What you need to set up an Uber rider account

To use Uber as a rider, you need a smartphone with either iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a payment method. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cities, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You do not need a car, a driver's license, or any special documentation — the account is for passengers only.

The app itself is free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You will pay only for the rides you request, plus any applicable surge pricing during busy times. Some cities also charge a booking fee or service fee on top of the ride cost.

Before you start, know that Uber operates in most major US cities and many smaller ones, but not everywhere. If you are in a rural area or a city where Uber does not have drivers, the app will tell you that service is unavailable in your location.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a smartphone, email address or phone number, and a valid payment method to create an account.
  • The app is free, but you pay for each ride plus any surge pricing or fees that apply in your city.
  • Uber does not operate everywhere — the app will show you whether service is available at your location.
  • Your account is tied to your payment method, so Uber will charge the card or account you link during setup.
  • You can add multiple payment methods and switch between them, or use a promo code to reduce the cost of your first ride.

Step-by-step account creation

Open the Uber app and tap "Sign Up." You will be asked to enter your phone number or email address. Uber will send you a code by text or email to confirm that address is real. Enter the code into the app to verify.

Next, enter your first and last name exactly as you want them to appear. Then add your payment method — tap the payment section and enter your card details, or select a digital wallet if your phone supports it. Uber will ask for your billing address to match your card.

Once your payment method is saved, you can request a ride. The app will ask for your pickup location (it can use your phone's GPS or you can type an address) and your destination. You will see the estimated fare before you confirm the request. After you confirm, the app shows you the driver's location and vehicle details, and you can track them in real time.

Payment methods and how charges work

Uber charges your payment method automatically after each ride ends. The charge includes the base fare, distance and time charges, and any surge pricing if demand is high. You will see an itemized receipt in the app showing exactly what you paid for.

You can add multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use before each ride. If a payment method fails, Uber will try your other methods in the order you set them. If all methods fail, you will not be able to request a ride until you add a working payment method.

Promo codes and credits appear in your account wallet. You can enter a code during signup or before you request a ride. Credits are applied automatically to your next ride if they are available.

Safety features built into the rider app

Uber includes a Share My Trip feature that lets you send your ride details — driver name, vehicle, route, and real-time location — to a contact of your choice. You can turn this on before you get in the car or at any point during the ride. The contact can watch your location until you end the trip.

The app also has an Emergency Button that connects you directly to emergency services if you need help during a ride. You can access it from the rider app's main screen or from the active trip screen.

Every ride is recorded in your trip history with the driver's name, vehicle details, and route. You can report a safety concern or lost item through the app after the ride ends. Uber has a support team that investigates reports and can take action against drivers who violate the community guidelines.

What happens if you have a problem with a ride

If you were charged incorrectly, the driver went the wrong way, or something else went wrong, you can report it in the app. Open your trip history, find the ride, and tap "Help." You will see options to report a safety issue, lost item, or billing problem. Select the issue that matches your situation.

For billing disputes, Uber will review the trip details and may refund part or all of the fare. This process usually takes a few days. For safety or driver conduct issues, Uber investigates and may remove the driver from the platform if the report is substantiated.

If you cannot resolve the issue through the app, you can contact Uber support through the Help section. Response times vary, but Uber typically replies within 24 to 48 hours.

Account settings and privacy

Your Uber account stores your name, phone number, email, payment methods, and home and work addresses. You can edit any of this information in the Settings section of the app. You can also delete your account entirely, though this will erase your ride history and any unused credits.

Uber uses your location data to match you with drivers and show your real-time location during rides. You can control location permissions in your phone's settings — if you turn off location access, the app will ask you to enter your pickup location manually each time.

Your ride history is private to your account. Other people cannot see where you have been unless you share a trip with them using the Share My Trip feature.

Differences between Uber and Uber Eats accounts

Uber Rides and Uber Eats are separate services with separate apps, though they use the same login. If you have an Uber Rides account, you can use the same email and password to order food through Uber Eats. Your payment methods and saved addresses carry over between the two apps.

However, your ride history does not appear in Uber Eats, and your food orders do not appear in Uber Rides. Each app tracks its own transactions separately. If you want to use both services, you need only one account — you do not have to sign up twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card, or can I use a debit card?

Debit cards work fine. Uber accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit cards. Some cities also accept digital wallets, prepaid cards, or local payment methods. Add your card during signup and Uber will charge it after each ride.

What if I do not have a smartphone?

Uber requires a smartphone app — there is no way to request a ride without one. If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot use Uber. Some cities have other ride-sharing or taxi services that accept phone calls instead.

Can I use someone else's payment method on my account?

Yes, you can add anyone's card to your account as long as you have the card number, expiration date, and billing address. However, Uber will charge that card after each ride, so make sure the cardholder agrees. You can also ask someone to add their card to their own account and pay you back separately.

What if I lose my phone or forget my password?

Go to the Uber login screen and tap "Forgot password?" or "Help signing in." Uber will send a reset link to your email or a code to your phone number. Follow the link or enter the code to create a new password. If you lose your phone, you can still reset your password on any other device and regain access to your account.

Can I cancel a ride after I request it?

Yes. Before the driver arrives, you can tap "Cancel Ride" in the app. If you cancel before the driver has started driving toward you, there is usually no charge. If the driver is already on the way, Uber may charge a cancellation fee. The fee amount varies by city and demand level.