What an Uber referral code does

An Uber referral code is a unique link or code that lets you invite someone to use Uber for the first time. When they sign up through your code and complete their first ride, both of you receive a credit to your Uber account. The person you invite gets a credit toward their first ride; you get a credit toward a future ride. The exact amount varies by location and changes over time.

Referral codes are free to generate and share. Uber creates one automatically for every account holder. You do not pay anything to send it, and the person receiving it does not pay to use it. The credit appears in both accounts after the new user completes a may have access to ride.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Uber referral code is a free link you can share with anyone who has never used Uber before, and both of you receive account credit when they take their first ride.
  • The credit amount varies by city and changes periodically, so the value you and your friend receive may differ from what you see advertised elsewhere.
  • You can find your referral code in the Uber app under the Account or Wallet section, depending on your app version.
  • The new user must complete a may have access to ride—usually a standard UberX or similar service—for both credits to post to your accounts.
  • There is no limit to how many people you can refer, but each person can only use a referral code once in their lifetime.

Where to find your referral code in the app

Open the Uber app and tap the account icon in the lower right corner. Look for a section labeled "Wallet," "Promotions," "Rewards," or "Invite Friends"—the exact label depends on your app version and location. Tap that section and you will see your unique referral code displayed as either a code string or a shareable link.

Once you find it, you can copy the code, share the link directly, or use the built-in share button to send it via text, email, or social media. The person receiving it can paste the code into the sign-up screen when they create their Uber account, or they can tap the link directly to open the app and sign up.

How the credit works for both people

When someone signs up using your code, Uber tracks that they are a new user coming from your referral. After they complete their first may have access to ride—usually a standard ride like UberX, not a premium service like Uber Black—both accounts receive credit. Your credit goes into your Uber wallet and can be used on any future ride. Their credit typically applies automatically to their account and may have restrictions, such as only working on their first few rides or only on certain ride types.

The credit does not transfer to cash and cannot be withdrawn. It only reduces the cost of rides you book through the Uber app. If the ride costs less than your credit amount, the leftover credit stays in your account for the next ride. If the ride costs more, you pay the difference out of pocket or with a payment method on file.

Credit amounts and what changes them

Uber does not publish a single referral credit amount because it varies significantly by city, country, and time period. In some markets, both people might receive $5 to $10 in credit. In others, the amounts are higher or lower. Uber also runs promotional periods where referral credits increase temporarily, then return to standard amounts.

The best way to know what you and your friend will receive is to check the offer details in your app before you share the code. The app usually displays the current credit amount next to your referral code. If you do not see it listed, contact Uber support through the app to ask about your local offer.

Who can use a referral code

Only people who have never had an Uber account before can use a referral code. If someone has previously signed up for Uber—even if they deleted the app or never took a ride—they cannot use your code. Uber's system checks their phone number and email address against its database of past accounts.

Each person can only use one referral code in their lifetime. Once they sign up with your code, they cannot apply a different code later. If they want to use someone else's code, they would need to create a completely separate account with a different phone number and email, which Uber discourages and may block.

What counts as a may have access to ride

A may have access to ride is typically a standard Uber service like UberX or Uber Comfort, completed through the app in a city where Uber operates. Premium services like Uber Black, Uber Eats orders, or Uber Cash transfers usually do not count. The ride must be completed—meaning the driver must pick up the passenger and drop them off—not just requested and then cancelled.

Some referral offers specify that the new user must spend a minimum amount on their first ride, or that the ride must be taken within a certain number of days of signing up. Check the terms in your app to see if your local offer has these conditions. If the new user does not meet the requirements, neither of you will receive credit.

Common reasons referral credit does not appear

If you shared your code but the credit never showed up in your account, the most common reason is that the person who signed up did not complete a may have access to ride. They may have requested a ride and cancelled it, or they may have used a service type that does not count toward the referral offer. Ask them to confirm they actually took and finished a ride.

Another reason is that they may have signed up with a different code or account method. If they used a promo code instead of your referral link, or if they signed up through a third-party app or website, your referral may not have registered. The new user should also check that they are using the same phone number and email they used to sign up.

If the ride was completed but credit still has not appeared after several days, contact Uber support through the app. Provide them with the phone number or email of the person you referred and the approximate date of their first ride. Support can investigate whether the referral was properly tracked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's referral code if I already have an Uber account?

No. Referral codes only work for people creating an Uber account for the first time. If you already have an account, the code will not activate. You would need to create a new account with a different phone number and email, but Uber may block or flag duplicate accounts from the same person.

What happens if the person I referred does not take a ride?

Neither of you receives credit. The referral only completes when the new user finishes a may have access to ride. If they sign up but never request a ride, or if they cancel before the driver arrives, the credit will not post. Remind them to actually complete a ride for both of you to benefit.

Can I share my referral code on social media or public websites?

Yes, you can share it anywhere. Uber does not restrict where you post your code. However, be aware that anyone who sees it can use it, including people who may already have an Uber account (though the code will not work for them). There is no limit to how many new users can sign up through your code.

Do I have to be in the same city as the person I refer?

No. Your referral code works across all cities and countries where Uber operates. The person you refer can sign up and take their first ride in a completely different location than you. The credit amounts may differ based on where they are located, but the referral itself will still process.

What if my referral credit expires?

Uber does not typically publish expiration dates for referral credits, but some promotional credits do expire if not used within a certain time frame. Check the terms displayed in your app when you receive the credit. If you are unsure, use the credit on your next ride rather than waiting. Contact Uber support if you see an expiration warning.