What an Uber Eats gift card is and how to use it
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 the card, the balance deducts from your account until it runs out. You can buy gift cards from Uber directly, from retailers like Target or Walmart, or from third-party sellers online.
To use a gift card, you redeem the code into your Uber Eats account. The balance then sits in your account as store credit. When you place an order, Uber Eats draws from that credit first before charging any other payment method on file. The card itself does not need to be physically present — only the code matters.
Gift cards work for food orders, groceries through Uber Eats, and some convenience items depending on what merchants operate in your area. They do not cover Uber rides, Uber Freight, or other Uber services. If your order costs more than your gift card balance, you will need to add another payment method to cover the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Eats gift cards are prepaid codes that load credit into your account and work for food and grocery orders only, not Uber rides.
- You can buy gift cards directly from Uber, from major retailers like Target and Walmart, or from online marketplaces, with amounts typically ranging from $15 to $200.
- Once you redeem a code, the balance stays in your account indefinitely unless your account is inactive for an extended period, which may trigger account closure.
- If an order exceeds your gift card balance, you must add a debit card, credit card, or other payment method to pay the difference.
- Lost or stolen gift card codes should be reported to Uber support, though recovery depends on whether the code has already been redeemed.
Where to buy Uber Eats gift cards
Uber sells gift cards directly through its website and mobile app in denominations that vary by region. You can also purchase them at physical retail locations including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and many grocery store chains. The selection and denominations available differ by store, so check what your local retailer carries.
Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Costco also sell Uber Eats gift cards, though you should buy only from official sellers or the retailers listed above. Third-party resellers sometimes offer discounted cards, but purchasing from unknown sources carries the risk that the code has already been used or is invalid.
Some employers and benefits programs include Uber Eats gift cards as part of employee perks or wellness programs. If your workplace offers this, check with your HR or benefits department to see if you can receive a card through that channel.
How to redeem a gift card code
Open the Uber Eats app or go to ubereats.com and sign into your account. Tap the account icon or menu, then look for an option labeled "Promotions," "Wallet," "Payment Methods," or "Add Credit" — the exact wording varies by app version. Select the option to enter a promo or gift card code.
Type or paste the code from your gift card into the field. The code is usually a long string of letters and numbers printed on the card or in the email receipt if you bought it digitally. After you enter it, tap the button to redeem. The balance should appear in your account when ready.
If the code does not work, check that you typed it correctly, including any hyphens or special characters. If it still fails, the code may have already been redeemed, may be expired, or may be invalid. Contact Uber Eats support with your receipt or proof of purchase, and they can investigate whether the code was compromised.
Gift card balance, expiration, and account closure
Uber Eats gift card balances do not expire once redeemed into your account. However, your Uber Eats account itself can close if you do not use it for an extended period — typically 12 months or longer of inactivity. If your account closes, any remaining balance may be lost, though Uber support may restore it if you contact them promptly after reactivating your account.
To check your current balance, open the Uber Eats app, go to your account menu, and look for "Wallet" or "Payment Methods." Your available credit should display there. You can also see your balance history by reviewing past orders and payments.
If you have multiple gift cards, each code you redeem adds to the same account balance. There is no limit to how much credit you can hold, so you can stack multiple cards if you want to build up a larger balance.
What to do if your gift card code is lost or stolen
If you lose a physical gift card before redeeming it, contact Uber Eats support with your receipt or proof of purchase. Provide the order number or transaction ID from where you bought the card. Uber can sometimes issue a replacement code if the original has not been used, but this depends on how you purchased it and whether you have documentation.
If someone else redeems your code without permission, report it to Uber support when ready. Once a code is redeemed into an account, it is difficult to reverse, but Uber may investigate if the account that received the credit appears fraudulent or if the redemption happened shortly after you reported the card missing.
To protect yourself, treat gift card codes like cash or passwords. Do not share photos of the code online, and do not buy from sellers who email you the code before you pay — this is a common scam. Buy from official Uber channels or established retailers whenever possible.
Using gift cards with promotions and discounts
Uber Eats gift card credit counts as payment toward your order total. If you have a promo code for a discount or free delivery, the discount applies to your order first, and then your gift card balance covers what remains. For example, if your order is $20, you have a $5 off promo code, and a $20 gift card balance, your gift card will be charged $15.
Some promotions are exclusive to new users or specific regions and cannot be combined with gift cards. Check the terms of any promo code before you place your order to understand whether it stacks with your gift card credit.
Uber Eats occasionally runs promotions where you earn bonus credit for purchasing gift cards during certain periods. These are usually announced through the app or email. If you plan to use Uber Eats regularly, watching for these promotions can stretch your money further.
Gift cards as presents and bulk purchases
Uber Eats gift cards make straightforward presents because the recipient straightforward redeems the code and starts ordering. You can buy a card in any amount and send it digitally or physically depending on where you purchase it. Digital delivery is when ready, while physical cards take time to ship.
If you are buying gift cards in bulk for a business, event, or group, contact Uber Eats directly through their business or corporate gifting page. They may offer volume discounts or custom denominations that are not available through retail channels.
When giving a gift card, include the code in a find way — do not post it publicly on social media or in a message that could be intercepted. If you are sending it by email, consider sending the code separately from any other identifying information about the recipient.
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 and grocery orders through the Uber Eats app. Uber rides, Uber Eats+ membership, and other Uber services require separate payment methods. If you want credit for rides, you need an Uber gift card, which is a different product.
What happens if I have a gift card balance but my account gets deleted?
If your account closes due to inactivity or violation of Uber's terms, any remaining gift card balance may be lost. Contact Uber support when ready if this happens. They can sometimes restore the balance if you reactivate your account quickly, but there is no may provide. To avoid this, use your account at least once every 12 months.
Can I transfer my gift card balance to another person?
No. Once a gift card code is redeemed into your account, the balance is tied to that account and cannot be transferred, refunded, or moved to someone else's account. If you want to give credit to another person, you must purchase a new gift card code for them to redeem.
Do Uber Eats gift cards work in all countries?
Uber Eats operates in many countries, but gift cards are region-specific. A gift card purchased in the United States works only for orders in the United States. If you travel or move, check whether Uber Eats operates in your new location and whether your existing balance transfers. In most cases, it does not.
Can I get a refund if I buy a gift card by mistake?
Refund policies depend on where you bought the card. If you purchased it directly from Uber, contact their support team with your receipt. If you bought it from a retailer like Target or Walmart, return it to that store with your receipt within their return window. Once a code is redeemed, refunds are generally not possible.