Change your Uber payment method in the app or on the web
To change the credit card Uber charges for rides, open the Uber app, tap the account icon in the bottom right, select Payments, then tap the card currently listed as your default payment method. From there you can delete it or add a new card. On the web version, go to your account settings, find the Payments section, and follow the same steps. The change takes effect immediately for your next ride.
If you want to add a second card without removing your current one, tap the plus icon in the Payments section instead of tapping the existing card. Uber will then ask you to choose which card to use as your default. You can switch between multiple saved cards at any time before you request a ride.
The card you have on file does not need to match the name on your Uber account, but the billing address associated with the card should be accurate. Uber uses this address to verify the card during processing.
Key Takeaways
- You can add, remove, or switch your default payment card through the Payments section of your Uber account in the app or on the web.
- Changes to your payment method take effect immediately and apply to your next ride request.
- Uber allows you to save multiple cards and choose which one to use before each ride.
- If a card is declined during a ride, Uber will prompt you to update your payment method before the trip completes.
- Removing a card from your account does not cancel any active rides or refunds already processed to that card.
Adding a new card to your Uber account
Tap the plus icon in the Payments section and enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Uber will also ask for the billing zip code associated with the card. Once you enter this information, Uber processes a small temporary charge (usually under $1) to verify the card is valid. This charge is reversed within a few business days and does not appear on your final bill.
After the verification charge posts, your new card is active and ready to use. You can set it as your default immediately or keep your current card as default and choose the new one at checkout on your next ride. Uber stores your card information securely and does not share it with drivers.
Removing a card from your account
To delete a card, open Payments, tap the card you want to remove, and select the delete or remove option. Uber will ask you to confirm. If that card is your default payment method, Uber will prompt you to choose a different card before you can request a ride.
Removing a card does not affect rides you have already taken or refunds Uber has already issued to that card. If Uber owes you a refund and you delete the card before the refund posts, contact Uber support to request the refund be sent to a different card or method.
What happens if your card is declined during a ride
If Uber attempts to charge your card and the charge is declined, you will see a notification in the app asking you to update your payment method. You have until the end of your ride to add a new card or select a different saved card. If you do not update your payment method before the ride ends, Uber will continue to attempt the charge for several days.
If the charge remains declined after multiple attempts, Uber may suspend your account until you provide a working payment method. You can reactivate your account by adding a valid card through the Payments section.
Using a debit card instead of a credit card
Uber accepts most debit cards that carry a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo. The process for adding a debit card is identical to adding a credit card: enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing zip code. Uber will run the same verification charge and reverse it within a few business days.
Some debit cards may decline if they have daily spending limits or if your bank flags the transaction as unusual. If your debit card is repeatedly declined, contact your bank to confirm they are not blocking Uber charges, then try adding the card again.
Switching between multiple saved cards
If you have more than one card saved to your account, you can choose which card to use before you request each ride. After you enter your pickup and dropoff locations, the app shows your current default payment method. Tap it to see all your saved cards and select a different one for that specific ride.
Your choice applies only to that single ride. Your default card remains unchanged for future rides unless you go back to Payments and manually change your default. This is useful if you want to use a rewards card for some trips and a different card for others.
Updating your billing address for a card
Uber does not provide an option to edit the billing address of a card already saved to your account. If your billing address has changed, you must delete the old card and add it again with the updated address. This triggers a new verification charge, which Uber reverses within a few business days.
If you do not update your billing address and it no longer matches your bank's records, your card may be declined on future rides. Your bank uses the billing address to verify that you are the cardholder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's credit card on my Uber account?
Technically yes — Uber does not verify that the cardholder's name matches your account name. However, the card's billing address should be accurate, and the cardholder may see the transaction on their statement. If you regularly use someone else's card, they should be aware of the charges.
Does changing my payment method affect a ride I already requested?
No. If you change your payment method after you have already requested a ride, Uber will charge the card you had selected at the time you made the request. Changes to your payment method apply only to rides you request after the change.
What if Uber charged the wrong card?
Contact Uber support through the app by tapping your account icon, selecting Help, and describing the issue. Provide the trip number and the card that was charged. Uber can reverse the charge to the wrong card and recharge the correct card if you provide the details.
Can I use a prepaid card on Uber?
Most prepaid cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo work on Uber, but some issuers block transactions with ride-sharing services. If your prepaid card is declined, contact the card issuer to ask if they allow Uber charges. Some prepaid cards also have daily spending limits that may prevent larger rides from going through.
How long does it take for a new card to work on Uber?
A new card is active immediately after you enter the information and complete the verification charge. You can use it on your next ride right away. The verification charge itself takes a few business days to reverse, but that does not delay your ability to use the card.