You can change your credit card in the Uber app in under a minute, and the change takes effect when ready on your next ride
Open the Uber app, tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner, select "Payments", and then tap the credit card you want to replace. Choose "Remove this card" or tap the card itself to edit it. If you want to add a new card instead of replacing an old one, tap "Add payment method" and enter your card details. Uber accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The new card will be ready to use on your next trip.
Your old card remains on file until you delete it, so you can switch between multiple cards on the same account. If you remove your only payment method, Uber will ask you to add a new one before you can request a ride.
Key Takeaways
- Go to your profile, then Payments, then select the card you want to change or remove.
- A new card takes effect when ready and does not require you to restart the app or log out.
- You can keep multiple cards on file and switch between them before each ride.
- If a charge fails on your primary card, Uber will attempt the payment on your backup card if one is saved.
- Removing a card does not affect past trips or receipts associated with that card.
How to add a new card without removing the old one
If you want to keep your current card active and add another one, tap "Add payment method" from the Payments screen instead of removing the old card first. Enter the new card number, expiration date, and CVV. Uber will ask for your billing zip code and may verify the card with a small charge that appears and disappears within a few days.
Once added, the new card becomes your default payment method for future rides unless you change it. You can see all your saved cards listed on the Payments screen and tap any one before requesting a ride to use it for that trip only.
What happens if a payment fails
If Uber tries to charge your primary card and the charge is declined, the app will show an error message and ask you to update your payment method before you can complete your ride request. You can add a new card right then, or select a different card you already have on file.
If you have a backup card saved and the primary card fails during an active ride, Uber may attempt to charge the backup card instead. Check your receipt after the ride to see which card was actually charged. If both cards fail, you will receive a notification asking you to update your payment method, and the charge may remain pending until you provide a working card.
Changing your card on the web version of Uber
You can also update your payment method on the Uber website by logging into your account, clicking your profile icon in the top right, and selecting "Payments". The steps are the same as in the app: click the card you want to change, remove it, and add a new one. Changes made on the website sync to your app within seconds.
Some users find the web version easier for managing multiple cards at once, since you can see all your payment methods on a single screen without scrolling.
Removing a card from your account
To delete a card, open the Payments screen, tap the card you want to remove, and select "Remove this card". Confirm the removal when prompted. The card is deleted when ready and will not appear in your payment method list.
You cannot remove your only payment method — Uber requires at least one active card on file to use the service. If you want to switch to a completely different card, add the new one first, then remove the old one.
Why Uber might decline your card
Uber declines cards for several reasons: the card is expired, the billing address does not match your card issuer's records, the card has insufficient funds, or your bank flagged the charge as suspicious. If you see a decline message, contact your bank to ask if they blocked the transaction. Many banks require you to confirm large or unusual charges before they will go through.
If your bank says the charge went through but Uber still shows an error, remove the card and add it again. Sometimes re-entering the card details resolves the issue. If the problem continues, contact Uber support through the app by tapping your profile, then "Help", then "Account and payment".
Using a debit card or prepaid card on Uber
Debit cards and prepaid cards work on Uber the same way credit cards do. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV just as you would for a credit card. Uber does not distinguish between card types during payment.
Keep in mind that debit card charges post to your bank account when ready, while credit card charges may take a day or two to appear. If you use a prepaid card, make sure it has enough balance before you request a ride, since Uber will decline the card if the balance is too low to cover the fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my card after I've already requested a ride?
Yes. You can change your payment method at any time before the driver arrives, and even during the ride. The new card will be charged for that trip if you make the change before the ride ends.
Does Uber save my card information securely?
Uber uses encryption to store card data and does not display your full card number on your account. You will see only the last four digits and the card type. Uber is PCI DSS compliant, meaning it meets industry standards for payment security.
What if I want to use a different card for Uber Eats than for Uber rides?
Your payment methods are shared across all Uber services — Uber rides, Uber Eats, and Uber Freight all use the same saved cards. You can select a different card before each order or ride, but you cannot set separate defaults for each service.
How long does it take for a new card to work?
A new card is ready to use when ready after you finish entering the details. You do not need to wait for verification or confirmation — you can request a ride right away with the new card.
Can I change my card if I have an outstanding balance?
Yes. Changing your payment method does not affect any unpaid charges from past rides. If you have an outstanding balance, Uber will continue to attempt to charge your primary card until the balance is paid, regardless of which card you use for new rides.