Where to find and change your payment method

Open the Uber app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Wallet" or "Payment" depending on your app version. You'll see your current payment method listed at the top. Tap it to see all saved cards, bank accounts, or other payment options you've added to your account.

To switch to a different payment method for your next ride, tap the one you want to use. It will become your default immediately. If you don't see the method you want, you can add a new card or bank account from this same screen by tapping "Add payment method."

Key Takeaways

  • Your current payment method appears in the Wallet section of the Uber app, and you can switch between saved methods in seconds.
  • Adding a new card or bank account requires your full card number, expiration date, and CVV, or your bank login details for bank transfers.
  • Removing an old payment method is permanent and cannot be undone, so make sure you have at least one active method saved before deleting one.
  • If a payment fails, Uber will attempt to charge your backup payment method automatically before canceling your ride.

Adding a new card or bank account

Tap "Add payment method" from your Wallet screen. You can add a debit card, credit card, or bank account. For a card, enter the full 16-digit number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. Uber will ask for your billing zip code to verify the card.

To add a bank account instead, select that option and Uber will direct you to connect your bank through Plaid, a secure service that links your account without storing your password. You'll log into your bank once, and Uber will verify two small deposits (usually under $1 each) that appear in your account within a few days. Once verified, that bank account becomes available as a payment option.

Removing a payment method you no longer use

Find the payment method in your Wallet and swipe left on it (iPhone) or long-press it (Android). Select "Remove" or "Delete." The method will disappear from your account immediately and cannot be recovered. You cannot remove your only payment method—Uber requires at least one active option on your account at all times.

If you're trying to remove a card because it's expired or compromised, you don't have to wait. Remove it right away and add a replacement. Uber will not attempt to charge an expired or deleted card.

What happens when a payment fails

If Uber cannot charge your primary payment method, it will automatically try your backup method if you have one saved. If that also fails, Uber will cancel your ride and send you a notification explaining the problem. You won't be charged a cancellation fee in this case.

Common reasons for payment failure include an expired card, insufficient funds, a card that's been reported lost or stolen, or a bank that's blocking the transaction as fraud. Contact your bank or card issuer to resolve the block, then try your ride again. If you're unsure why the charge failed, Uber's in-app help section can show you the specific error message your bank returned.

Using Uber Cash and promotional credits

Uber Cash is a prepaid balance you can load onto your account. To add Uber Cash, go to your Wallet, tap "Uber Cash," and choose an amount to load. You can add $10, $20, $50, or $100 at a time using any of your saved payment methods. Uber Cash never expires and rolls over month to month.

When you have Uber Cash or a promotional credit on your account, Uber will use that balance first before charging your primary payment method. If your Uber Cash or credit doesn't cover the full ride cost, Uber will charge your default payment method for the remainder. You can see your current Uber Cash balance and any active credits in your Wallet at any time.

Changing payment method for Uber Eats

Uber Eats uses the same Wallet as Uber rides, so any payment method you add for rides is automatically available for food orders. However, you can set a different default payment method for Eats if you want. Open the Uber Eats app, tap "Wallet," and select which method you'd like to use for food orders. Your ride default and Eats default can be different.

If you're ordering through the Uber Eats website instead of the app, you may need to add your payment method again. The website and app don't always sync payment methods, so verify your saved cards before checking out on the web.

Troubleshooting payment method problems

If you can't add a card, the most common reason is that Uber's system doesn't recognize the card number or zip code. Double-check that you've entered all digits correctly and that the zip code matches your card's billing address. Some banks also block Uber transactions until you contact them and confirm the charge is legitimate.

If you're trying to add a bank account and the verification deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact your bank to confirm they haven't blocked small transfers from Plaid. You can also try removing the bank account and adding it again. If a payment method keeps failing even though your card or account is active, remove it and re-add it to refresh the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple payment methods on a single ride?

No. Uber charges one payment method per ride. If your primary method doesn't have enough funds or fails, Uber will try your backup method. You cannot split a single ride across two cards or accounts.

What if I want to use a different payment method for every ride?

You can change your default payment method before each ride by opening your Wallet and tapping the method you want to use. It takes about five seconds. Uber will remember your choice as the default until you change it again.

Do I have to save a payment method, or can I pay cash?

Cash payment is not available through the Uber app. You must have a card or bank account saved to your account. Some cities allow cash payment for Uber Eats food orders, but this varies by location and is shown at checkout if it's an option.

Is it safe to store my card information in the Uber app?

Uber encrypts your payment information and does not store your full card number on your phone. Your card details are held on Uber's secure servers. That said, if someone gains access to your Uber account, they can use your saved payment methods. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication on your Uber account for extra security.

Can I change my payment method after I've already requested a ride?

No. Once you've requested a ride, the payment method is locked in. You would need to cancel the ride, change your payment method, and request a new ride. Canceling may result in a cancellation fee depending on how close the driver is to pickup.