What an Uber gift card is and how to use it

An Uber gift card is a prepaid card you load with money and use to pay for rides, food delivery through Uber Eats, or other Uber services. You can buy one, give it to someone else, or use it yourself. The card holds a balance that decreases each time you take a ride or place an order.

To use an Uber gift card, you add it to your Uber account through the app or website. Open the Uber app, go to the account or payment section, select "Add payment method," and choose "Gift card or promo code." Enter the code from your card, and the balance appears in your account immediately. When you request a ride or order food, Uber draws from the gift card balance first before charging any other payment method on file.

The balance never expires once it's added to your account, though Uber's terms can change. You can use the same gift card code only once — after you enter it, the code is spent. If you receive a physical card, the code is printed on the back or inside.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber gift cards are sold by retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon, as well as directly through Uber's website.
  • You add the card to your account by entering the code in the Uber app under payment methods, and the balance is available immediately.
  • Gift card balances do not expire once added to your account, though you should check Uber's current terms for any changes to that policy.
  • Physical gift cards and digital codes work the same way — both are entered as a code in the app.
  • If your gift card balance runs out mid-ride or mid-order, Uber will charge your backup payment method for the remainder.

Where to buy Uber gift cards

You can buy Uber gift cards at most major retailers. Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon all carry them in various denominations. Amounts typically range from $15 to $100, though some retailers may offer different options. You can also buy them directly from Uber's website or through the Uber app.

Physical cards are usually found near the checkout or in the gift card section of a store. Digital codes are often available for immediate delivery if you buy online. Buying from a retailer versus Uber directly makes no difference to how the card works — the code is the same either way.

Denominations and pricing

Uber gift cards come in set amounts, most commonly $15, $25, $50, and $100. Some retailers may stock different denominations, so check what's available at your location or online. The price you pay is the face value — a $50 card costs $50, with no markup or hidden fees added by the retailer.

If you buy directly from Uber's website or app, you can sometimes choose a custom amount within a range, which gives you more flexibility if you want to spend exactly what you need. Check Uber's site for current options, as they vary by region.

Using a gift card if you don't have an Uber account yet

You need an Uber account to use a gift card. If you don't have one, download the Uber app or visit uber.com, create an account with your email or phone number, and add your payment information. Once your account is set up, you can enter the gift card code under payment methods.

Creating an account takes a few minutes and requires a valid email address and phone number. You don't have to add a credit card or debit card to your account to use a gift card — the gift card itself is your payment method. However, if the gift card balance runs out before a ride or order is complete, Uber will ask for a backup payment method to cover the rest.

What happens when your gift card balance runs out

Once you've spent the full balance on your gift card, it's empty and can't be reloaded. You'll need to add another payment method to your account to continue using Uber. This can be a credit card, debit card, or another gift card code.

If you're in the middle of a ride or order when your gift card balance runs out, Uber will charge your backup payment method for the remaining amount. Make sure you have another way to pay on file if you don't want to be caught short.

Checking your gift card balance

To see how much money is left on your gift card, open the Uber app and go to your account or payment settings. Your current balance appears under your payment methods. You can also check your balance on the Uber website by logging in and viewing your payment information.

Uber sends a notification when your balance gets low, though the exact threshold varies. Keeping an eye on your balance before you order helps you avoid surprises if you're relying only on the gift card to pay.

Gift cards as a present

Uber gift cards make straightforward presents because the recipient can use them for rides, food delivery, or any other Uber service. You can buy a physical card and give it in person, or purchase a digital code and send it by email or text. Digital codes are useful if you're giving a gift last-minute or to someone far away.

The recipient simply enters the code in their Uber account and the balance is ready to use. There's no registration process or activation step beyond adding the code to their account. If they don't have an Uber account yet, they'll need to create one first, but that takes only a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reload an Uber gift card?

No. Once you've spent the balance on a gift card, it cannot be reloaded. You'll need to purchase a new gift card or add a different payment method to your account to continue using Uber.

Does an Uber gift card expire?

Once the code is added to your Uber account, the balance does not expire. However, Uber's terms can change, so check their current policy if you're holding a balance for a long time. Unused physical cards or codes you haven't entered may have expiration dates printed on them — check the card itself.

Can I use an Uber gift card for Uber Eats?

Yes. Uber gift cards work for both Uber rides and Uber Eats food delivery. The balance applies to whichever service you use. If you have multiple Uber services linked to the same account, the gift card balance covers all of them.

What if I lost my gift card code?

If you have a physical card, the code is printed on it. If you lost the card itself, contact Uber support with proof of purchase from the retailer if possible. If you already entered the code into your account, the balance is safe — losing the physical card doesn't affect the money in your account.

Can I transfer a gift card balance to someone else?

No. Once a gift card code is added to your Uber account, the balance is tied to that account and cannot be transferred or shared. If you want to give money to someone else, purchase a new gift card for them instead.