Creating Your Uber Account

To use Uber, you need to create an account through the Uber app or website. The process takes about five minutes and requires a valid email address or phone number, your name, and a payment method. You can sign up on your phone using the Uber app (available on iOS and Android) or on a computer at uber.com.

Start by opening the app or website and tapping or clicking "Sign Up." You'll choose whether to sign up with your email, phone number, or a social media account like Google or Apple ID. Enter your name and date of birth — Uber requires you to be at least 18 years old. Then add your payment method: a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account. Uber will verify your card information but won't charge you until you request a ride.

Once you've entered this information, Uber sends a verification code to your email or phone. Enter that code to confirm your account is real. After verification, your account is active and ready to use.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid email or phone number, your name, your date of birth, and a payment method to create an Uber account.
  • Uber will send a verification code to your email or phone that you must enter before your account becomes active.
  • You can sign up through the Uber app, the Uber website, or by using a linked Google or Apple ID.
  • Your payment method is stored securely but won't be charged until you request and complete your first ride.

What Payment Methods Uber Accepts

Uber takes most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also link a bank account directly through your account settings, though this option is not available in all regions. Some areas also accept digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which you can add during signup or later in your account settings.

When you add a payment method, Uber may place a small temporary hold on your card to verify it works — this hold is released within a few days and is not a charge. You can add multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use before each ride. If a payment method fails during a ride, Uber will try the next one on file.

Setting Up Your Profile Information

After your account is verified, you should complete your profile by adding a photo and reviewing your personal details. A profile photo helps drivers recognize you when they arrive. You can add or change your photo anytime in the app by going to your Account settings and selecting "Profile."

Your account also stores your home and work addresses, which you can save as shortcuts for faster ride requests. To add these, go to "Saved Places" in the app and enter the addresses. You can edit or delete saved places at any time. Your phone number and email are used for ride updates and customer support, so keep them current.

Adding Your Home and Work Addresses

Saving your home and work addresses makes requesting rides faster because you won't have to type them in each time. In the Uber app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Saved Places." Then tap the plus sign to add a new location. Enter the address, give it a label like "Home" or "Work," and save it.

Once saved, these addresses appear at the top of the pickup screen when you open the app. You can change or delete a saved address anytime by tapping it and selecting "Edit" or "Delete." If you move or change jobs, update these addresses so your ride requests go to the right place.

Verifying Your Identity and Phone Number

Uber requires you to verify your phone number and email address before you can request rides. During signup, you'll receive a verification code via text or email — enter this code in the app to confirm. If you don't receive the code, you can request a new one or choose to receive it by a different method.

Some regions also require additional identity verification, such as a photo ID or government-issued ID. If Uber asks for this, you'll see a prompt in the app with instructions on how to upload a photo of your ID. This verification protects both you and drivers by confirming that accounts belong to real people.

Troubleshooting Common Signup Problems

If your signup is blocked, the most common reasons are an invalid email or phone number, an age requirement issue (you must be 18 or older), or a payment method that Uber cannot verify. Check that your email address is spelled correctly and that your phone number includes the country code if you're signing up from outside the United States. If you're close to 18, wait until your birthday to try again.

If your payment method is rejected, try a different card or bank account. Some banks flag Uber as a new merchant and block the transaction for security reasons — contact your bank to allow Uber charges. If you're still stuck, you can contact Uber support through the app by tapping the menu, selecting "Help," and choosing your issue from the list.

If you receive an error message saying your account already exists, you may have signed up before and forgotten. Try using the "Forgot Password" option to recover your existing account instead of creating a new one. Using the same email or phone number for multiple accounts can cause problems with payments and ride history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to sign up for Uber?

No. You can use a debit card, a linked bank account, or a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. The payment method must be valid and verified, but Uber accepts many options beyond credit cards.

Can I sign up without a smartphone?

You can create an account on a computer at uber.com, but you'll need a smartphone to request rides because the app is how you communicate with drivers and track your ride in real time.

What happens if I forget my password?

Go to the Uber login screen and tap "Forgot Password." Uber will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link, create a new password, and you can log back in. If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder or contact Uber support.

Can I change my name or email after I sign up?

Yes. Go to your Account settings, tap "Personal Information," and edit your name or email address. If you change your email, Uber will send a verification code to the new address to confirm the change.

Is my payment information safe when I sign up?

Uber encrypts your payment information and does not store full card numbers on its servers. Your payment details are processed through find payment processors and are not shared with drivers or other users.