Where to find your payment settings in the Uber app

Open the Uber app and tap the account icon in the bottom right corner. From there, select "Wallet" or "Payment methods" — the exact label depends on whether you're using Uber for rides, Uber Eats, or both, but the location is always the same. You'll see a list of every card, digital wallet, and payment method you've added to your account.

If you want to change which method Uber charges by default, tap the one you want to use. A checkmark appears next to your active method. If you want to remove a method entirely, swipe left on it (on iPhone) or long-press it (on Android), then confirm the deletion. Uber will not let you delete your last payment method, so you must add a new one before removing the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your payment method lives in the Wallet section of your account, accessible from the account icon at the bottom right of the app.
  • You can add a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, and switch between them before you request a ride or order food.
  • Changing your default method takes one tap, but you must have at least one payment method on file at all times.
  • If a payment fails during a ride or order, Uber will prompt you to update your method before completing the transaction.

Adding a new card or digital wallet

Tap the plus sign or "Add payment method" button at the top of your Wallet screen. You can enter a credit or debit card manually by typing the number, expiration date, and CVV, or you can tap "Apple Pay" or "Google Pay" to link a wallet you've already set up on your phone. If you choose a digital wallet, Uber confirms the connection and you're done — no separate card entry needed.

Uber stores your card information on encrypted servers, not on your phone. When you add a card, Uber may run a small test charge (usually under a dollar) to verify the card is real and active. This charge appears on your statement but is reversed within a few days. Some banks flag this as suspicious activity, so if you see a decline, contact your bank and ask them to allow Uber's verification charge, then try adding the card again.

Switching payment methods before a ride or order

You don't have to change your default method to use a different card for a single trip. After you request a ride or add items to your Uber Eats cart, look for a "Payment" or "Wallet" section on the confirmation screen. Tap it to choose a different method for that transaction only. Your default method stays the same for future rides.

This is useful if you want to use a rewards card for some trips but keep a different card as your backup. The payment method you choose on the confirmation screen overrides your default setting only for that ride or order.

What happens if your payment method fails

If Uber tries to charge your default method and it declines, the app will notify you when ready. You have the option to update your payment method right then, before the ride ends or the order is completed. If you don't update it, Uber will keep the ride or order on hold and send you a notification asking you to add a working payment method within a set time.

If you don't update your payment method after a failed charge, Uber may suspend your account until the balance is paid. You can add a new card, use a different card already on file, or contact Uber Support to discuss the failed payment. Reactivating your account usually takes a few hours once a working payment method is added.

Using digital wallets instead of cards

Apple Pay and Google Pay are faster than entering a card number each time because your phone handles the authentication. When you tap "Apple Pay" in your Wallet settings, Uber connects to the wallet app on your phone and pulls in the cards you've already saved there. You don't enter card details twice.

The main advantage is security: your actual card number is never shared with Uber. Instead, your phone generates a one-time token that Uber uses to process the charge. If Uber's servers were breached, a thief would get the token, not your card number. Digital wallets also let you remove a card from your phone without logging into Uber separately — the payment method disappears from Uber automatically.

Removing a payment method you no longer use

Swipe left on the card or wallet you want to delete, then tap "Remove" or "Delete." Confirm the action when Uber asks. The method is removed from your account when ready and Uber will not charge it in the future. If you accidentally delete a card, you can add it back by tapping the plus sign and entering the details again.

You cannot remove your last payment method. If you're trying to delete your only card and Uber won't let you, add a new payment method first, then delete the old one. This prevents you from getting stuck with no way to pay for a ride or order.

Troubleshooting payment method problems

If you add a card and Uber keeps declining it, the most common reasons are a typo in the card number or expiration date, an address mismatch between your card and Uber account, or your bank blocking the transaction. Double-check the number and expiration date first. Then log into your bank's app and look for any decline notifications — if your bank blocked it, you can approve Uber as a merchant and try again.

If your card is correct and your bank approved it, try removing the card from Uber and adding it again. Sometimes a failed verification charge prevents a card from working; removing and re-adding it forces Uber to run the verification process a second time. If the problem persists, contact Uber Support through the app by tapping your account icon, then "Help," then selecting your issue. Uber Support can investigate whether the problem is on their end or your bank's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple payment methods on one Uber account?

Yes. You can add as many cards and digital wallets as you want. One is marked as your default, but you can choose a different method for any individual ride or order. This is useful if you have a work card, a personal card, and a rewards card you want to rotate.

What if I want to use a different payment method for Uber Eats than for rides?

Uber uses the same payment methods for both services if you have both apps linked to the same account. You cannot set a different default for Eats versus rides. However, you can choose a different method on the confirmation screen for each order, so you can use one card for rides and another for food orders without changing your default.

Do I have to update my payment method if I move to a new country?

Uber works in most countries, but payment methods are tied to the country where your account is registered. If you move, you may need to add a local card or digital wallet for that country. Contact Uber Support to confirm whether your current card will work in your new location, or try adding a local payment method and testing it with a small order first.

Can I use a prepaid card on Uber?

Most prepaid cards work on Uber as long as they have a Visa or Mastercard logo and are registered with your name and address. Some prepaid cards decline on Uber because they have restrictions on merchant categories or international transactions. If your prepaid card declines, contact the card issuer and ask them to allow charges from ride-sharing and food delivery services.

What happens to my payment method if I delete my Uber account?

When you delete your Uber account, all payment methods are removed from Uber's servers. Your card information is not stored anywhere after deletion. If you create a new Uber account later, you'll need to add your payment methods again from scratch.