How Uber gift cards and promotional credits work
Uber gift cards and promotional credits are two separate things that both add money to your Uber account, but they work differently. A gift card is a prepaid card you buy from a retailer or Uber's website and give to someone else — the recipient redeems it by entering a code. A promotional credit is money Uber puts directly into your account, usually from a promotion or referral. Both appear as a balance you can spend on rides, Uber Eats orders, or other Uber services, but only gift cards require you to enter a code.
The balance from either source stays in your account until you use it. You don't have to spend it all at once, and it doesn't expire as long as your Uber account remains active. If your account is inactive for a long time, Uber may close it, which could affect your balance — but the balance itself has no separate expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Gift card codes are entered in the Uber app or website under "Wallet" or "Payment Methods," and the balance appears when ready after redemption.
- Promotional credits from Uber appear automatically in your account and do not require a code to redeem.
- Both gift card balances and promotional credits can be used for Uber rides, Uber Eats, or other Uber services in the same way.
- Gift card balances do not expire as long as your account is active, but Uber may close inactive accounts after a period of time.
- If a gift card code does not work, check that you entered it correctly, that the card has not already been redeemed, and that your account is in good standing.
Where to find and enter a gift card code
If you have a physical Uber gift card, the code is printed on the back or inside the card. If you received a digital gift card by email, the code will be in the email message. Write down or copy the code exactly as it appears — codes are case-sensitive and must be entered with no extra spaces.
To redeem the code, 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 a code," or "Redeem gift card." Tap it, paste or type the code, and tap "Redeem." The balance will appear in your account within seconds.
If you prefer to use a web browser instead, go to uber.com, sign in to your account, and click on your profile icon in the top right. Select "Wallet" or "Payment Methods," then find the redeem option and enter the code the same way.
What happens after you redeem a gift card
Once you redeem a code, the dollar amount is added to your Uber account balance when ready. This balance is separate from any payment method you have on file — it sits in your account like store credit. When you request a ride or place an Uber Eats order, Uber will use your gift card balance first before charging any other payment method.
If your order costs less than your balance, the leftover amount stays in your account for the next ride or order. If your order costs more than your balance, Uber will charge the difference to your default payment method on file. You can check your current balance anytime by opening the Wallet or Payment Methods section in the app.
Why a gift card code might not work
If you enter a code and Uber says it is invalid or already redeemed, check these things in order. First, make sure you typed or pasted the code exactly as it appears — no extra spaces at the beginning or end, and capital letters where they appear on the card. Second, confirm that the code has not already been redeemed by someone else. If you received the card from another person, ask them whether they already used it.
Third, verify that your Uber account is in good standing. If your account has been flagged for fraud, has an unpaid balance, or is suspended, Uber may block redemption. Fourth, check whether the gift card is valid in your country or region — some cards are sold only in certain places. If none of these steps work, contact Uber support through the app by tapping the menu icon, selecting "Help," and describing the problem.
Promotional credits from Uber versus gift cards
Promotional credits appear in your account without any action on your part. Uber adds them when you complete a referral, when you receive a promotion code from Uber, or when Uber credits your account for a service issue. Unlike gift cards, promotional credits do not have a code to enter — they straightforward show up in your Wallet.
Promotional credits and gift card balances work the same way once they are in your account: both are used before other payment methods, both stay until you spend them, and both can be used for rides or Uber Eats. The only difference is how they get there. Some promotional credits do have an expiration date, which Uber will tell you about when the credit is issued — check your email or the app notification to see if yours has one.
Using your balance across Uber services
Your gift card or promotional credit balance can be used for Uber rides, Uber Eats food orders, Uber Cash transfers to other people, and Uber's other services depending on what is available in your area. When you have a balance, it will be the first payment method Uber uses, so you do not have to select it manually.
If you want to transfer some of your balance to another person using Uber Cash, open the app, go to Wallet, and look for a "Send" or "Transfer" option. You can send money to anyone with an Uber account, and they will receive it as a credit in their account. The amount you send is deducted from your balance.
What to do if your account is closed or deleted
If you delete your Uber account or Uber closes it due to inactivity or a violation of their terms, any remaining gift card or promotional credit balance is usually lost. Uber does not transfer balances to a new account or refund them. For this reason, if you have a balance you are not using, it is worth spending it before closing your account or if you think your account might be at risk of closure.
If your account was closed by Uber and you believe it was a mistake, or if you had a balance you did not use, contact Uber support through the app or website and explain your situation. Uber may be able to restore your account or address the issue, but there is no may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gift card balance to pay for someone else's ride?
No. Your gift card balance is tied to your account and can only be used when you are the one requesting the ride or placing the order. You cannot transfer it to another person's account unless you use Uber Cash, which lets you send money to someone else's Uber account.
What if I lost my gift card before redeeming it?
If you have the receipt or confirmation email with the code, you can still redeem it. If you lost both the card and the code, contact the retailer where you bought it — they may be able to look up the code using your purchase receipt. If you bought it directly from Uber, contact Uber support with your receipt.
Does my gift card balance expire?
The balance itself does not expire as long as your account is active. However, Uber may close accounts that have been inactive for an extended period, which would result in loss of the balance. To keep your account active, you should use it or log in periodically.
Can I get a refund for an unused gift card?
Refund policies depend on where you bought the card. If you bought it from a retailer like a grocery store, contact that retailer about their return policy. If you bought it directly from Uber's website, contact Uber support to ask about a refund.
What happens if I redeem a gift card but never use the balance?
The balance stays in your account indefinitely as long as your account remains active. You can use it whenever you want — there is no time limit on spending it once it has been redeemed.