Update Your Card in the Uber App in Three Steps
You can change the credit card Uber charges by opening the app, going to your account settings, and replacing the card details. The process takes about two minutes and takes effect when ready — your next ride will charge to the new card you add.
Uber stores multiple cards at once, so you can keep old ones on file and switch between them. You can also delete cards you no longer use. The app will always charge the card marked as your default payment method unless you pick a different one before requesting a ride.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Uber app, tap your account icon, select Payment, and choose Add Payment Method to add a new card.
- To make a card your default, tap it in the Payment section and select Set as Default Payment Method.
- You can delete old cards by tapping them and selecting Remove Payment Method — Uber will not charge them after you delete.
- If a card is declined during a ride, Uber will prompt you to add a working card before the trip ends.
- Changes to your payment method take effect right away and do not affect rides already completed.
Step-by-Step: Adding a New Card
Start by opening the Uber app on your phone. Tap the account icon — it looks like a person's head and shoulders — in the bottom right corner of the screen. This opens your account menu.
Tap Payment from the menu. You will see a list of all cards currently saved to your account, with one marked as your default. Tap Add Payment Method at the bottom of the list.
Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). Tap Add Card. Uber will verify the card with a small charge that appears and disappears within a few days — you do not need to do anything about it. Your new card is now saved and ready to use.
Making a Card Your Default Payment Method
Your default card is the one Uber charges unless you choose a different one before requesting a ride. To change which card is default, open the app and go to Account > Payment.
Tap the card you want to use as your default. A menu will appear with options. Select Set as Default Payment Method. A checkmark will appear next to that card, and it is now your default. All future rides will charge to this card unless you manually pick a different one.
You can change your default card as many times as you want. There is no limit to how many times you switch, and the change happens when ready.
Removing a Card You No Longer Use
If you want to stop using a card, you can delete it from your account. Open the app and go to Account > Payment. Tap the card you want to remove.
Select Remove Payment Method. Confirm when the app asks you to confirm the deletion. The card is now gone from your account and Uber will not charge it. If that card was your default, Uber will automatically make your oldest remaining card the new default.
You must have at least one payment method on file to use Uber. If you only have one card saved, you will not see the option to remove it until you add a second one.
What Happens If Your Card Is Declined During a Ride
If Uber tries to charge your default card and it is declined, the app will notify you before the ride ends. You will see a message asking you to update your payment method. Tap it and add a working card or select a different card from your saved list.
You must resolve the payment before you can request another ride. Uber will not charge you twice for the same trip — once you add a working card, that ride charges to it and you are done. If you do not update your payment method, Uber may suspend your account until the charge goes through.
Using a Different Card for a Single Ride
You do not have to change your default card if you want to use a different one for just one ride. When you request a ride, before you confirm the pickup location, look for the payment section at the top of the screen. Tap it to see all your saved cards.
Select the card you want to use for that ride only. Your default card stays the same, and only this trip charges to the card you picked. The next ride will go back to charging your default card unless you pick a different one again.
Troubleshooting: Card Not Showing Up or Not Saving
If you add a card and it does not appear in your Payment list, make sure you tapped Add Card to finish the process. Sometimes the app requires you to confirm the card details a second time. Check that your card number, expiration date, and CVV are entered correctly — even one wrong digit will cause the card to be rejected.
If the card still will not save, try closing the Uber app completely and opening it again. Log out of your account and log back in. If the problem continues, the card itself may be blocked by your bank. Contact your bank to confirm the card is active and that they have not flagged Uber charges as suspicious. Some banks require you to call and approve the first Uber charge before the card will work.
Make sure you are using the most current version of the Uber app. Older versions sometimes have trouble saving payment information. Go to your phone's app store and check for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. Uber accepts most debit cards the same way it accepts credit cards. Add it through the Payment section just like you would a credit card. Some debit cards may be declined if your bank flags the transaction as unusual, so contact your bank if you have trouble.
Does Uber charge a fee to change my card?
No. Changing, adding, or removing cards is free. Uber only charges you for rides and any applicable service fees — not for managing your payment methods.
What if I want to use a card that is not in my name?
Uber will let you add any card to your account, but the card must be authorized for the account holder to use it. If the card is not yours, you need permission from the cardholder. Uber may ask for verification if there is a mismatch between the card and your account.
Will changing my card affect a ride I already completed?
No. Rides that are already finished will not be affected by changes to your payment method. The charge for that ride already went through to whatever card you used at the time. Changing your card only affects rides you request after the change.
Can I add the same card twice to my account?
No. Uber will not let you save the same card number twice. If you try to add a card that is already on file, the app will show you the existing card instead of creating a duplicate.