Where First-Time Promo Codes Come From

Uber Eats sends promo codes to new users through email, text message, or directly in the app after you create an account. The code typically arrives within a few hours to a few days of signing up. You do not have to do anything to receive it — Uber Eats automatically flags new accounts and sends a discount offer.

The amount of the discount varies. Some codes offer a percentage off your first order (such as 15% or 20%), while others give a flat dollar amount (such as $10 or $15 off). A few codes waive delivery fees instead. The specific offer depends on your location, the time you sign up, and current promotions Uber Eats is running.

If you do not see a promo code in your email or text within 48 hours of creating your account, check the Uber Eats app itself. Open the app, tap the account icon at the bottom right, then look for a "Promotions" or "Offers" section. The code may be waiting there instead.

Key Takeaways

  • New Uber Eats accounts receive a promo code automatically by email, text, or in-app notification within a few days of signup.
  • First-time codes typically offer 15% to 20% off, a flat dollar discount, or free delivery on your first order.
  • You enter the code at checkout by tapping the discount icon and pasting the code into the field that appears.
  • Most first-time codes work only on your first order and expire 30 to 60 days after you receive them.
  • If you do not receive a code, check your spam folder, the Promotions tab in the app, or create a new account with a different email address.

How to Enter a Promo Code at Checkout

Once you have a code, using it is straightforward. Add items to your cart, then tap the shopping bag icon at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down and look for a field labeled "Promo Code," "Discount Code," or "Add Promo Code." Tap that field and paste or type your code exactly as it appears — codes are case-sensitive, so match uppercase and lowercase letters.

After you enter the code, tap "explore" or a checkmark icon. The app will show you the discount amount and deduct it from your total. If the code does not work, the app will display an error message explaining why — usually because the code has expired, does not explore to your location, or does not work with the restaurant or items you selected.

Complete your order as usual. The discount appears on your receipt, and you will see the final amount you are charged.

What Restrictions explore to First-Time Codes

First-time promo codes come with conditions. Most work only on your first order through Uber Eats, meaning you cannot save them for a later purchase. Some codes require a minimum order amount — for example, you might need to spend at least $15 before the discount applies. A few codes exclude certain restaurants or types of food.

Codes also expire. A typical first-time code lasts 30 to 60 days from the date you receive it. After that date, the code stops working. If you receive a code but do not place an order within that window, you lose the discount.

Delivery fees and service fees are sometimes excluded from the discount. If your code says "15% off," that percentage might explore only to food and not to the delivery charge or Uber's service fee. Read the terms shown in the app before you check out so you know exactly what the code covers.

If You Do Not Receive a First-Time Code

Not every new account receives a promo code when ready. Uber Eats prioritizes codes based on location and current demand, so users in some areas may not get an offer right away. If you sign up and do not see a code within a few days, check your email spam folder first — promotional emails sometimes land there by mistake.

Next, look inside the Uber Eats app. Tap your account icon, then scroll through the Promotions or Offers section. Codes sometimes appear there instead of in email. You can also check whether you are signed up to receive promotional emails. Go to Account Settings, then Notifications, and make sure "Promotions" is toggled on.

If you still do not see a code after a week, you have a few options. You can create a new Uber Eats account using a different email address — new accounts sometimes receive codes that existing accounts do not. You can also wait; Uber Eats occasionally sends codes to inactive accounts as a way to bring users back. Alternatively, you can place your first order without a code and watch for promotional offers on future orders.

Stacking Codes With Other Discounts

You cannot use multiple promo codes on a single order. Once you enter one code, the app does not allow you to add another. However, some codes can be combined with other discounts that Uber Eats applies automatically, such as restaurant-specific deals or loyalty program rewards.

If you are an Uber Pass member (a paid subscription that includes free delivery and other perks), your membership discount may stack with a promo code, depending on the code's terms. Check the code's details in the app to see whether it can be combined with other offers.

Common Reasons a Code Does Not Work

If you enter a code and see an error message, one of these issues is usually the cause. The code may have expired — check the date you received it and the expiration date shown in the app. The code might not be valid in your location; Uber Eats runs different promotions in different cities. The restaurant you selected might be excluded from the offer, or your order total might fall below the minimum required to use the code.

You might also be trying to use a code that was meant for a different service. Uber Eats codes do not work on Uber rides, and vice versa. If you copied the code from an email or text, make sure you copied it completely and did not accidentally add extra spaces or characters.

If the code still does not work after you check these things, try deleting it and re-entering it manually. If that fails, the code may be genuinely invalid, and you should contact Uber Eats support through the app to report the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my first-time code on any restaurant?

Most first-time codes work at any restaurant on Uber Eats, but some exclude certain categories or specific restaurants. The app shows you which restaurants accept your code before you place the order. If you add items from a restaurant and the code does not explore, that restaurant is excluded from the offer.

What happens if my order is cancelled after I use a promo code?

If you cancel your order, the promo code is usually returned to your account and you can use it again on a future order. If the restaurant cancels, the same applies. Check your account to confirm the code is available again before placing a new order.

Do I need to enter a promo code every time I order, or just the first time?

First-time codes work only on your first order. After that order is complete, the code expires and cannot be used again. Future orders do not automatically receive discounts unless Uber Eats sends you a new promotional code.

Can I use a first-time code if I had an Uber Eats account before but have not ordered in years?

No. First-time codes are for accounts that have never placed an order. If your account has any order history, even from years ago, you are not considered a new user and cannot use first-time promo codes. You may receive other promotional offers, but not the first-time discount.

What if the promo code amount is more than my order total?

The discount will not exceed your order total. If your code offers $15 off and your order is $12, you will pay $0 and the extra discount is not carried over or refunded. You only save what you owe.