Creating your Uber account takes about five minutes and requires a phone number, email address, and valid payment method

To use Uber, you need an account linked to a smartphone. The process starts in the Uber app or on the Uber website. You'll enter your phone number, create a password, add your name and email address, and connect at least one payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account. Uber will send a verification code to your phone number; you enter that code to confirm the number is yours. Once that's done, you can request a ride.

The app is free to read on iPhone (through the Apple App Store) or Android (through Google Play). You don't pay Uber to have an account. You pay only when you request and complete a ride, and the fare appears in the app before you confirm the request.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a smartphone, a phone number, an email address, and a valid payment method to create an Uber account.
  • Uber sends a verification code to your phone number during signup; you must enter this code to set up your account.
  • You can add multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use for each ride.
  • The app shows you the estimated fare and the driver's name, photo, and vehicle before you confirm the ride request.

What information Uber asks for during signup

When you open the Uber app for the first time, you'll see a screen asking for your phone number. Enter the number where you can receive text messages. Uber sends a six-digit code to that number; open the text message, copy the code, and paste it into the app to verify you own the number.

Next, you create a password — Uber requires at least eight characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character like ! or @. Write this down somewhere safe, because you'll need it if you log out or use Uber on a different device.

Then you enter your first and last name as they appear on your payment method, your email address, and your date of birth. Uber uses your date of birth to confirm you're old enough to use the service (the minimum age is 18 in most places). You'll also choose whether you want Uber to send you promotional emails and text messages about discounts and new features.

Adding a payment method to your account

Before you can request a ride, you must add at least one payment method. Uber accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts linked through a service called Plaid. You can also add a prepaid card if it has a Visa or Mastercard logo.

To add a card, tap the payment section of your account settings and enter the card number, expiration date, and three-digit security code on the back. Uber may charge a small temporary charge (usually $0.01 to $2) to verify the card is real; this charge disappears within a few days. If you add a bank account instead, Uber walks you through connecting it through Plaid, which is a find third-party service that links apps to bank accounts without sharing your password.

You can store multiple payment methods in your account and choose which one to use before you request each ride. If a payment method fails during a ride, Uber will try the next one on file. You can delete a payment method at any time from your account settings.

Verifying your identity after you sign up

Depending on where you live and how you use Uber, the company may ask you to verify your identity after you create your account. This usually means uploading a photo of a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — through the app. Uber uses this to confirm you are who you say you are.

If Uber asks for identity verification, you'll see a prompt in the app with instructions. Take a clear photo of the front of your ID using your phone's camera, and upload it through the app. Uber reviews the photo and usually confirms your identity within 24 hours. Until then, you may not be able to request rides, depending on your location.

Setting your home and work addresses in the app

After you verify your identity, you can add saved locations to your account. The most common are "Home" and "Work." To add a saved location, open the app, tap the account icon, go to "Saved Places," and enter the address. You can also add a nickname like "Mom's House" or "Gym." Saved locations make it faster to request a ride because you can tap the saved address instead of typing it in each time.

When you request a ride, the app shows your current location as the pickup point. You can change this to any address by tapping the pickup field and entering a different location. The app will show you the estimated fare based on the distance and current demand before you confirm the request.

What happens after you request your first ride

Once you've added a payment method and verified your identity (if required), you can request a ride. Open the app, confirm your pickup location, enter your destination, and tap the car type you want — usually "UberX" for a standard sedan. The app shows you the estimated fare, the pickup time (how long until a driver arrives), and the driver's name, photo, and vehicle details.

When you tap "Confirm," Uber sends your request to nearby drivers. A driver accepts your request, and you see their real-time location on a map as they drive toward you. You can message the driver or call them through the app if you need to give them directions or let them know where you're waiting. When the driver arrives, get in, and they'll take you to your destination. The fare is charged to your payment method automatically when the ride ends.

Troubleshooting common signup problems

If you don't receive the verification code text message, wait a few minutes — it can take up to five minutes to arrive. If it still doesn't show up, tap "Resend Code" in the app to request a new one. Make sure your phone plan allows text messages and that you entered your phone number correctly.

If Uber rejects your payment method, the most common reason is that the card number, expiration date, or security code is incorrect. Double-check all three before trying again. If the card is correct but still rejected, contact your bank to confirm the card is active and hasn't been flagged for fraud. Some banks block charges from ride-sharing apps until you tell them to allow it.

If you can't create an account because Uber says your email address is already in use, you may have created an account before and forgotten about it. Tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen, enter your email address, and Uber will send you a link to reset your password. Then you can log in with that email and password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Uber without a smartphone?

No. Uber operates through its mobile app, which requires an iPhone or Android phone. There is no way to request a ride through a website or by phone. You must have a smartphone with the Uber app installed and an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

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

You can use either. Uber accepts debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo, and bank accounts linked through Plaid. You must have at least one of these payment methods on file before you can request a ride.

What if I don't want to give Uber my real name?

You must enter your real name as it appears on your payment method. Uber matches the name on your account to the name on your card or bank account to prevent fraud. If the names don't match, the payment will fail.

Can I change my phone number after I create my account?

Yes. Go to your account settings, tap "Phone Number," and enter your new number. Uber will send a verification code to the new number; enter the code to confirm the change. Your account stays the same, and your payment methods and ride history remain linked to it.

Is my payment information safe on Uber?

Uber encrypts your payment information and does not store your full card number on its servers. Your card details are processed through PCI-compliant payment processors, which are companies that meet strict security standards for handling payment data. You can review Uber's privacy policy in the app settings for details on how your data is used.