Uber gift cards let you prepay for rides and food delivery without linking a credit card to your account

An Uber gift card is a prepaid balance you load into an Uber account. You can buy one for yourself or give one to someone else. The balance works for Uber rides, Uber Eats food delivery, or both depending on which card you purchase. You can spend the balance in any city where Uber operates.

Gift cards come in fixed dollar amounts. You buy them once, load the balance, and it stays in the account until spent. There is no monthly fee, no expiration date on most cards, and no set up step beyond adding the code to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber gift cards are sold by Uber directly, by retailers like Target and Walmart, and through digital platforms like Google Play and iTunes.
  • Physical cards from stores typically arrive ready to use when ready, while digital codes are delivered by email within minutes.
  • You redeem a gift card by entering a code in the Uber app under "Wallet" or "Payment Methods," and the balance appears in your account right away.
  • The balance never expires and works across all Uber services in any country where Uber operates, but you cannot convert unused balance back to cash.
  • If you lose the code or card, contact Uber support with your receipt or proof of purchase to request a replacement.

Where to buy Uber gift cards

You can buy Uber gift cards from three main sources: Uber's own website and app, physical retailers, and digital storefronts. Each route has different delivery speeds and payment options.

Uber's website and app sell digital gift cards in amounts from $15 to $500. You buy them, receive a code by email, and can use it when ready. This is the fastest route if you need the balance today. You can also schedule delivery for a future date if you are buying as a gift.

Physical retailers including Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Best Buy stock Uber gift cards in their stores. Cards typically come in $25, $50, and $100 denominations. You pay at checkout and can use the card code right away. Some retailers also sell them online with delivery to your home.

Digital platforms like Google Play, iTunes, and Amazon sell Uber gift cards as digital codes. Delivery is usually when ready or within a few hours. These work the same way as codes from Uber's website — you enter them in the app and the balance appears when ready.

How to redeem an Uber gift card

Redeeming takes less than two minutes. You need the code from your card or email, and you must have an Uber account (you can create one free if you do not have one yet).

Open the Uber app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right. Select "Wallet" or "Payment Methods" depending on your app version. Look for an option that says "Add funds," "Redeem code," or "Promo code." Tap it and enter the code exactly as it appears on your card or in your email. The balance will show in your account within seconds.

On the Uber website, log in to your account, go to "Wallet," and select "Add funds" or "Redeem a code." Enter the code and confirm. The balance appears when ready and you can use it on your next ride or food order.

What you can use the balance for

An Uber gift card balance works for any Uber service in any location where Uber operates. This includes Uber rides (standard, premium, or shared options), Uber Eats food delivery, Uber Eats grocery delivery where available, and Uber Eats alcohol delivery where legal.

The balance does not cover tips, but you can add a tip after your ride or delivery using a separate payment method. Surge pricing, tolls, and airport fees all come out of your gift card balance just like regular fares do.

If your balance is not enough to cover the full cost of a ride or order, you can use the gift card for part of it and pay the remainder with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method on file.

Gift card amounts and denominations

Uber gift cards come in different amounts depending on where you buy them. Digital cards sold directly by Uber range from $15 to $500 in any amount you choose. Physical cards from retailers typically come in preset amounts: $25, $50, or $100.

There is no minimum or maximum you can spend at once. You can use $5 of a $50 card on one ride and the remaining $45 on future rides or food orders. The balance stays in your account until it runs out.

What happens if your card code is lost or damaged

If you lose the physical card or the code is damaged and unreadable, contact Uber support through the app or website. Go to "Help" in the menu, select your issue, and choose the option for gift card problems. You will need to provide your receipt or proof of purchase.

Uber support can look up the card in their system if you have the original receipt or email confirmation. They may be able to transfer the balance to your account or issue a replacement code. This process usually takes one to three business days. Keep your receipt or email confirmation in case you need to contact support later.

If you bought the card from a retailer like Target or Walmart, you can also contact that retailer's customer service with your receipt. They may be able to help you recover the balance or issue a replacement card.

Expiration and balance rules

Uber gift cards do not expire. A balance you load today will remain in your account indefinitely, whether you use it next week or next year. This applies to gift cards purchased in the United States and most other countries where Uber operates.

You cannot convert unused balance back to cash or transfer it to another person's account. Once the code is entered into your account, the balance is tied to that account only. If you want to give the remaining balance to someone else, you would need to use it yourself on their behalf (for example, by ordering food to their address).

If your Uber account is closed or deactivated, any remaining gift card balance may be lost. Check your account status if you have not used it in a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Uber gift card in a different country?

Yes, if Uber operates in that country. The balance works across all Uber services worldwide. However, the currency and pricing may differ. A $50 USD card will show as the equivalent value in the local currency of the country where you use it.

What if I enter the wrong code?

The app will show an error message and the balance will not be added. Check that you typed the code exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers. Codes are case-sensitive. If you keep getting an error, contact Uber support with your receipt.

Can I buy an Uber gift card as a gift for someone without an account?

Yes. You can buy the card and give them the code. They can create a free Uber account anytime and redeem the code whenever they are ready. The code does not expire, so they can use it months later if they want.

Do I have to use the full balance at once?

No. You can use part of the balance on one ride or order and save the rest for later. The remaining balance stays in your account until it runs out or your account is closed.

Is there a fee to buy or use an Uber gift card?

No. There is no fee to purchase a gift card, no monthly maintenance fee, and no fee to redeem it. You only pay for the rides and food you order, just as you would with any other payment method.