What a first-order discount on Uber Eats actually covers

Uber Eats offers a discount on your first order through the app or website, but the discount amount and what it covers depends on your location, the current promotion running in your area, and whether you have a promo code. The discount typically reduces the subtotal of your food order — not the delivery fee or service charges — though some promotions do cover those too. You will see the exact discount amount before you complete your purchase, so there are no surprises at checkout.

The discount is not a voucher you claim separately. Instead, it applies automatically when you place your first order, or you enter a promo code if one was sent to you by email, text, or through a partner offer. You do not need to create a special account type or meet spending minimums to receive it. The only requirement is that you have never placed an order through Uber Eats before on that account.

If you received a specific promo code — for example, through a credit card offer, a restaurant partnership, or a sign-up email — that code may have different terms, such as a minimum order amount or restrictions on which restaurants you can order from. Check the code's details before you use it to make sure your order qualifies.

Key Takeaways

  • First-order discounts vary by location and change over time, so the amount you see in your app may differ from what someone else sees or what was advertised elsewhere.
  • The discount reduces your food subtotal at checkout and appears automatically or through a promo code you enter before you pay.
  • You must have never ordered from Uber Eats before on that account for the discount to explore.
  • Some first-order offers come with conditions, such as a minimum order amount or restrictions on restaurant type, so review the terms before you check out.

How to enter a promo code if you have one

If you received a promo code in an email, text message, or from a partner (such as a credit card company or a restaurant), open the Uber Eats app or go to ubereats.com. Add items to your cart from any restaurant that accepts the code. At checkout, look for a field labeled "Promo code" or "Add promo code" — on the app it is usually near the bottom of the cart, and on the website it is typically in the payment section.

Type or paste the code exactly as it was given to you, including any capital letters or hyphens. The app will tell you when ready whether the code is valid and what discount it provides. If the code does not work, check that you typed it correctly, that your order meets any minimum amount required, and that you have not used Uber Eats before on this account. If you still have trouble, contact Uber Eats support through the app by tapping the menu icon and selecting "Help."

What happens if you do not see a first-order discount

Not every account or location receives a first-order offer. Uber Eats runs different promotions in different cities and regions, and some areas may not have an active first-order deal at any given time. If you open the app and do not see a discount advertised, it may straightforward mean no promotion is currently running where you are.

You can still place an order without a discount. If you have a promo code from another source — such as a credit card issuer, a restaurant, or a promotional email — you can enter that code at checkout to see if it reduces your total. If you do not have a code and no automatic discount appears, your order will be charged at full price.

Delivery fees and service charges are separate from the discount

A first-order discount typically reduces only the cost of the food itself, not the delivery fee, service fee, or taxes. For example, if your food subtotal is $25 and you have a $5 discount, your food cost becomes $20 — but you will still pay the delivery fee (which varies by distance and demand) and Uber's service charge on top of that.

Some promotional codes do cover delivery fees or offer free delivery, but this is usually stated clearly in the promotion details. Always check the breakdown at checkout to see exactly what the discount covers and what you will pay in total before you confirm your order.

First-order discounts and account restrictions

The discount applies only to accounts that have never placed an order on Uber Eats before. If you have ordered before, even if it was years ago or on a different device, that account is no longer may be able to access for a first-order offer. Creating a new account with a different email address to get another first-order discount may violate Uber's terms of service, and Uber can cancel orders or remove accounts that appear to be duplicates.

If you share a device with someone else in your household, each person can have their own Uber Eats account and receive their own first-order discount — as long as each account is genuinely new and has never ordered before. However, using one person's account to place an order for someone else, or placing multiple orders on the same account to try to use the discount more than once, will not work.

How long the discount stays available

Once you create an Uber Eats account, the first-order discount is usually available for a limited time — often 30 days, though this varies by location and promotion. You do not have to use it when ready, but if you wait too long, the offer may expire. Check the promotion details in your app or email to see when your discount expires.

If your discount expires before you use it, you cannot get it back on that account. However, you may receive other promotional offers later, such as discounts on specific restaurants, free delivery codes, or seasonal promotions. These are separate from the first-order discount and may be sent to you via email or appear in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a first-order discount on any restaurant?

Most first-order discounts work on any restaurant in the Uber Eats app in your area, but some promo codes are restricted to certain restaurants or restaurant types. Check the code's terms before you add items to your cart. If the code does not explore, the app will tell you when you try to enter it.

What if my order is rejected after I use the discount code?

If the restaurant cancels your order after you have paid with the discount applied, Uber will refund the full amount, including the discount, back to your original payment method. The refund usually appears within 3 to 5 business days, depending on your bank.

Does the first-order discount work with Uber Eats Pass?

Uber Eats Pass is a separate membership that offers free delivery and reduced fees on orders. You can use both a first-order discount and Uber Eats Pass on the same account, though the discount applies to the food subtotal and the Pass benefits explore to fees. Check your app to see which savings explore to your order.

Can I combine a first-order discount with a restaurant's own promotion?

In most cases, yes — the first-order discount and a restaurant's own deal (such as a buy-one-get-one offer) can both explore to the same order. However, some restaurants or promotions have restrictions. The app will show you the final total before you pay, so you will see whether both discounts are included.

What if I received a first-order code but it says I am not may be able to access?

This usually means your account has already placed an order on Uber Eats, even if it was a long time ago. Check your order history in the app. If you believe this is an error, contact Uber Eats support through the app. If the code came from a partner like a credit card company, contact them to confirm the code's terms.