What the Uber and Delta partnership means for your account

Uber and Delta Airlines have a partnership that lets you earn Delta SkyMiles when you take Uber rides. When you link your Delta SkyMiles account to your Uber account, miles post automatically after each trip — you do not have to do anything extra or submit receipts. The partnership covers most Uber ride types in the United States, though the earning rate varies depending on whether you are a Delta frequent flyer member and which tier you hold.

This is not a co-branded credit card. It is a direct connection between the two apps that tracks your Uber spending and converts it into airline miles. You earn miles on the ride fare itself, not on tips or tolls, and the miles appear in your Delta account within a few days of the trip ending.

Key Takeaways

  • Link your Delta SkyMiles account to Uber through the Uber app settings to start earning miles on every ride.
  • Non-elite Delta members earn one mile per dollar spent on Uber rides; elite members earn at a higher rate depending on their tier.
  • Miles post to your Delta account automatically and appear within a few days — no receipts or manual claims needed.
  • The partnership covers UberX, UberXL, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black rides in the United States.

How to link your Uber and Delta accounts

Open the Uber app and go to the Account tab at the bottom right. Tap "Wallet" or "Payment methods" depending on your app version, then look for a section labeled "Earn miles" or "Loyalty programs." Select Delta SkyMiles and you will be asked to sign in with your Delta account credentials — use the same email and password you use on Delta.com or the Skylight app.

Once you sign in, Uber will confirm the connection and show you your SkyMiles account number. From that point forward, every may be able to access ride automatically earns miles. You do not need to do anything before or after each trip. If you ever want to stop earning miles, you can unlink the accounts in the same Wallet section.

If you do not have a Delta SkyMiles account yet, you can create one for free on Delta.com before linking it to Uber. You will need a valid email address and a name that matches your government ID if you plan to use the miles for flights.

How many miles you earn per ride

Delta members who do not hold elite status earn one SkyMile for every dollar you spend on the Uber fare. If your ride costs $25, you earn 25 miles. Elite members — those holding Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion, or Reserve status — earn at a higher rate, typically 1.5 to 2 miles per dollar depending on their tier, though Delta adjusts these rates periodically.

The earning rate applies only to the base fare, not to tips, tolls, or service fees. If you add a tip in the app after the ride, that amount does not count toward miles. Surge pricing or discounts do count — you earn miles on whatever the final fare amount is.

Miles post within a few days of the trip completing. You can check your balance anytime in the Delta SkyMiles app or on Delta.com by logging into your account and viewing your miles balance.

Which Uber services earn miles

UberX, UberXL, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black all earn miles under the partnership. Uber Eats orders, Uber Cash transfers, and airport parking through Uber do not earn miles. Rides taken outside the United States also do not earn miles, even if you are using the same linked account.

If you use a promotional code or Uber credit (such as a free ride voucher), you still earn miles on the discounted amount. For example, if a $30 ride is covered by a $20 credit and you pay $10 out of pocket, you earn miles on the full $30 fare, not just the $10 you paid.

Troubleshooting when miles do not appear

If you took a ride but the miles have not shown up after five business days, first check that your accounts are still linked. Go to your Uber Wallet section and confirm the Delta SkyMiles connection is active. If it shows as linked, check your Delta SkyMiles account to see if the miles posted there — sometimes the Uber app does not when ready reflect the update even though Delta has received them.

If the miles are not in your Delta account either, contact Uber support through the app and provide the date and time of the ride. Uber can see whether the ride was flagged as ineligible for some reason. Common reasons include the ride being cancelled before pickup, the account being linked after the ride took place, or the ride occurring outside the United States.

If you linked your accounts after taking a ride, that ride will not earn miles retroactively. Only rides taken after the link is active will count. If you unlinked and then relinked your accounts, rides taken during the unlinked period will not earn miles.

What to do if you want to stop earning miles

Unlinking your accounts is straightforward and does not affect either your Uber or Delta account. Go to Uber's Wallet section, find the Delta SkyMiles connection, and select "Unlink" or "Remove." Your Uber rides will continue to work normally, but new rides will no longer earn miles. Miles you have already earned stay in your Delta account.

You can relink your accounts at any time by following the same steps as the initial link. There is no limit to how many times you can link and unlink, and there are no fees or penalties for doing so.

Using your Delta miles after you earn them

Miles earned through Uber can be used exactly like any other SkyMiles — to book flights, upgrade seats, or purchase other travel-related rewards through Delta's website. You can also transfer miles to Delta's airline partners if you want to use them on a different carrier. The miles have no expiration date as long as your SkyMiles account remains active, which means you can let them accumulate over time.

To book a flight with miles, log into your Delta SkyMiles account, go to "Book with miles," and search for your desired route. The number of miles required varies by route, season, and how far in advance you book. You can also call Delta at 1-800-323-2732 to book with miles over the phone if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I earn miles on Uber Eats orders?

No. The partnership covers Uber ride services only — UberX, UberXL, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black. Food delivery through Uber Eats does not earn Delta SkyMiles, even if you use the same Uber account.

What happens to my miles if I unlink my accounts?

Miles you have already earned stay in your Delta SkyMiles account permanently. Unlinking only stops future rides from earning miles. You can relink anytime and start earning again without losing what you have accumulated.

Can I earn miles on rides paid for with Uber gift cards or promotional codes?

Yes. You earn miles on the full ride fare regardless of how you pay for it — whether with a credit card, Uber Cash, gift card, or promotional code. The earning rate is based on the total fare amount, not what you personally paid out of pocket.

Do I need a Delta elite status to earn miles through Uber?

No. All Delta SkyMiles members earn miles on Uber rides, even if you do not hold elite status. Elite members earn at a higher rate, but the partnership is open to anyone with a free SkyMiles account.

How long does it take for miles to show up in my Delta account?

Miles typically post within a few days of your ride completing. If more than five business days have passed and the miles have not appeared, contact Uber support with your ride details so they can investigate whether the ride was flagged as ineligible.