters and numbers that appears in your Uber app, or you can generate a unique referral link that you text or email to someone. When they tap that link and create an account, the system automatically connects the referral to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Your Uber code is found in the app under Account or Promotions, and you can share it as text, a link, or a QR code.
- The person you invite must be a new Uber user in that region and must use your code at signup to trigger the credit for both of you.
- Credits appear in both accounts after the new user completes their first ride or food order, not immediately at signup.
- Referral credits expire after a set period (usually 60 days), so you need to use them before the deadline or they disappear.
- Uber can cancel credits or deactivate accounts if it detects fraud, such as signing up multiple times with the same person or using fake accounts.
Where to find your Uber code in the app
Open the Uber app and tap the account icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Look for a section called "Promotions," "Rewards," "Invite Friends," or "Referrals" — the exact label changes by region and app version. Tap that section and you will see your personal referral code displayed.
From that same screen, you can usually copy the code to paste into a message, generate a shareable link, or create a QR code that someone can scan with their phone camera. Each of these methods points to the same code, so it does not matter which one you use.
If you cannot find the referral section, try searching the app's help menu or contact Uber support. Not all accounts have active referral programs at all times — Uber sometimes pauses or limits referrals in certain regions or for certain account types.
What happens when someone uses your code
The person you invite downloads the Uber app and creates a new account. During signup, they enter your referral code or tap your referral link. They then complete their first ride (or first food order, if it is an Eats code) and pay for it normally.
After that first ride is complete, both accounts receive credits. The new user's credit usually appears within a few hours to a day. Your credit may take longer — sometimes up to a week. Both credits come with an expiration date, typically 60 days from when they are issued, though this varies by region.
Credits are not cash. You cannot withdraw them or transfer them to another account. You can only use them to pay for rides or food orders within the Uber app. If you do not use the credit before it expires, it is forfeited.
may be able to access rules and restrictions
The person you invite must be a new Uber user in that geographic region. If they have ever had an Uber account before — even if they deleted it years ago — they may not be may be able to access. Uber's system checks the phone number, email address, and payment method against its database of past users.
Some regions have restrictions on who can receive referral credits. Certain countries or cities may not have active referral programs, or may limit them to users over a certain age. Uber also does not allow referrals between accounts that share the same household or payment method, because the company treats that as fraud.
If you try to refer someone who does not meet these rules, the credit will not post to either account after the ride is complete. Uber will not notify you in advance — you will only discover it when the credit does not appear.
How to use your referral credit
Once the credit appears in your account, it is automatically available when you book your next ride or order. You do not need to enter a code or take any action. When you go to pay, the app will show the credit as a payment option and deduct it from your total.
If your ride or order costs less than the credit amount, you will not receive change. The unused portion of the credit simply disappears. For example, if you have a $15 credit and take a $10 ride, you lose the extra $5.
Credits can be combined with other promotions or discounts in some cases, but not always. Check the terms shown in the app when you book to see whether your credit can be stacked with other offers.
What to do if your referral credit does not appear
Wait at least one week after the new user completes their first ride. Credits sometimes take several days to process. Check your Promotions section in the app to see if it has been added there.
If a week has passed and the credit still has not appeared, the new user may not have met the may be able to access requirements. This happens most often when the person has had an Uber account before, even if it was inactive. Ask them to check their email for any Uber account history.
You can also contact Uber support through the app and provide the phone number or email of the person you referred. Support can tell you whether the referral was processed and why it may have failed. Keep in mind that Uber support response times vary, and they may not be able to restore a credit if the referral genuinely did not meet the rules.
Fraud detection and account deactivation
Uber monitors referral activity for patterns that suggest fraud. If you repeatedly refer the same person using different codes, or if you create multiple accounts to refer to yourself, Uber can cancel your credits and suspend or deactivate your account.
The company also flags accounts that use the same payment method, phone number, or address across multiple referrals. Even if you are not intentionally breaking the rules, sharing a household with someone you refer can trigger a fraud hold.
If Uber suspects fraud, it will usually send you a message in the app or an email explaining that credits have been removed or your account has been restricted. You can appeal through the support channel, but reversals are rare unless you can show that the activity was legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's referral code if I already have an Uber account?
No. Referral codes only work for new users who have never had an Uber account in that region. If you have an existing account, entering a code at signup will not do anything, and you will not receive a credit.
What if the person I referred never completes a ride?
Neither of you will receive a credit. The referral only triggers when the new user completes their first paid ride or order. If they download the app and never use it, no credit is issued.
Do referral credits work for Uber Eats and Uber rides on the same code?
No. Uber Eats and Uber rides have separate referral programs. A code for rides will not work for Eats, and vice versa. You need to use the correct code for the service the person is signing up for.
Can I share my referral code on social media or a public website?
Yes, you can post your code publicly. However, Uber may limit how many times one code can be used, or may pause your referral program if it detects unusual activity. Posting publicly does not violate the terms, but it may draw Uber's attention if the volume of signups looks suspicious.
What happens if my referral credit expires before I use it?
Expired credits are removed from your account and cannot be recovered. You will not receive a refund or a second chance to use them. Check your Promotions section regularly to see the expiration date of any credits you have.