How to Change Your Payment Method on Uber
Where to find your payment method settings
Your payment method lives in the Account section of the Uber app, not in a separate billing area. Open the app, tap the icon in the bottom right corner (usually your profile picture or initials), then tap "Payments." You'll see every card, digital wallet, or bank account you've added to your account, with one marked as your default.
On the web version at uber.com, log in, click your profile picture in the top right, select "Payments," and you'll see the same list. The steps are identical whether you use Uber for rides, Uber Eats, or both — they share one payment method list across all services.
Key Takeaways
- Your payment method is stored in Account > Payments within the Uber app or at uber.com, and one method is always set as your default.
- You can add a new card, debit card, or bank account without removing the old one, then switch which one Uber charges.
- Removing a payment method takes effect immediately, but Uber may still try to charge a card you've deleted if a transaction was already in progress.
- If a payment fails, Uber will retry it for several days before canceling the trip or order — you can add a working method during that window.
- Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay appear as separate options and can be added the same way as a card.
How to add a new payment method
Tap the plus sign or "Add payment method" button in your Payments section. You'll be asked to choose between a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three digits on the back), or your bank routing and account number if you're linking a bank account directly.
Uber will verify the card or account by charging a small amount — usually under a dollar — and then refunding it within a few days. This confirms the card is real and belongs to you. Until that verification clears, the new method won't be available to use, though you can still see it in your list marked as "pending."
If you use Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can add those too. Tap "Add payment method," select the digital wallet option, and follow the prompts to authenticate through your phone's wallet app. The card stored in your Apple or Google account will be what Uber charges, not a separate card number.
Switching your default payment method
Once you have more than one method added, one will always be marked "Default." When you request a ride or place an order, Uber charges that method unless you manually change it before confirming. To switch your default, go to Payments, find the method you want to use, and tap "Make default" or a similar option — the exact wording varies by app version.
You can also change which method Uber charges right before you complete a ride or order. On the confirmation screen, you'll see your current payment method listed. Tap it to open a menu of all your saved methods, select a different one, and proceed. This change is one-time only — your default stays the same for your next trip.
Removing a payment method
Go to Payments, find the card or account you want to remove, and tap the trash icon or "Remove" button. The method disappears from your list immediately. If you remove your only payment method, Uber will ask you to add a new one before you can request a ride or place an order.
Be aware that if a transaction was already being processed when you deleted the card, Uber may still attempt to charge it. This happens because the charge was authorized before you removed the method. If this occurs, contact Uber support with the transaction ID and they can reverse the charge if it went through.
What happens when a payment fails
If Uber tries to charge a card and it's declined — because the card is expired, the account is closed, or there are insufficient funds — the charge fails but your ride or order may still go through. Uber will show a notification that payment didn't work and will retry charging the same method automatically over the next few days.
You don't have to wait for those retries. Go to Payments, add a working card or bank account, make it your default, and Uber will charge that instead on the next retry. If you don't add a new method and all retries fail, Uber may cancel your account access or pursue the unpaid balance through other means.
Updating an existing card's details
If your card is expiring soon or you received a replacement card with a new number, you cannot edit the card details directly in Uber. Instead, remove the old card and add the new one as a separate entry. This takes less than a minute and ensures Uber has the correct information.
If your card issuer sent you a replacement with the same number but a new expiration date, some cards update automatically in Uber's system. Wait a few days to see if the expiration date refreshes on its own. If it doesn't, remove and re-add the card to be safe.
Linking a bank account instead of a card
You can pay with a bank account directly using ACH (Automated Clearing House), which is the same system that powers direct deposit and bill pay. Go to Payments, tap "Add payment method," and select the bank account option. You'll enter your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
Uber will verify the account by making two small deposits (usually under a dollar each) and asking you to confirm the amounts. This takes one to two business days. Once verified, you can use that account to pay for rides and orders. Bank account payments may take longer to process than cards — typically one to three business days — so if you need immediate payment confirmation, a card is faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different payment methods for Uber rides and Uber Eats?
No. Uber and Uber Eats share the same payment method list and default setting. If you want to use different methods for each service, you would need to change your default before each use or select a different method on the confirmation screen each time.
What if I see a charge from Uber I didn't authorize?
Go to your Account > Payments and check your transaction history. If you see a charge you don't recognize, tap it to view details. If it's fraudulent or you were charged twice, contact Uber support through the app — tap Help, select the trip or order, and report the issue. Uber can reverse charges and investigate unauthorized use.
Do I need to update my payment method if I move to a different country?
It depends on your card and Uber's policies in that country. Some cards work internationally; others are blocked. The safest approach is to add a local payment method (a card or bank account from your new country) before you travel. If your existing card stops working, Uber will ask you to add a new method before your next ride.
How long does it take to add a new payment method?
A credit or debit card is usually available within minutes, though Uber's verification charge may take a few days to appear and refund on your statement. A bank account takes one to two business days to verify. Digital wallets like Apple Pay are instant if your wallet is already set up on your phone.
Can I save multiple cards and switch between them?
Yes. You can add as many cards, bank accounts, and digital wallets as you want. One is always your default, but you can change which one Uber charges before confirming any ride or order. This is useful if you have a work card, personal card, and backup card all linked to the same account.