What a Rider Account Lets You Do
An Uber rider account is how you request and pay for rides through the Uber app. When you open the app, enter a pickup location, and tap to request a ride, you are using your rider account. The driver sees your location and pickup details, arrives to pick you up, and takes you to your destination. You pay through the app — either with a card you have saved, a linked bank account, or Uber Cash — and the trip ends when the driver drops you off.
Your rider account also stores your payment methods, ride history, saved addresses (like home and work), and any promo codes you have received. If you take multiple rides, the app remembers your preferences and makes the next request faster. You can rate your driver after each trip, and drivers rate you too — both ratings affect which drivers accept your future requests.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid phone number, email address, and payment method (debit card, credit card, or linked bank account) to create a rider account.
- Uber shows you the estimated fare and driver arrival time before you confirm the ride, so you know the cost upfront.
- Your account rating, built from driver feedback, can affect whether drivers accept your requests if it drops below a certain threshold.
- Saved addresses, payment methods, and ride history stay in your account, so repeat trips are faster to request.
- You can contact Uber support through the app if a ride goes wrong, a charge seems incorrect, or you need to report a safety concern.
How to Set Up Your Rider Account
read the Uber app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Open it and tap "Sign Up." Enter your phone number, and Uber will send you a text with a verification code. Type that code into the app to confirm your number.
Next, enter your first and last name and your email address. Create a password. Then add a payment method — you can use a debit card, credit card, or link your bank account directly. Uber will ask for the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), or your bank login if you choose the bank account route. Once your payment method is saved, your account is ready to use.
Before your first ride, add your home address and work address if you use them often. This saves time on future requests. You can also add emergency contacts — people Uber can notify if something goes wrong during a ride.
Understanding Fares and How You Pay
When you request a ride, the Uber app shows you the estimated fare before you confirm. This estimate is based on distance, time of day, and current demand. If demand is very high, the estimate will be higher than usual — Uber calls this "surge pricing." You see the surge multiplier (like 1.5x or 2x) on the screen, so you know the ride will cost more.
The final fare may differ slightly from the estimate if the route changes, traffic is worse or better than expected, or the driver takes a different path. Uber charges the payment method you selected when you requested the ride. If you have a promo code, it applies as a discount at the end of the trip. You can also use Uber Cash, a prepaid balance you load into your account, to pay for rides.
Tipping is optional and separate from the fare. After the ride ends, the app asks if you want to add a tip. You can tip in the app up to 30 days after the trip if you change your mind.
What Your Account Rating Means
After each ride, your driver rates you on a scale of one to five stars. These ratings are averaged into your overall rider rating, which appears in your account profile. Most riders have ratings between 4.6 and 5.0 stars. Your rating is based on things like whether you were ready when the driver arrived, whether you were respectful, and whether you kept the car clean.
If your rating drops below a certain threshold — typically around 4.6 stars, though this varies by city — some drivers may decline your requests. Uber may also deactivate your account if your rating becomes very low or if you receive reports of unsafe behavior. You cannot see individual driver ratings of you, only your overall average.
If you believe a rating was unfair, you can contact Uber support through the app and explain. Uber does not remove ratings, but support can investigate if you report a safety issue or a driver who acted inappropriately.
Payment Methods and Changing How You Pay
You can save multiple payment methods in your rider account. Go to the Account tab, select "Payment," and tap "Add Payment Method." You can add debit cards, credit cards, or link your bank account. When you request a ride, you choose which method to use, or Uber defaults to your most recently used one.
To remove a payment method, go to Payment, find the card or account you want to delete, and tap the trash icon. You must have at least one payment method saved at all times. If your card expires or is declined, Uber will ask you to update it before your next ride.
Uber Cash is a prepaid option: you load money into your account through the app, and that balance is used to pay for rides. This can be useful if you want to budget your spending or if you do not have a card or bank account linked. You can add Uber Cash through the Payment section.
Saved Addresses and Favorites
Your rider account lets you save addresses for places you go often. Tap the home icon in the app and add your home address, work address, or any other location. Once saved, these appear as quick-select options when you request a ride. Instead of typing an address each time, you just tap "Home" or "Work" and the destination fills in automatically.
You can also save favorite routes or places. If you frequently go to the same restaurant, gym, or friend's house, add it as a saved address so it appears in your list. This speeds up future requests and reduces the chance of typing the wrong address.
What Happens If There Is a Problem With Your Ride
If something goes wrong during or after a ride — the driver took the wrong route, you were charged incorrectly, the driver was rude, or you left something in the car — you can report it through the app. Open your ride history, find the trip, and tap "Help." Uber shows you options like "Driver behavior," "Fare issue," "Lost item," or "Safety concern." Select the issue that matches your situation and describe what happened.
Uber support will review your report and may refund part of your fare, remove a rating, or take action against the driver if needed. Response times vary, but Uber typically replies within a few hours to a few days. For urgent safety concerns, you can also call 911 or local police, then report the incident to Uber afterward.
If you left an item in the car, tap "Lost item" in the Help menu. Uber will contact the driver and ask them to check. If the driver finds it, Uber can help arrange a return or meetup. Some drivers charge a fee for returning items, which you can agree to or decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to use Uber, or can I use a debit card?
You can use either a debit card or credit card. You can also link your bank account directly and pay from your checking account. Uber does not require a credit card specifically.
What if my driver rating is low and drivers keep declining my requests?
If your rating is below 4.6 stars, some drivers may not accept your requests. Be ready when the driver arrives, be respectful during the ride, and keep the car clean. After a few good trips with high ratings, your average will improve. If you believe a low rating was unfair, contact Uber support through the app.
Can I change my destination after the driver picks me up?
Yes. During the ride, tap the destination field in the app and enter a new address. The driver will see the updated route. The final fare will be recalculated based on the new destination, and you will be charged accordingly.
What if I do not have the app and want to request a ride?
You need the Uber app to request a ride. Uber does not offer phone-based ride requests through a call center. You can also use the Uber website on a computer to request a ride if you prefer, though the app is the standard way.
How long does Uber keep my ride history?
Uber stores your ride history in your account indefinitely, so you can view past trips, fares, and receipts anytime. You can also read your data through your account settings if you want a copy for your records.