Uber Eats first-order discounts are promotional offers that reduce the cost of your initial purchase on the platform
Uber Eats runs first-order promotions that typically give you a percentage off or a fixed dollar amount off your first order. These offers come from Uber itself, not from individual restaurants. The discount usually applies to your food subtotal, though some promotions exclude delivery fees or service fees. You do not need to enter a promo code for most offers — the discount appears automatically when you open the app if you are a new user or have not ordered in a long time.
The exact discount amount and what it covers depends on your location, the current promotion running, and sometimes the size of your order. A promotion might say "$15 off your first order of $25 or more" or "30% off, up to $20." Uber changes these offers regularly, so what was available last month may not be running now.
Key Takeaways
- First-order discounts appear automatically in the app for new users and do not require a promo code in most cases.
- The discount amount and minimum order requirement vary by location and change throughout the year.
- Discounts typically apply to food subtotal only and do not reduce delivery fees, service fees, or taxes.
- You must complete your order and payment through the Uber Eats app or website to receive the discount — it does not apply to phone orders or third-party delivery.
How the discount appears in your account
When you first download the Uber Eats app and create an account, Uber checks whether a first-order promotion is running in your area. If one is active, you will see the offer displayed on the home screen or in a banner when you open the app. The discount shows the exact dollar or percentage amount, the minimum order size required to use it, and any restrictions (such as which restaurants or food categories it covers).
The discount is tied to your account, not to a code you enter. When you add items to your cart and proceed to checkout, the system automatically deducts the promotional amount from your subtotal before you pay. You will see the discount listed as a line item in your order summary, labeled something like "Promo" or "First-order discount."
What the discount does and does not cover
First-order discounts reduce the cost of the food you order — the subtotal of your meal. They do not reduce delivery fees, service fees, small-order fees, or taxes. If your promotion says "$15 off," that $15 comes off the food cost only. You still pay the full delivery fee and any other charges Uber adds to your order.
Some promotions are limited to certain restaurants or food categories. For example, a promotion might apply only to orders from restaurants marked "Promotions may be able to access" or only to orders over a certain dollar amount. Read the terms shown in the app before you check out, because the discount will not apply if your order does not meet the stated conditions.
Minimum order requirements and how they work
Most first-order promotions include a minimum subtotal you must reach before the discount applies. A common structure is "$15 off orders of $25 or more." This means your food subtotal must be at least $25 before the discount is deducted. If your subtotal is $24.99, the discount will not appear at checkout.
The minimum is calculated on food subtotal only, not including delivery fees, service fees, or taxes. If you are close to the minimum, add a small item to your cart to cross the threshold. Some promotions have no minimum at all, though these are less common and usually offer smaller discounts.
When and where first-order discounts are available
Uber runs first-order promotions year-round, but the specific offer changes frequently — sometimes weekly or monthly. Promotions are location-based, so what is available in one city may not be available in another. Your zip code determines which promotion you see when you open the app.
New users almost always see a first-order offer when they create an account. Existing users who have not ordered in several months may also see a "win-back" promotion designed to bring them back to the platform. If you do not see an offer on your home screen, one may not be running in your area at that moment, or you may not meet the criteria for the current promotion.
How to use your first-order discount
Open the Uber Eats app and browse restaurants and menu items as you normally would. Add items to your cart until your subtotal meets the minimum order requirement shown in the promotion. Proceed to checkout and review your order summary — the discount should appear automatically as a line item deducted from your food subtotal. Complete your payment and confirm your order.
The discount is applied at checkout and cannot be added after you have already paid. If you do not see the discount in your order summary before you pay, contact Uber Eats support through the app. Do not complete the payment if the discount is missing, because Uber does not refund promotional discounts after an order is placed.
What happens if the discount does not appear
If you expected to see a first-order discount but it does not appear in your app, several things could be the reason. You may have already placed an order on your account, even if it was a long time ago — Uber considers you a new user only if you have never completed a purchase. The promotion running in your area may have specific restrictions you did not meet, such as a minimum order amount or a requirement to order from certain restaurants. Your account may have been flagged for fraud or policy violations, which can prevent you from receiving promotions.
If you believe the discount should be available, open the Uber Eats app and look at the home screen or any banners displayed. The promotion details will state exactly what is required. If you still do not see it after reviewing the terms, you can contact Uber Eats support through the app to ask whether a promotion is running in your area and why it is not showing on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a first-order discount on my second order?
No. First-order discounts are for your first purchase only. Once you complete an order, the promotion expires and cannot be used again on the same account. Some users have reported seeing a second promotion after a long period without ordering, but this is a separate "win-back" offer, not the first-order discount.
Do I need to enter a promo code to get the discount?
Usually no. The discount appears automatically in the app if you are a new user and a promotion is running in your area. Some promotions do require a code, and if that is the case, Uber will display the code in the app or in an email. You enter it at checkout in the "Promo Code" field.
What if my order total is below the minimum after the discount is applied?
The minimum order requirement is based on your food subtotal before the discount is deducted. If your subtotal is $25 and the discount is $15, your final cost will be $10 (plus fees and taxes), but you still met the $25 minimum. You cannot use the discount if your subtotal is below the stated minimum.
Can I combine a first-order discount with other promotions or coupons?
No. First-order discounts cannot be stacked with other Uber promotions, restaurant coupons, or promo codes. The system will apply whichever discount is larger, but not both. If you have a restaurant-specific coupon and a first-order discount available, test both at checkout to see which saves you more money.
What if the restaurant cancels my order after I used the discount?
If the restaurant cancels your order, Uber will refund your payment, including the discount amount. The discount itself is not refunded separately — it is simply part of the refund. You will not be able to use the first-order discount again on a future order, because you have already used it once.