What new rider discounts Uber offers and how they work

Uber runs discount programs for people who have never used the platform before, but the offer you see depends on your location, the device you use, and when you sign up. Most new rider offers cover a percentage off your first few rides — commonly 50% off up to a certain amount per ride, or a flat credit like $10 or $15 toward your first trip. Some offers stack, meaning you can use a discount code on top of a promotional offer that came with your account.

The discount applies at checkout before you pay. Uber shows you the original fare, then subtracts the discount, and you pay the lower amount. If you have a promo code, you enter it in the "Promotions" section of the app or website before you request a ride. The code must be entered before you confirm the ride request, not after.

These offers are not the same across all cities or all users. Uber tests different discount amounts in different markets, and the offer that appears in your app may differ from what a friend in the same city sees. Timing matters too — if you sign up during a promotion period, you are more likely to receive a new rider offer than if you sign up during a slower period.

Key Takeaways

  • New rider discounts typically cover 50% off your first few rides or a flat credit, but the exact offer varies by location and when you create your account.
  • You must enter any promo code in the app's Promotions section before you request a ride, not after.
  • Discounts stack with some other promotions, so check whether you can combine offers before you book.
  • The offer Uber shows you may differ from what someone else in your city receives, because Uber tests different promotions in different markets.

Where to find your new rider offer

When you first open the Uber app after creating an account, the offer usually appears as a banner at the top of the screen or in a popup. If you do not see it immediately, check the "Promotions" or "Wallet" tab in the app — Uber sometimes places the offer there instead of showing it on the home screen. On the Uber website, look for a promotions banner when you log in for the first time.

If you received a promo code in an email or text message, go to the Promotions section and tap "Add a promo code," then type or paste the code. The code will show you how much credit it gives you and which ride types it covers — some codes work only on UberX, for example, while others work on all ride types.

Not every new account receives an offer. If you do not see one after a few days, one may not be available in your area at that time. You can still use the service, but you will pay the full fare on your first ride.

How to use your discount on your first ride

Open the app and request a ride as you normally would. Before you confirm the ride request, look at the fare breakdown — the discount should already be subtracted if you have an automatic new rider offer. If you have a promo code you need to enter, tap the Promotions section, add the code, and then request your ride. The discount will show in the fare breakdown.

Once you confirm the ride request, the discount is locked in. You will see the reduced fare on your receipt after the ride ends. The discount counts as a credit toward that single ride — if the ride costs less than your discount amount, you do not get the difference back as cash or a credit for a future ride.

If you cancel the ride after confirming it, the discount may or may not be used, depending on Uber's cancellation policy at that time. Check the app to see whether your promo code is still available after a cancellation.

Restrictions and what discounts do not cover

New rider discounts cover the base fare and distance charges, but they typically do not cover tolls, airport fees, or surge pricing increases. If you request a ride during surge pricing and your discount is 50% off, the 50% applies to the surged fare, not the base fare. This means your final price may still be higher than a regular-price ride would have been without surge.

Most new rider offers expire after a set number of days — commonly 30 days from when you create your account. If you do not use the discount within that window, it disappears. Some offers also have a limit on how many rides you can use them on, such as "50% off your first 3 rides." Once you have used all the rides included in the offer, the discount is gone.

Discounts do not transfer between accounts. If you create a second Uber account, you may receive a separate new rider offer on that account, but you cannot combine offers or move a discount from one account to another.

Promo codes versus automatic offers

Uber sends new rider offers in two ways: as an automatic discount that appears in your app, or as a promo code you have to enter. Automatic offers are simpler — they are already in your account and apply to your first ride without extra steps. Promo codes require you to find the code (usually in an email, text, or referral link) and type it in before you book.

Promo codes often come from referral links — when someone who already uses Uber shares their referral code with you, you enter it when you sign up or on your first ride, and you both receive a credit. These codes sometimes offer more value than the standard new rider offer, so if a friend uses Uber, asking for their referral code can be worth it.

You cannot use multiple promo codes on a single ride, but you can use a promo code on top of an automatic new rider offer if Uber's terms allow it. Check the terms of each offer to see whether they can be combined.

What happens after your new rider discount expires

Once your new rider offer or promo code is used or expires, you pay full fare on all rides. Uber does occasionally send existing users promotional offers — discounts on specific ride types, discounts during certain hours, or credits for referring friends — but these are different from new rider offers and are not may provide.

If you want to keep track of available promotions, check the Promotions section of the app regularly. Uber also sends promotional offers via email and in-app notifications, so if you have notifications turned on, you will see them when new offers become available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a new rider discount on Uber Eats?

No. New rider discounts for the Uber app (rides) do not work on Uber Eats (food delivery). Uber Eats has its own separate new user promotions. If you are a new Uber Eats user, check the Uber Eats app for a new customer offer there.

What if I do not see a new rider offer in my app?

Not all new accounts receive an offer — availability depends on your location and when you sign up. Check the Promotions section to confirm. If nothing appears after a few days, one may not be available in your area at that time. You can still use Uber, but you will pay full fare.

Can I get a new rider discount on a second account?

You may receive a separate new rider offer on a second account, but Uber's terms prohibit creating multiple accounts to collect multiple discounts. Using multiple accounts to circumvent offer limits can result in account suspension.

Do new rider discounts work during surge pricing?

Yes, but the discount applies to the surged fare, not the base fare. If surge pricing has doubled the fare and your discount is 50% off, you get 50% off the doubled price, not the normal price. Your final cost may still be higher than a non-surge ride.

How long do I have to use my new rider discount?

Most new rider offers expire 30 days after you create your account, though this varies. Check the terms of your specific offer in the Promotions section to see the exact expiration date.