You can change your payment method in the Uber app in under a minute

Open the Uber app, tap the account icon in the bottom right, select Payments, then tap the card you want to replace. Choose Remove, then add your new card by tapping Add payment method and entering the card details. The new card becomes active immediately. If you have multiple cards saved, you can set which one is your default by tapping it and confirming.

The process is the same whether you're changing to a different card from the same bank, switching to a completely different card issuer, or replacing an expired card. Uber does not charge a fee to add or remove payment methods.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add, remove, or switch payment methods directly in the Uber app without contacting support.
  • The change takes effect immediately — your next ride will charge to whichever card you have set as default.
  • If a card declines during a ride, Uber will attempt to charge your backup payment method if one is saved.
  • Removing a card does not cancel rides already scheduled or refund past charges made to that card.

Step-by-step process to add a new card

Tap the account icon (usually your profile picture or initials) at the bottom right of the Uber app. This opens your account menu.

Select Payments from the menu. You will see a list of all payment methods currently saved to your account, with your default method marked clearly.

Tap Add payment method at the bottom of the list. Enter your card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and billing zip code. Tap Add card to save it. Uber will verify the card with a small temporary charge (usually under $1) that appears and disappears within a few days — this is not a real charge and you will not be billed.

How to remove an old or expired card

Open Payments in your account settings and find the card you want to remove. Tap it to open the card details.

Tap Remove at the bottom of the screen. Uber will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the card is deleted from your account immediately and cannot be used for future rides.

If the card you remove is your default payment method, Uber will automatically switch to your next saved card for the next ride. If you have no other cards saved, you will be prompted to add one before you can request a ride.

Setting a default payment method

If you have more than one card saved, you can choose which one charges by default. Open Payments, tap the card you want to use, and confirm it as your default. The app will show a checkmark or label next to the card that is currently set.

You can change your default card as many times as you want. The change takes effect immediately for your next ride.

What happens if your card declines during a ride

If the card you selected declines when Uber tries to charge it at the end of your ride, Uber will attempt to charge any backup payment methods you have saved. This happens automatically without interrupting your ride.

If all saved payment methods decline, Uber will contact you to ask for a working payment method. You can update your card information in the app or contact Uber support to resolve the issue. Your account may be temporarily restricted from requesting new rides until the payment is resolved.

Changing your card for Uber Eats and other Uber services

The same card list is used across Uber, Uber Eats, and Uber Freight if you use multiple Uber services. When you add or remove a card in the Uber app, that change applies to all Uber services on your account.

If you want to use different cards for different services, you will need to change your default payment method before each transaction. There is no way to set separate default cards for Uber rides versus Uber Eats orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my card cancel my scheduled rides?

No. Removing a card or switching to a different one does not affect rides you have already requested. Those rides will charge to the card that was active when you booked them, even if you remove that card afterward. Only future rides will use your new default payment method.

Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Yes. Uber accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit cards the same way it accepts credit cards. The process to add and remove a debit card is identical to adding a credit card.

What if I want to use a different card for a single ride?

You cannot select a different card for one ride without changing your default. You would need to go to Payments, switch your default to the card you want to use, request the ride, then switch back if needed. Most riders keep their preferred card as default instead.

How long does it take for a new card to start working?

Your new card is active immediately after you add it. You can use it for your next ride right away. The verification charge Uber places on the card (under $1) may take a few days to appear and disappear, but this does not delay your ability to use the card.

What if I remove my only payment method by accident?

You can add a new card at any time. Open Payments and tap Add payment method. You will not be able to request a ride until at least one valid payment method is saved to your account.