Want to use a different credit card to pay for an Uber ride? Adding and switching between payment options in the Uber app is easy, but some of the steps in the process might not be obvious to you — They weren’t for me! Here’s how to add and select a different credit card or payment option to pay for your Uber ride.
How to add a payment method to your Uber account
There are two ways to add a payment method to your Uber account: From the main app menu, or when you request a ride. To add a payment option on the main app menu, tap the menu icon (☰) in the upper left corner, then tap Payment. Tap ‘Add payment method’ and select the Payment Method you want to add. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your payment method.
Available payment methods for Uber
- Credit and debit cards
- Paypal
- Apple Pay – Available on iPhone 6 and up
- Gift card
- American Express points – Use your Amex card, you can choose to apply points
- Campus card – Find Campus Card in the “Add Payment” area to see if your school participates
- Commuter Benefits – Check inside the app to see if your Commuter Benefits card is eligible
Related: How much does Uber cost? Uber fare estimator
How to select a different credit card or payment option in the Uber app
- Open the Uber app
- Enter your destination
- Tap your credit card number at the bottom of the screen
- Select a different payment option or enter a new one
How to use Apple Pay to pay for your Uber
If you have an iPhone 6 or newer, you can use Apple Pay to pay for your ride. Apple Pay isn’t listed in the “Add Payment” area of the app menu, so most iPhone users may not realize it’s a payment option. To use Apple Pay to pay for your ride, first set your destination, then tap the payment method above the “Confirm Uber” button. If you’ve set up Apple Pay on your phone, Apple Pay will be listed in Payment Options area.
Use an Uber promo code to pay for your ride or get a discount
All new users can get a discount on their first ride if you enter a promo code before you request the ride. To add a promo code, head to menu, then Payment, then scroll to Add Promo/Gift Code. Enter the code there. My promo code cws7s2 works for all new users. If you sign up using my promo code I may receive an bonus from Uber.
What to do when you can’t add a credit card
Sometimes you’ll go through all the steps to add a new payment method and it won’t become available in your list of payment options, or you’ll get an app error when you request a ride using that payment method. If that happens, try to delete and re add the card. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to contact Uber support to get this issue resolved.
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How to delete a credit card from your Uber account
To delete a credit card or other payment method, tap the menu icon (☰), then Payment. Tap the payment method you want to delete, then tap the three dots in the upper corner of the screen. A menu with ‘edit’ and ‘delete’ options will appear. Select delete.
What to do when you can’t delete an old or expired payment method
Most of us only input one credit card into the Uber app, so when our current card expires and we get a replacement, our first instinct is to delete the old card first then add in the new one. Sadly that simple action will be met with an error message: “You must have at least one payment method active.” To get around that, add in your new card first, then delete the old one. It may take a day or two for the old card to disappear, so as long as your new card is approved don’t worry about the old one still showing up.
Another problem a lot of Uber users run into is that cards you deleted still show up in your list of payment methods. If that happens, just ignore the old card and make sure to select your current card. The app will use your most recently used card as the default payment method, so you won’t have to worry about changing your payment method every time you use the app.
Credit cards are attached to accounts: You can’t always share credit cards with a friend
Uber connects credit cards, phone numbers, and accounts to prevent multi-accounting tricks that can net endless free first-time rides. Sometimes you might not be able to add and select a credit card that’s already in use by another account.
More Uber tips
- What’s the difference between UberX, XL, Select, and Black?
- Understanding Uber fees: Cancellation fee, cleaning fee, and more
- Guide to UberEATS: Ordering food, promo codes, and more
paul binns says
I need to update my credit card info but can’t get the app to change info. I need to talk to someone about this matter. Is there a phone number to speak to someone?
DougH says
If it’s possible, add a new card and ignore the old info. But if it’s an existing card and you need to update the expiration date, you may need to contact Uber customer service if the edits you’re making aren’t taking hold.
Robert Burt says
can not change credit card from invalidated card. Add payment screen comew up but it is blank and I can not get response!
Alonzo Lewis says
why can’t I get a flat rate fee I go to work 5 days a week to the destination afternoon and nights the rates changes from $12 plus to $17 plus
DougH says
Some larger offer frequent user perks, but not all. You can try asking uber
Kyrie A Montoya says
Does uber take cash
DougH says
No, not in the US