Using Uber Gift Cards

[kristenrice]

I plan to use Uber once or twice on our trip in October. I was thinking about getting a $25 gift card from Target (assuming they get their issue resolved) and since I don't use Uber here at home, I figured anything left on the card would just be a very nice tip for our driver(s). Then I started thinking...first, can you tip in the Uber app now? And second, can the gift card balance be used towards a gratuity??

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

What is your goal in using the gift card? If you are using an iPhone, you can use Apple Pay, if you don't want to put your normal debit or credit card into the app.

You can tip in the App, provided the driver is set up to receive tips. I used Uber a dozen or so times during a recent trip, and only one driver wasn't set up to receive tips (and I didn't realize it until he was gone, or I would have given cash). It comes up after the trip has ended - once you arrive, you are asked to rate the driver and are given the opportunity to tip.

 

[JimMIA]

What is your goal in using the gift card? If you are using an iPhone, you can use Apple Pay, if you don't want to put your normal debit or credit card into the app.

You can tip in the App, provided the driver is set up to receive tips. I used Uber a dozen or so times during a recent trip, and only one driver wasn't set up to receive tips (and I didn't realize it until he was gone, or I would have given cash). It comes up after the trip has ended - once you arrive, you are asked to rate the driver and are given the opportunity to tip.

This is correct. You have to rate the ride (5 stars unless there is something REALLY wrong with the ride) before you can leave a tip. You will receive an email receipt, and that receipt will also offer an opportunity to rate and tip if you didn't do it the first time.

Here's a link to the Uber Help page on gift cards: https://help.uber.com/h/a3b1912f-63...9O3O5KMsvq8sM=&_csid=uL18zJ6iK07ivasmJem8NA#_

The help page doesn't say anything specifically about tips, but I assume you can use a gift card balance to tip in the app.

I honestly think just using your regular credit card or something like Apple Pay would work out better than a gift card. You can also use PayPal or Google Pay. You'll only get charged what you spend and won't have to worry about any residual balances that can't be used for anything but Uber.

 

[kristenrice]

What is your goal in using the gift card?

I can get them at a discount from Target (5%) or, once they get the "glitch" fixed, I can get them for free by using my Target gift cards from Swagbucks. I think BestBuy also sells Uber gift cards and I have a lot of BestBuy rewards that I can use too. So, basically, the reason behind using a gift card is that it is "free" money for me. I don't use Apple Pay or any other virtual wallets so that's not an option.

 

[JimMIA]

I can get them at a discount from Target (5%) or, once they get the "glitch" fixed, I can get them for free by using my Target gift cards from Swagbucks. I think BestBuy also sells Uber gift cards and I have a lot of BestBuy rewards that I can use too. So, basically, the reason behind using a gift card is that it is "free" money for me. I don't use Apple Pay or any other virtual wallets so that's not an option.

OK, makes sense. Just remember that anything you put into Uber gift cards cannot be used for anything else, and will not be refunded. Read that Help link I gave you and be sure you understand the limitations. If you need me to check with Uber on the gift card for tips question, just let me know.

 

[SL6827]

I can get them at a discount from Target (5%) or, once they get the "glitch" fixed, I can get them for free by using my Target gift cards from Swagbucks. I think BestBuy also sells Uber gift cards and I have a lot of BestBuy rewards that I can use too. So, basically, the reason behind using a gift card is that it is "free" money for me. I don't use Apple Pay or any other virtual wallets so that's not an option.

What is the glitch that you speak of?

 

[PHXscuba]

What is the glitch that you speak of?

Other people have reported that a programming glitch in Target's computer is currently making it impossible to use a Target gift card (like one earned through Swagbucks, or a Target gift-card with purchase offer) to buy another gift card, like a Disney gift card. Or Uber in this case.

Supposedly it is a glitch vs. a policy change, but no one knows until/if they fix it. There is a thread on the budget board about it.

PHXscuba

 

[SL6827]

I plan on using Uber for a trip and back from Typhoon Lagoon. I can get a $25 gift card from Amazon with some of our Amazon points with our credit card. I just wonder if $25 will cover the fare and a tip for both trips?

 

[SL6827]

Just looked into my Uber app more. Seen where I have an offer to invite a friend to sign up and they will get their first ride for free. I imagine I could do this with my husband as he has no Uber account of such. And it says after my friend takes their first ride I will automatically get my next ride free. Anyone else use this feature with success?

 

[FCDub]

I plan on using Uber for a trip and back from Typhoon Lagoon. I can get a $25 gift card from Amazon with some of our Amazon points with our credit card. I just wonder if $25 will cover the fare and a tip for both trips?

You can price trips on the Uber website.

 

[JimMIA]

Just looked into my Uber app more. Seen where I have an offer to invite a friend to sign up and they will get their first ride for free. I imagine I could do this with my husband as he has no Uber account of such. And it says after my friend takes their first ride I will automatically get my next ride free. Anyone else use this feature with success?

Yes, that's a common promotion. The exact content of promotions change from time to time and market to market -- sometimes free rides, sometimes a dollar amount like $20 which can be used $5 per ride for discounts.

And yes, you can (and should) refer your husband. Do the referral from your app to make sure you and he both get credit.