What Payment Methods Are Accepted by Uber and Lyft?
Written by: Jacob S.
Published on:
Whether you’re a first-time user or a frequent rideshare passenger, understanding the ins and outs of payment options on Uber and Lyft is crucial. These platforms are designed to make payments effortless, but there’s more to it than just adding your credit card. From digital wallets and gift cards to commuter benefits and ride credits, each method comes with its own perks, limitations, and best-use scenarios.
In this guide, we’ll cover every accepted payment method on both Uber and Lyft, explain how they work, how to set them up, and give you practical advice on when to use each one.
Key Takeaways
- Uber and Lyft support a wide range of payment methods beyond just credit cards—including PayPal, Apple/Google Pay, gift cards, commuter benefits, and even Venmo or business vouchers. Choosing the right method can improve budgeting, security, or ease of use depending on your needs.
- Not every method works the same across both apps or in every location. For example, Venmo is Uber-only, and commuter benefits are Lyft-only. Always double-check availability, especially when traveling or using app features like fare-splitting.
- To prevent failed payments or checkout issues, keep at least two verified methods on file. Test your setup in advance, especially when using prepaid cards, traveling internationally, or relying on newer options like digital wallets or ride credits.
Accepted Payment Methods by Uber
Uber offers a wide range of payment options to accommodate different user needs—from traditional credit and debit cards to modern solutions like PayPal, Venmo, and Apple/Google Pay. Uber Cash and gift cards are great for budgeting, while business accounts and fare-splitting features are designed for team travel and social sharing.
Most users can expect seamless support across regions, though some methods like Venmo are U.S.-only. Having multiple active payment methods ensures a smooth ride experience, especially when traveling or using promotions.
| Payment Method | Availability/Notes |
|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Cards | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, most prepaid cards (region-dependent) |
| PayPal | Supported in many regions; can fund with balance, bank, or card |
| Apple Pay | iOS only; supported in most markets |
| Google Pay | Android only; supported in most markets |
| Uber Cash | Preloaded funds via card, gift card, or PayPal |
| Gift Cards | Must be region-specific; redeem in Wallet > Gift Card |
| Venmo | U.S. only; allows split payments and uses Venmo balance or linked account |
| Business Account | Uber for Business supports centralized billing and vouchers |
| Split Fare | Available; both riders must accept and have valid payment methods |
| Bank Account (via PayPal) | Indirectly supported through PayPal connection |
Accepted Payment Methods by Lyft
Lyft supports a diverse but slightly more limited set of payment options compared to Uber. In addition to standard cards and digital wallets, Lyft uniquely supports commuter benefit cards for eligible users in select U.S. cities—ideal for work-related travel. Lyft Cash and gift cards offer flexible budgeting tools, and business integrations like Concur support corporate use.
Unlike Uber, Lyft doesn’t offer in-app fare splitting, so manual workarounds like Venmo may be needed for shared rides. Overall, Lyft caters well to both personal and professional riders.
| Payment Method | Availability/Notes |
|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Cards | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, most prepaid cards (region-dependent) |
| PayPal | Supported in many regions; can fund with balance, bank, or card |
| Apple Pay | iOS only; supported in most markets |
| Google Pay | Android only; supported in most markets |
| Lyft Cash | Preloaded funds; occasional bonus credits available |
| Gift Cards | Must be region-specific; redeem in Payment > Gift Card |
| Commuter Benefit Cards | U.S. only; select cards like WageWorks, Edenred; only valid for standard rides |
| Business Account | Lyft Business supports expense tracking, scheduling, Concur integration |
| Split Fare | Not supported in-app; must use Venmo/Cash App manually |
| Cash | Go to an approved vendor, enter the amount you want to load as cash into your account, the app will generate a QR code, show the cashier the code, and pay in cash |
All Payment Methods Accepted by Uber and Lyft
Here are details on the most common form of payment for ridesharing apps.
1. Credit and Debit Cards
How It Works:
This is the default method for most users. Simply add a card to your Uber or Lyft wallet.
Supported Cards:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- Most prepaid debit cards (region-dependent)
Practical Info:
- You can store multiple cards and toggle between them before a ride.
- Prepaid cards must be activated and funded—can fail if the exact fare isn't known upfront.
- Lyft allows post-ride payment changes for a limited time; Uber does not (requires support contact).
Use Case:
Perfect for users who prefer traditional banking, want to track expenses, or earn rewards points.
2. PayPal
Another payment method that is common as PayPal expands into more traditional banking channels.
How It Works:
Link your PayPal account to use your balance, linked bank, or card for payments.
Availability:
Supported by both Uber and Lyft (varies by region).
Setup Steps:
- Go to Account > Wallet (Uber) or Menu > Payment (Lyft)
- Tap “Add Payment Method”
- Select PayPal and complete authentication
Known Issues:
- May become temporarily unsupported after app updates—re-authenticate if needed.
- Not available in all countries.
Use Case:
Ideal for freelancers, online sellers, or users managing finances separately from a bank account.
3. Apple Pay and Google Pay
Digital payments are on the rise and here are two of the most common accepted methods.
Availability:
Supported on both Uber and Lyft for quick, touchless payments.
Requirements:
- Apple Pay: iPhone/iPad with a linked card
- Google Pay: Android device with GPay enabled and funded
How It Works:
- Add your card to Apple/Google Wallet
- Open Uber/Lyft and set Apple Pay or Google Pay as the payment method
- Look for the wallet icon at checkout
Considerations:
- Not all wallet-linked cards are accepted—major ones recommended.
- Promo codes may not work when using Apple/Google Pay.
Use Case:
Best for tech-savvy riders who prefer quick, biometric-secured transactions with minimal fraud risk.
Related: How to get cash back with Apple Pay
4. Uber Cash and Lyft Cash
A unique offering from ridehsaring providers that have some limitations.
How It Works:
Preload funds into your Uber or Lyft account for faster, pre-paid rides.
Funding Sources:
- Credit/debit cards
- Gift cards
- PayPal (Uber only)
Considerations:
- Helps budget rides in advance
- Speeds up checkout with no real-time payment verification
- Lyft sometimes offers bonus credits when adding funds
- No auto-reload options
- Not ideal for business travel requiring itemized statements
Use Case:
Great for parents managing teen accounts, frequent riders, or anyone using gift cards or preloaded funds.
5. Gift Cards
Gift cards are another common and accepted form of payment.
How It Works:
Redeemable through the app and added to Uber/Lyft cash balance.
Where to Buy:
- Uber/Lyft websites, Amazon, App Store
- Retailers like Target, CVS, Walmart, Best Buy
How to Redeem:
- Uber: Wallet > Add Payment > Gift Card > Enter Code
- Lyft: Menu > Payment > Gift Card > Enter Code
Limitations:
- Cannot split fare between gift card and another method
- Region-locked (e.g., U.S. card won’t work abroad)
Use Case:
Perfect for gifting, travel budgeting, or corporate perks.
6. Venmo (Uber Only, U.S. Only)
Venmo can be used for Uber only, here are the details below.
Availability:
Only on Uber, U.S. users only.
Features:
- Lets you pay via Venmo balance, bank, or card
- Supports automatic fare splitting with connected users
How to Link:
- Wallet > Add Payment > Venmo
- Log in and authorize access
Limitations:
- Slower refunds/disputes than credit cards
- Not supported by Lyft
Use Case:
Great for roommates, students, or anyone already using Venmo for group expenses.
Related: Use Venmo without a bank account
7. Commuter Benefit Cards (Lyft Only)
Commuter benefits come from an employer, but can save you money.
Availability:
Lyft supports select commuter cards in certain cities; Uber does not.
Eligible Cards:
- WageWorks Commuter Card
- Edenred
- Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard
Conditions:
- Valid only for standard, commute-related rides
- Cannot be used on Lux, XL, or Shared rides
- Not combinable with promotions
Directions for How to Add:
Menu > Payments > Add Card > Enter commuter card details
Use Case:
Best for employees using pre-tax transit benefits to lower commuting costs.
8. Business Accounts & Vouchers
A more edge case but still accepted by both providers.
Availability:
Both Uber and Lyft offer business programs for corporate travel.
Uber for Business:
- Centralized billing and ride policies
- Vouchers for guests or clients
Lyft Business:
- Scheduled rides and expense tracking
- Integrations with platforms like Concur
- Employee reimbursement or corporate card use
Use Case:
Essential for companies managing travel logistics, client transportation, or team rides.
9. Split Fare Options
Here are some additional details on how to split a fare.
Uber:
- Use “Split Fare” at checkout
- Both users must accept and have valid payment methods
Lyft:
- No native split feature
- Requires external apps (e.g., Venmo, Cash App) for manual reimbursement
Use Case:
Great for friends or co-riders looking to evenly share the ride cost with minimal hassle (Uber only).
What to Do If a Payment Fails
If your payment method fails during or after a ride, start by checking for simple errors such as an expired credit card, incorrect billing information, or insufficient funds in your account.
These are the most common causes of transaction failures and are usually easy to fix. If everything appears correct and the issue persists, try switching to an alternative method—add a new card or use a different option like PayPal or a digital wallet if available.
Sometimes, a temporary app glitch can be the culprit, so it's also worth closing and reopening the app to refresh the payment system. If you've exhausted these steps and the payment is still not going through, navigate to your trip history, select the specific ride, and use the in-app support tools to report the issue or manually update the payment method. Both Uber and Lyft support teams are generally responsive when resolving payment-related problems.
International Travel Tips
When traveling internationally, it's important to plan your rideshare payment methods ahead of time. Uber operates in over 70 countries, making it a reliable option abroad, while Lyft is limited to the United States and Canada. Before your trip, make sure your payment method—especially credit or debit cards—supports international transactions, including currency conversion and foreign merchant charges.
Some banks may block transactions by default, so notify them in advance if you plan to use your card in another country. It's also a good idea to update your Uber app and verify that all payment details are correct before you leave. Keep in mind that gift cards and commuter benefit cards are not valid outside their country of issue, so you'll need to rely on international-friendly methods while abroad.
Final Tips and Best Practices
To avoid any disruptions in your ride experience, it's a smart practice to always have at least two active and verified payment methods linked to your Uber or Lyft account. This provides a backup in case your primary method fails unexpectedly.
For families, consider setting up Uber’s Family Profiles or Lyft’s teen accounts, which allow parents or guardians to manage and monitor payments securely for younger riders. If you're using rideshare services for work or business travel, make use of features like business profiles or labeled payment methods to keep your expenses organized and separate from personal charges. Most importantly, don’t wait until you’re in a rush or standing at the curb—set up and test your payment options ahead of time to ensure everything works smoothly when you need it most.
Uber and Lyft both provide a wide array of payment methods to suit every type of rider—whether you're commuting for work, splitting rides with friends, or budgeting for monthly travel. From traditional credit cards to digital wallets and commuter benefits, there's a solution for just about everyone. Setting up your preferred options in advance ensures a smooth experience every time you hit the road.
