How To Use An Uber Gift Card Easy Guide And More

Uber gift cards offer a flexible and convenient way to pay for rides, Uber Eats orders, and even subscriptions like Uber One. Whether you've received one as a gift or purchased it for someone else, understanding how to use it properly ensures you get the most value without hassle. This guide walks you through every step—from redemption to troubleshooting—so you can ride or order meals with confidence.

How to Redeem Your Uber Gift Card

Redeeming an Uber gift card is simple and takes only a few moments within the Uber app. Whether your card came as a digital code or a physical gift card with a PIN, the process is nearly identical.

1. Open the Uber app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
3. Select “Wallet” from the menu.
4. Choose “Add payment method,” then tap “Gift Cards.”
5. Enter the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit PIN found on the back of the card.
6. Tap “Redeem.”

Once successful, the balance will appear in your wallet and automatically apply to future trips or Uber Eats orders unless you disable auto-application in settings.

Tip: Always scratch off or reveal the PIN only after purchasing a physical gift card to prevent unauthorized use.

Using Your Gift Card Balance for Rides and Food Delivery

Your Uber gift card balance works across multiple services within the Uber ecosystem. You don’t need to manually select it at checkout—the app applies available gift card funds first, before charging any linked credit or debit cards.

• Uber Rides: Book any type of ride (UberX, Comfort, XL, etc.) and your gift card covers the fare up to its remaining balance.
• Uber Eats: Order from restaurants, grocery stores, or convenience outlets; the gift card pays for food, delivery fees, and service charges.
• Uber Transit: In supported cities, you can use your balance for public transit passes where integrated.
• Uber One Membership: Yes, you can use gift card funds to pay for monthly or annual Uber One subscriptions.

If your gift card doesn’t cover the full cost of a ride or order, the remaining amount is charged to your default payment method. Conversely, if your trip costs less than your balance, the leftover amount stays in your wallet for future use.

Checking Your Uber Gift Card Balance

Keeping track of your remaining balance helps avoid surprises during checkout. Here’s how to check it anytime:

1. Open the Uber app and go to the menu.
2. Select “Wallet.”
3. Under “Payment Methods,” look for “Gift Cards.”
4. Your current balance will be displayed next to the redeemed card.

You can also visit uber.com/gift/balance on a desktop or mobile browser. Enter your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN to view the balance without logging into the app.

Action	Where to Do It	Required Info
Redeem Gift Card	Uber App → Wallet → Gift Cards	16-digit number + 4-digit PIN
Check Balance (App)	Wallet → Gift Cards	Login required
Check Balance (Web)	uber.com/gift/balance	Card number + PIN
Use for Uber Eats	At checkout in Uber Eats tab	No action needed – auto-applies

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

While Uber gift cards are generally reliable, users occasionally encounter problems. Knowing how to resolve them quickly saves time and frustration.

• Invalid Code Error: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct 16-digit number and 4-digit PIN. Ensure no spaces or extra characters were added.
• Card Already Redeemed: This usually means the card was previously used on another account. Contact the person who gave it to you to confirm it hasn’t been activated already.
• Balance Not Applying: Go to Wallet settings and ensure gift cards are set to auto-apply. If not, toggle the option on.
• Expired Card: Uber gift cards do not expire, nor do they incur dormancy fees. If a card appears expired, contact Uber support immediately.

“Uber gift cards are designed to be durable and user-friendly. They never expire and can be used flexibly across our services globally.” — Uber Customer Support Team

Real-Life Example: Using a Gift Card While Traveling

Sophia visited Chicago from Austin and received an Uber gift card from her sister before the trip. She hadn’t used one before but wanted to rely on rideshares instead of rental cars.

Upon arriving at O’Hare Airport, she opened the Uber app, redeemed the gift card using the code texted to her phone, and immediately booked a ride to her hotel. Over the next three days, she used the same balance for two more rides and three Uber Eats dinners. When the balance ran low, her linked credit card covered the rest seamlessly.

The experience saved her time, reduced stress, and gave her peace of mind knowing part of her travel expenses were already paid for.

Tip: For travelers, Uber gift cards make excellent pre-loaded budgets for transportation and meals in unfamiliar cities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Uber Gift Cards

Do’s	Don’ts
Redeem immediately after purchase to secure the balance.	Share your card number and PIN publicly or via unsecured messages.
Use it across Uber Rides, Eats, and Uber One.	Assume it works outside the Uber app (e.g., third-party sites).
Check your balance regularly online or in-app.	Throw away the card after partial use—remaining balance still applies.
Combine with other payment methods for larger purchases.	Expect cash back if your ride costs less than the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple Uber gift cards at once?

Yes. If you have more than one gift card, their balances combine automatically in your Uber wallet. The app uses the oldest redeemed card first, but all available funds are applied before charging other payment methods.

Do Uber gift cards expire?

No. Uber gift cards do not have expiration dates and are not subject to inactivity fees. Your balance remains valid indefinitely until fully used.

Can I get a refund or transfer my gift card balance?

Gift card balances cannot be refunded or transferred to another person once redeemed to an account. However, you can send a new gift card to someone else directly through the Uber app under the “Gifts” section.

Maximizing the Value of Your Uber Gift Card

To get the most out of your gift card, consider these strategies:

• Pair with Promotions: Use your gift card balance during surge-free hours or when Uber Eats has discounts to stretch your value further.
• Subscribe to Uber One: If you're a frequent rider or eater, use your gift card to cover part or all of an Uber One membership ($9.99/month), which includes $0 delivery fees and priority support.
• Plan Ahead: Buy gift cards during promotional sales (e.g., holiday bundles or partner offers) where you get bonus value.
• Give Thoughtfully: Purchase digital gift cards directly from the Uber app with personalized messages—perfect for birthdays, graduations, or thank-yous.

Conclusion: Start Riding Smarter Today

Understanding how to use an Uber gift card opens up a world of convenience for everyday commutes, special outings, or stress-free meal deliveries. From instant redemption to seamless cross-service usage, these cards are built for real-life flexibility. Whether you're managing your own balance or gifting mobility to someone else, the process is straightforward and rewarding.

🚀 Ready to put your Uber gift card to work? Open the app, redeem your code, and enjoy your next ride or meal on the house!