What an Uber Eats gift card is and how to use it

An Uber Eats gift card is a prepaid card you can buy and give to someone, or use yourself, to pay for food orders through the Uber Eats app or website. The card holds a dollar amount — you choose how much when you buy it — and that balance deducts from each order until it runs out. You don't need a credit card on file to use a gift card, though you will still need an Uber Eats account and a valid payment method for any order that costs more than the card's remaining balance.

Gift cards are sold by Uber directly through their website and app, and also through third-party retailers like grocery stores, pharmacies, and online marketplaces. The card itself is digital — you receive a code via email or in the app, not a physical card in the mail. You add the code to your Uber Eats account under "Payment Methods," and the balance appears immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Eats gift cards are digital codes that hold a dollar amount and work only for food orders on the Uber Eats platform, not for Uber rides.
  • You can buy gift cards directly from Uber or from third-party retailers, and the balance is added to your account instantly when you enter the code.
  • Gift card balances do not expire, but they can only be used for Uber Eats orders and cannot be transferred to another account or converted to cash.
  • If you lose the code or it does not work, Uber's support team can help you recover it if you have proof of purchase.

Where to buy Uber Eats gift cards

Uber sells gift cards directly through uber.com/gift and through the Uber Eats app under the "Account" menu. You choose the amount, enter an email address, and the recipient gets a code they can redeem immediately. Uber also partners with retailers including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon, where you can buy physical or digital gift cards in set denominations.

Prices at third-party retailers are the same as buying directly from Uber — there is no markup or discount. The advantage of buying through a retailer is convenience if you are already shopping there, or if you want a physical card to wrap as a gift. The disadvantage is that you depend on the retailer's inventory and hours, whereas Uber's website is available 24/7.

Some credit card companies and rewards programs also offer Uber Eats gift cards as redemption options. Check your card's rewards portal or your employer's benefits program to see if Uber Eats cards are available.

How to add a gift card to your account

To use an Uber Eats gift card, you need an active Uber Eats account. Open the app or go to ubereats.com, sign in, and navigate to "Account" or "Payment Methods." Select "Add Payment Method" and choose "Gift Card." Enter the code from your email or physical card, and the balance will appear in your account within seconds.

Once added, the gift card balance shows at checkout. If your order costs less than the balance, the full amount deducts from the card. If your order costs more, Uber will ask you to add another payment method — a credit card, debit card, or another gift card — to cover the difference. You cannot split a payment between a gift card and cash or store credit.

What you cannot do with an Uber Eats gift card

Uber Eats gift cards work only for food orders on the Uber Eats platform. You cannot use them for Uber rides, Uber Eats+ membership fees, or any other Uber service. The balance cannot be transferred to another person's account, refunded as cash, or converted to store credit at a restaurant.

Gift card balances do not expire — Uber does not set an end date on how long you can hold the balance. However, if your Uber account is closed or suspended, you may lose access to the balance. If you stop using Uber Eats for a long time, Uber may deactivate your account, which could affect your ability to use the card.

If your gift card code does not work

If you enter a code and it is rejected, first check that you typed it correctly — codes are case-sensitive and include both letters and numbers. Make sure you are using the code on the correct platform: a code from an email sent by Uber works in the Uber Eats app and on ubereats.com, but codes from third-party retailers must be redeemed through that retailer's website first before they work in the Uber app.

If the code is correct and still does not work, contact Uber Support through the app or website. Have your proof of purchase ready — an email receipt, a photo of the physical card, or a screenshot of your order confirmation from the retailer. Uber can look up the code and either reissue it or credit the amount directly to your account if the code was already used or damaged.

Gift card fees and terms

Uber Eats gift cards have no purchase fee, activation fee, or monthly maintenance fee. The amount you pay is the amount you get. Some third-party retailers may charge a small fee to purchase the card, but Uber itself does not.

When you use a gift card to pay for an order, you still pay any applicable delivery fees, service fees, and taxes — these are not waived because you used a gift card instead of a credit card. Promotions and discounts that apply to your account will still work with a gift card balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Uber Eats gift card for Uber rides?

No. Uber Eats gift cards work only for food orders through Uber Eats. If you want to pay for rides with a gift card, you need an Uber Rides gift card, which is a separate product.

Do Uber Eats gift cards expire?

No, the balance does not expire. You can hold it indefinitely. However, if your Uber account is closed or inactive for an extended period, Uber may deactivate it, which could affect your access to the balance.

What happens if I order something that costs more than my gift card balance?

Uber will ask you to add another payment method to cover the difference. You can use a credit card, debit card, or another gift card. You cannot pay part with a gift card and part with cash or in-store credit.

Can I get a refund if I do not use the full balance?

No. Gift card balances cannot be refunded as cash or converted to credit. The balance remains on your account until you spend it on Uber Eats orders.

What if someone else has my gift card code?

Once a code is redeemed to an account, it cannot be used again. If someone else enters your code first, they will receive the balance. If this happens, contact Uber Support with proof of purchase and explain the situation. Uber may be able to help, but they cannot may provide recovery.