Change your card in the Uber app in under two minutes

Open the Uber app, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, select Payments, then tap the card you want to remove and choose Delete. Add a new card by tapping Add payment method, entering your card details, and confirming. Uber will charge a small amount (usually $0.01 to $2) to verify the card is real, then refund it within a few days. Your new card becomes active immediately and is ready for your next ride or food order.

The entire process takes about two minutes. You do not need to contact Uber support or wait for any approval — the card works as soon as you finish entering your information.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add or remove cards directly in the Payments section of the Uber app without contacting support.
  • Uber verifies new cards with a temporary charge that appears within minutes and refunds within a few business days.
  • If you have multiple cards saved, you can choose which one to use before each trip or set a default.
  • Removing a card does not affect past trips or invoices — they remain tied to the card that was used at the time.
  • If your card is declined during a ride, Uber will prompt you to add a new payment method before the trip ends.

Step-by-step: adding a new card

Start in the Uber app and tap your profile icon — it is usually a circle with your initial or photo in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Payments. You will see a list of any cards you have already saved.

Tap Add payment method at the bottom of the list. Select Credit or debit card (Uber also accepts digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, but the process is slightly different). Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Add your billing zip code if prompted. Tap Add card.

Uber will immediately attempt a small verification charge — usually between $0.01 and $2 — to confirm the card is active and belongs to you. This charge appears in your bank account within minutes but is refunded automatically within three to five business days. You do not need to do anything; the refund happens on its own.

Once the card is added, it is ready to use right away. You do not have to wait for the verification charge to refund. Book your next ride and select this card at checkout if you want to use it immediately.

Step-by-step: removing an old card

Open the Uber app and go to your profile, then Payments. Find the card you want to delete and tap it. A menu will appear with options including Delete or Remove (the exact wording varies by app version). Tap that option and confirm when Uber asks you to verify.

The card is removed immediately. If you have other cards saved, Uber will use your default card for the next trip. If you have no other cards on file, Uber will ask you to add one before you can request a ride. Removing a card does not erase your history with Uber — past trips, receipts, and charges remain in your account and are still tied to the original card you used.

What happens if a card is declined during a ride

If your payment method fails while you are in an active trip, Uber will notify you immediately. The app will show a message asking you to update your payment method. You can add a new card or select a different saved card right from that screen.

You must resolve the payment issue before the trip ends, or Uber will attempt to charge the card again after the ride is complete. If all payment methods fail, Uber may suspend your account until the balance is paid and a valid card is added. Resolving this usually takes a few minutes — add a working card and your account will reactivate.

Setting a default card when you have multiple saved

If you have more than one card saved, Uber remembers which one you used last and uses that as your default for the next trip. You can change this before each individual ride by tapping Payments during checkout and selecting a different card.

Uber does not currently offer a permanent "default card" setting that stays the same across all trips. Each time you order, you can choose which card to use, or let Uber use whichever one you used most recently. This means if you want to switch cards regularly, you will need to select a different one at checkout each time.

Why Uber charges a small amount to verify your card

The verification charge — usually $0.01 to $2 — is a standard security practice. Uber uses it to confirm three things: that the card number is real, that the card is currently active, and that the billing address matches what you entered. This prevents fraud and catches typos before you try to pay for a ride.

The charge is temporary and refunds automatically. You will see it listed as a pending charge in your bank account for a few days, then it disappears. If for some reason the refund does not appear after five business days, contact Uber support with your receipt and they can process it manually. The refund does not require any action on your part.

Updating payment method on Uber Eats or Uber Driver

If you use Uber Eats (food delivery), the payment method is the same as your Uber Rides account. Changing your card in Payments affects both services. You do not need to update it separately.

If you are an Uber driver, payment method works differently — you are receiving money, not spending it. Driver payouts go to a bank account you link during signup, not to a credit card. To change your payout account, go to your driver profile, tap Earnings, then Payment method, and follow the prompts to add a new bank account. This is separate from the payment method you use if you also take rides as a passenger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prepaid card or virtual card number with Uber?

Yes. Prepaid cards, virtual card numbers (like those from privacy services), and most debit cards work with Uber as long as they have a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. The verification charge still applies. Some prepaid cards may decline if they do not support online transactions or if the balance is too low to cover the verification charge.

What if I delete my only card and have no other payment method?

Uber will not let you request a ride without at least one valid payment method on file. If you delete your only card, the app will prompt you to add a new one before you can book. You can add a card immediately and use it right away.

Does changing my card affect my Uber account balance or credits?

No. Any credits, promotions, or account balance you have remain in your account regardless of which card you use. Uber applies credits and promotions before charging your card, so changing your payment method does not affect them.

How long does it take for a new card to work after I add it?

A new card is ready to use immediately after you add it, even before the verification charge refunds. You can request a ride right away. The verification charge itself appears and refunds within a few business days, but it does not delay your ability to use the card.

Can I save cards from different countries or currencies?

Yes, you can save cards issued in different countries. Uber will charge in the local currency of the country where you are taking the ride, and your bank will handle the currency conversion. If you are traveling, you can add a local card or use an international card you already have saved.