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. When you give someone a gift card, they redeem the balance to their Uber account and spend it like regular payment method. The card itself doesn't expire, but the balance may expire depending on your state's laws — typically after one to three years of inactivity.
To use a gift card, the recipient opens the Uber app, goes to the Wallet or Payment section, and enters the code printed on the card or sent via email. The balance appears immediately and applies automatically to their next trip or order. If the balance runs out mid-trip, Uber will prompt them to add another payment method to complete the ride.
Gift cards work across all Uber services in the countries where Uber operates. A card purchased in the United States works for rides and Uber Eats in the US, but cannot be used internationally. The recipient can check their remaining balance anytime in the app under their payment methods.
Key Takeaways
- Uber gift cards are prepaid and load directly into the recipient's Uber account wallet when they enter the code.
- You can buy physical cards at retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, or digital codes online through Uber's website.
- Gift card balances do not expire immediately, but may expire after one to three years of no account activity, depending on state law.
- The recipient can use the balance for rides, Uber Eats orders, or any other Uber service available in their region.
- If a gift card is lost or the code is compromised, contact Uber support with proof of purchase to request a replacement.
Where to buy Uber gift cards
Physical Uber gift cards are sold at major retailers including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and grocery store chains. They typically come in denominations of $25, $50, and $100, though some retailers may stock different amounts. You pay the face value at checkout — there are no hidden fees or activation charges.
Digital gift cards are faster and can be sent immediately. You buy them directly from Uber's website by selecting the amount (usually $10 to $500), entering the recipient's email address, and choosing a delivery date. Uber sends the code via email, and the recipient can start using it within minutes. Digital cards are useful if you're buying last-minute or sending to someone far away.
Some third-party resellers like Amazon, Google Play, and iTunes also sell Uber gift cards, but buying directly from Uber or a major retailer is more straightforward. Avoid unfamiliar websites or marketplaces where cards may have been compromised or already redeemed.
Denominations and pricing
Uber gift cards are sold at fixed amounts with no markup. A $50 card costs $50, a $100 card costs $100. You choose the denomination based on how much you want the recipient to spend. Smaller amounts ($25 to $50) work well for occasional riders; larger amounts ($100 to $500) suit frequent users or as a group gift.
Some retailers occasionally run promotions where you earn bonus rewards points when you buy a gift card, but the card's face value itself does not change. Check your retailer's rewards program before purchasing if you want to maximize points.
How the recipient redeems the code
The recipient needs an active Uber account to redeem a gift card. If they don't have one, they download the Uber app, create an account with their email and phone number, and verify their identity. Once the account is set up, they go to the Wallet or Payment Methods section and select "Add payment method" or "Redeem gift card."
They enter the 16-digit code from the physical card or copy-paste the code from the email. Uber confirms the code and adds the balance to their account immediately. The balance shows in their Wallet and is ready to use on the next ride or order. No additional steps are needed.
If the code doesn't work, the recipient should check that they entered it correctly, including hyphens if present. If it still fails, they contact Uber support through the app and provide the code and proof of purchase. Uber can investigate whether the code was already used or if there's a technical issue.
What happens if the balance expires
Uber gift card balances do not expire immediately after purchase. However, if an account remains inactive for an extended period, the balance may expire. The timeframe varies by state — some states require Uber to hold the balance indefinitely, while others allow expiration after one to three years of no activity on the account.
To avoid expiration, the recipient should use the card or log into their Uber account at least once during the inactive period. Even a small transaction, like checking available rides, may reset the inactivity clock. If a balance does expire, the recipient can contact Uber support with proof of the original gift card purchase to request reinstatement, though Uber is not required to restore it.
Check your state's gift card laws if you're concerned about expiration. Most states have consumer protection rules that limit how long a balance can be held before expiring, and Uber follows these rules in each jurisdiction.
Lost or compromised gift cards
If a physical gift card is lost before the code is redeemed, contact the retailer where you bought it. If you have a receipt, the retailer may be able to cancel the card and issue a replacement. If you bought it online or don't have a receipt, contact Uber support directly with your proof of purchase (order confirmation, credit card statement, or email receipt).
For digital gift cards sent via email, the code is visible only to the recipient's email account. If the email is compromised or forwarded to the wrong person, contact Uber support immediately with your proof of purchase. Uber can investigate and may be able to cancel the code and issue a new one, though this depends on whether the code has already been redeemed.
To protect a gift card, treat the code like cash. Don't share it in unsecured messages or post it publicly. If you're giving a physical card, keep it in a safe place until you hand it over. For digital cards, send the email directly to the recipient or use Uber's scheduled delivery feature to send it on a specific date.
Using a gift card with Uber Eats
Uber gift card balances work for Uber Eats orders the same way they work for rides. The recipient opens the Uber Eats app (or the Uber app and selects Eats), adds items to their cart, and at checkout selects the gift card balance as their payment method. The balance applies automatically if it's linked to their account.
If the gift card balance doesn't cover the full order, Uber prompts the recipient to add another payment method for the remaining amount. Delivery fees, service fees, and taxes all count toward the balance. The recipient can see their remaining balance in the Wallet section of the app after each order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return an Uber gift card if I change my mind?
Return policies depend on where you bought the card. Most retailers allow returns within 30 days with a receipt for an unopened, unused card. If the code has been revealed or redeemed, the card cannot be returned. Check the retailer's return policy before purchasing.
What if someone gives me a gift card and I don't have an Uber account?
Download the Uber app and create an account using your email and phone number. Verify your identity, then go to Wallet and redeem the gift card code. Your account is ready to use immediately after you add the balance.
Can I combine multiple gift cards into one account?
Yes. Redeem each gift card code into the same Uber account, and the balances add together in your Wallet. You can redeem as many cards as you want to a single account.
Do Uber gift cards work in other countries?
No. A gift card purchased in the United States works only for Uber services in the US. If you're sending a card to someone outside the US, purchase a card in their country if Uber operates there.
What if my gift card code doesn't work?
Double-check that you entered the code correctly, including any hyphens or spaces. If it still doesn't work, the code may have been compromised or already redeemed. Contact Uber support through the app with the code and your proof of purchase, and they can investigate.