What an Uber Eats Gift Card Is and How It Works
An Uber Eats gift card is a prepaid card loaded with a dollar amount that you can spend on food delivery through the Uber Eats app or website. When you use it, the balance comes out of the card first before any payment method on file. You can buy gift cards in set denominations, give them to someone else, or keep one for yourself.
The card works like a digital voucher. Once you add it to your Uber Eats account, the balance sits there until you place an order. It covers the food, fees, and taxes — anything on the bill. If your order costs less than the card balance, the leftover amount stays on the card for your next order. If the order costs more, you'll pay the difference with another payment method.
Uber Eats gift cards do not expire, so there's no rush to spend them. You can hold onto a card for months or years without losing the balance.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Eats gift cards come in set dollar amounts and can be purchased online, in stores, or through the Uber Eats app.
- The card balance applies to your entire order — food, delivery fees, taxes, and tips — and any unused amount stays on the card.
- You add the gift card to your account by entering a code, and it works when ready for your next order.
- Gift cards do not expire and can be used across all Uber Eats restaurants and merchants in your area.
Where to Buy Uber Eats Gift Cards
You can purchase Uber Eats gift cards from several sources. The Uber Eats app and website sell them directly in amounts ranging from $15 to $200, depending on what's available in your region. You buy them with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method on file, and the code arrives when ready by email or in the app.
Retail stores also carry physical Uber Eats gift cards. Common locations include grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies — check the gift card section near checkout. The denominations and availability vary by store and location. You pay cash or card at the register, and the card itself contains a code you'll need to redeem.
Some third-party gift card resellers online sell Uber Eats cards as well, though buying directly from Uber or a major retailer is simpler and safer.
How to Add a Gift Card to Your Account
To use an Uber Eats gift card, you need to add the code to your account. Open the Uber Eats app or go to ubereats.com and sign in. Look for the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and find the section labeled "Wallet," "Payment Methods," or "Gift Cards" — the exact name varies by app version.
Tap or click "Add Gift Card" and enter the code printed on the card or sent to you by email. The code is usually a long string of letters and numbers. Once you enter it, the balance appears in your wallet when ready. You don't need to do anything else — the card is now ready to use.
If the code doesn't work, double-check that you've typed it correctly, including any hyphens. If it still fails, the code may have already been used or may be invalid. Contact Uber Eats support with the code and your receipt if you bought it from a store.
Using Your Gift Card Balance on Orders
When you place an order through Uber Eats, the app automatically applies your gift card balance to the total. You'll see the amount deducted before you reach the payment screen. If your order is smaller than the card balance, only what you spent comes out, and the rest stays on the card.
If your order costs more than the gift card balance, you'll be asked to add another payment method for the difference. For example, if your card has $20 left and your order is $35, you'll pay $20 from the gift card and $15 from a credit card or other method.
You can use the same gift card across multiple orders until the balance runs out. There's no limit to how many times you can use it or how many restaurants you can order from.
What Happens If Your Gift Card Balance Runs Out
Once you've spent the full balance, the card is empty and cannot be reloaded. You'll need to purchase a new gift card if you want to continue using Uber Eats credit. The empty card itself has no value and can be discarded.
If you still have a balance but haven't used the card in a long time, the balance remains on your account. Uber Eats does not expire gift cards, so you can return to your account months or years later and the money will still be there.
Troubleshooting Common Gift Card Issues
If a gift card code doesn't work, the most common reason is a typo. Codes are case-sensitive and include hyphens in specific places — check the original card or email carefully and try again. If you're copying and pasting the code, make sure you're not including extra spaces before or after.
If the code was already used, it cannot be used again. This sometimes happens if someone else redeemed it first, or if you accidentally added it twice. Check your Wallet to see if the balance is already there under a different card or account.
If you bought a physical card from a store and the code doesn't work, keep your receipt. Contact Uber Eats support and provide the receipt and the code — they can investigate whether the card was defective or already activated.
If you're having trouble finding the gift card section in the app, make sure you're signed into the correct account. Some accounts may have different menu layouts depending on your region or app version.
Gift Cards as Gifts for Others
Uber Eats gift cards are a straightforward way to give someone credit for food delivery. You can buy a card through the app or website and send the code to them by email, text, or any other method. They straightforward add the code to their own account and start ordering.
Physical cards from stores work the same way — you give the person the card, they enter the code, and the balance appears in their wallet. There's no registration or account setup required beyond what they'd normally do to use Uber Eats.
Gift cards have no expiration date, so the recipient can use them whenever they want. They also work in any area where Uber Eats operates, so geography isn't a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Uber Eats gift card to pay for Uber rides?
No. Uber Eats gift cards work only for food delivery orders through the Uber Eats app. They cannot be used for Uber rides, Uber Eats+ membership, or any other Uber service. If you want credit for rides, you need an Uber gift card instead.
What if I lose the gift card code?
If you added the code to your account, the balance is safe — it's stored in your Wallet and you don't need the original code again. If you haven't added it yet and you lose the code, contact Uber Eats support with your receipt from where you bought it. They may be able to help recover the code or issue a replacement.
Can I transfer my gift card balance to someone else?
Once you add a gift card code to your account, the balance is tied to that account and cannot be transferred. If you want to give someone else the credit, you need to purchase a new gift card for them instead.
Do Uber Eats gift cards work at all restaurants?
Yes, gift cards work at any restaurant or merchant available through Uber Eats in your delivery area. You can order from any of them — there are no restrictions based on the restaurant type or location.
Can I use a gift card and a promo code on the same order?
Yes. The gift card balance applies first, and then promo codes or discounts are applied to the remaining total. Both can be used together on a single order.