You can buy Uber Eats gift cards directly from Uber's website, from third-party retailers, or through the Uber Eats app itself

Uber Eats gift cards come in two forms: digital cards that arrive by email within minutes, and physical cards that ship to your address. The digital version is faster if you need the card right away. Physical cards take about 5 to 7 business days to arrive but work the same way once they do. Both types work only for food orders through Uber Eats, not for Uber rides or other Uber services.

You can purchase them from Uber directly, from retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon, or sometimes from grocery store gift card kiosks. Prices typically range from $15 to $200, though some retailers may offer different denominations. The card value never expires once purchased, though Uber's terms state that unused balances may expire after a certain period of inactivity on the account — this varies and you should check current terms before buying.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital Uber Eats gift cards arrive by email within minutes; physical cards ship in 5 to 7 business days.
  • You can buy them directly from Uber, from major retailers like Target and Walmart, or through the Uber Eats app.
  • Gift cards work only for Uber Eats food orders, not for Uber rides or other services.
  • The card balance applies automatically when you place an order and covers the full bill if the balance is high enough, or reduces what you owe if it is not.
  • Unused balances may expire after extended account inactivity, so check Uber's current policy before purchasing.

Buying a digital gift card from Uber's website

Go to ubereats.com and look for the gift card section, usually found in the footer or under an account menu. Select your amount, enter the recipient's email address, add a personal message if you want, and complete the payment. Uber will send the code to that email address within a few minutes. The recipient can then add the code to their Uber Eats account by opening the app or website, going to Account or Wallet settings, and selecting "Add a gift card" or "Redeem a code."

If you are buying for yourself, you can add the code immediately to your own account. The balance will show in your Wallet or Payment Methods section and will be used automatically on your next order before any other payment method is charged.

Buying through the Uber Eats app

Open the Uber Eats app, tap your profile icon, and look for a "Gift Cards" or "Send a Gift" option. The process is similar to the website: choose an amount, enter the recipient's email or phone number, and complete payment. The code arrives in their email or text message within minutes. Some versions of the app also let you purchase a card for yourself to use immediately.

The app method is convenient if you are already using Uber Eats regularly and want to buy a card without switching to a browser. The balance works the same way as cards purchased elsewhere.

Buying physical gift cards from retailers

Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and many grocery stores sell physical Uber Eats gift cards at their registers or in their gift card sections. The card comes in a package with a scratch-off code on the back. You pay at checkout like any other purchase. Once you have the card, scratch off the code, open the Uber Eats app or website, go to your Wallet, select "Add a gift card," and enter the code.

Physical cards are useful if you want to give a tangible gift or if you prefer not to share an email address. They take longer to arrive if ordered online, but you can pick them up in-store the same day at most retailers. The balance is not active until you redeem the code, so the card can sit in a drawer until you are ready to use it.

How the gift card balance works when you order

Once the code is added to your account, the balance appears in your Wallet or Payment Methods. When you place an order, Uber Eats automatically applies the gift card balance first. If your order costs less than the balance, the full amount is deducted and your remaining balance stays in your account for future orders. If your order costs more than the balance, the card covers what it can and you pay the difference with another payment method on file.

You cannot split a payment between the gift card and cash, and you cannot withdraw the balance as money. The card is only for Uber Eats food orders. Delivery fees, service fees, and taxes all count toward the order total and are covered by the gift card balance.

What to do if the code does not work

If you enter a code and get an error, first check that you typed it correctly — codes are case-sensitive and easy to misread. Make sure the code has not already been redeemed by someone else. If the card was purchased from a retailer and the code was visible before you bought it, it may have been used already; ask the store for a replacement.

If the code is correct and has not been used, contact Uber Eats support through the app or website. Go to Help or Account Settings, select "Contact Us," and describe the problem. Uber can verify the code and either fix the issue or issue a replacement. Keep the original code or receipt in case you need to provide proof of purchase.

Checking your gift card balance

Your balance is visible in the Wallet or Payment Methods section of your Uber Eats account at any time. Open the app or website, tap your profile, and look for Wallet, Payment Methods, or Gift Cards. The current balance will be displayed there. You can also see your balance history by looking at your order receipts — each one shows what was deducted from the card.

If you have multiple gift cards added to your account, they will all be listed separately so you can see which ones have balances remaining. Uber does not send balance reminders, so check periodically if you have not used the card in a while.

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 the Uber Eats app or website. They cannot be used for Uber rides, Uber Eats+ subscriptions, or any other Uber service. If you need a card for rides, you would need an Uber gift card instead.

What happens if my gift card balance expires?

Uber's policy states that unused balances may expire after a period of account inactivity. The exact timeframe varies, so check Uber's current terms before purchasing. To keep your balance active, use the card or log into your account periodically. If your balance does expire, contact Uber support with your receipt to request a replacement.

Can I reload or add money to a gift card?

No. Uber Eats gift cards cannot be reloaded once the balance is used up. You would need to purchase a new card. However, you can add multiple gift cards to your account, and Uber will use them in order as you place orders.

Is there a fee to buy an Uber Eats gift card?

No. The price you pay is the face value of the card — a $25 card costs $25. There are no hidden fees or activation charges. Some retailers may charge a small fee if you order online for delivery, but the card itself has no fee.

Can I return or exchange a gift card?

Return and exchange policies depend on where you bought the card. Retailer-purchased cards follow that retailer's gift card policy, which varies. Cards purchased directly from Uber may have different terms. Check the receipt or the retailer's website for their specific policy before purchasing.