You can change your credit card on Uber through the app or website in under a minute
Open the Uber app, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, select "Payments," and choose the card you want to use going forward. If you're adding a new card instead of switching between existing ones, tap the plus icon, enter the card details, and save. Uber stores multiple cards at once, so you don't have to delete the old one — you just set a different card as your default payment method.
The change takes effect immediately for your next ride. If you have a trip in progress when you make the change, that ride will still charge to whichever card was active when you requested it.
Key Takeaways
- You can add, remove, or switch between payment methods directly in the Uber app under your profile and Payments section.
- Changes to your default card take effect right away but do not affect rides already in progress.
- Uber accepts most major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- If a card is declined during a ride, Uber will prompt you to add a working payment method before the trip ends.
- You can set up a backup payment method so rides go through even if your primary card fails.
Step-by-step: Adding a new card to your Uber account
Start in the Uber app and tap your profile picture or initial in the bottom right corner. This opens your account menu. Select "Payments" from the list of options.
You'll see any cards already saved to your account. Tap the plus icon or "Add payment method" button. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Add your billing zip code if prompted. Tap "Add card" to save it.
The new card appears in your payment list immediately. If you want it to be your default for future rides, tap it and select "Set as default payment method." If you don't set it as default, Uber will use whichever card you marked as primary the last time you rode.
Switching between cards you already have saved
If you have multiple cards stored in your Uber account, you can change which one charges for your next ride without adding anything new. Go to your profile, tap "Payments," and select the card you want to use. Tap "Set as default payment method."
You can also change the payment method right before you request a ride. When you open the app to book, look for the payment method shown near the top or bottom of the screen (the exact location varies by app version). Tap it to see your saved cards and pick a different one before you confirm your pickup location.
What to do if a card gets declined during a ride
If Uber tries to charge a card and it's declined, the app will notify you before the trip ends. You'll see a message asking you to update your payment method. Tap the notification or go to your Payments section and add a working card or select a different saved card.
Until you provide a valid payment method, you won't be able to request another ride. The driver won't be affected — Uber handles the payment issue on your end. If this happens repeatedly, contact your bank to check whether there's a fraud block on your card or a problem with the card itself.
Removing a card from your account
Go to your profile, select "Payments," and find the card you want to remove. Tap it or swipe left on it (depending on your device) to see the delete option. Select "Remove" or the trash icon.
You cannot remove a card if it's currently set as your default payment method. If you want to delete your primary card, first set a different card as default, then delete the old one. Uber will not charge that card again once it's removed from your account.
Digital wallets and alternative payment methods
Uber accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay in addition to credit and debit cards. To add a digital wallet, go to Payments and select "Add payment method." Choose the wallet option, and your phone will prompt you to confirm using your device's security (Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN). The wallet then appears in your payment list like any other card.
Digital wallets can be faster at checkout because they don't require you to type card details. They also add a layer of security — Uber doesn't store your actual card number, only a token from your wallet provider. If you use a digital wallet as your default, Uber will charge it the same way it charges a regular card.
Troubleshooting: Why your card change isn't working
If you add a card and it doesn't appear in your payment list, check that you entered the details correctly — the most common issue is a typo in the card number or expiration date. Make sure the zip code matches your billing address exactly as it appears on your bank statement.
If the card appears but you can't set it as default, try closing the Uber app completely and reopening it. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the option. If that doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall the app — this clears the app's cache and often fixes payment-related glitches.
If you're still having trouble, contact Uber support through the app by tapping your profile, scrolling to "Help," and selecting "Account and payment issues." Describe what happened, and Uber's support team can investigate whether there's a problem with your card or your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different card for Uber Eats than for Uber rides?
No. Uber and Uber Eats share the same payment methods. Whichever card you set as default in your Payments section will be used for both rides and food orders. You can change it before each transaction, but there's no separate default for each service.
What happens if I delete a card while a ride is in progress?
The ride will still charge to that card. Uber processes payment after the trip ends, so deleting the card beforehand doesn't stop the charge. If you want to change payment methods, do it before you request a ride or after the current trip is complete.
Does Uber charge a fee to add or change a card?
No. Adding, removing, or switching between cards is free. Uber only charges you for rides and food orders, not for managing your payment methods.
Can I use a prepaid card or gift card on Uber?
Yes, if the prepaid card has a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo. Uber treats prepaid cards the same as regular debit or credit cards. Make sure the card has enough balance before you request a ride, because Uber will decline it if the balance is too low.
What if my card information changes but the card number stays the same?
If only your expiration date or CVV changed (for example, your bank reissued the card), update those details in your Payments section. Tap the card, select "Edit," and enter the new expiration date and CVV. You don't need to delete and re-add the card.