Rideshare apps compete heavily for new users. Uber and Lyft both offer 30-50% off first rides, plus referral programs that benefit both parties. Frequent riders save more with membership programs.
The reality: first-ride promos are generous (up to $20 off), but returning customers pay full price unless they use referrals, Uber One, or strategic timing. Here's how to save on both platforms consistently.
Save Even More with VISU
Earn rewards while you shop. Scan products, watch videos, get cashback.
Quick video. Earn your first reward.
Uber Discounts & Promotions
Uber's savings options for new and returning riders.
First Ride Discount: New users get 30% off (up to $8) with codes like RIDEUBER2026FT. Some markets offer up to 50% off first 5 rides. Code must be applied before requesting ride.
Uber One Membership: $9.99/month for 5-10% off eligible rides, priority pickup, $0 delivery fee on Uber Eats orders $15+, and member pricing on groceries. Worth it for frequent users.
Referral Program: Share your referral code and both you and your friend earn credit when they complete their first ride. Amounts vary by market ($5-20 typical).
Amex Platinum Perk: Eligible American Express Platinum cardholders get up to $120/year in Uber credits ($10/month) plus Uber One discount.
Uber Reserve: Book in advance with locked-in pricing. Useful when surge pricing is expected (events, airports, rush hour).
Lyft Discounts & Promotions
Lyft's savings for new and returning riders.
First Ride Discount: New users get 50% off first ride (sometimes first 2 rides). Check lyft.com/rider/promo for current offers.
Referral Program: Earn ride credit when friends sign up and complete rides using your code. Credits vary by market and promotion.
Lyft Pink: $9.99/month membership with 15% off rides, priority airport pickups, relaxed cancellations, and Grubhub+ included. Best value for weekly riders.
Ride Challenges: Complete a certain number of rides in a week/month to unlock bonus credits. Check the app's "Rewards" section.
Price Lock: Some markets offer subscription-style pricing for commuters. Pay a flat monthly fee for discounted rides on specific routes.
How to Apply Your Discount
For promo codes (Uber): Open app > tap Account > Wallet > Add promo code. Enter the code before requesting your ride.
For promo codes (Lyft): Open app > tap your photo > Payment > Add promo code. Discount applies to next eligible ride.
For referrals: Share your personal code from the app's referral section. Friend enters code before first ride. Both parties get credited after ride completion.
Pro tip: Check both apps before every ride—prices can differ by 20-40% for the same route depending on driver availability and surge pricing.
Tips for Saving on Rideshares
Compare Uber and Lyft prices every time. Open both apps before requesting. Prices vary significantly based on driver supply and demand in real-time.
Avoid surge pricing. Wait 10-15 minutes if prices are elevated, or walk a few blocks to a less busy pickup area. Surge often drops quickly.
Use scheduled rides for airports. Book in advance with Uber Reserve or Lyft scheduled rides to lock in pricing before surge hits during peak travel times.
Max out referrals. Each referred friend earns you $5-20 in ride credit. Active referrers can ride free for months.
For more ways to earn while you travel, check our complete guide to getting paid for your attention.
FAQ: Rideshare Promo Codes
Do Uber and Lyft have promo codes in [month] 2026?
Yes. Both apps offer first-ride discounts (30-50% off) and ongoing referral programs. Check the Promotions section in each app for current codes.
Is Uber One or Lyft Pink worth it?
At $9.99/month, both pay for themselves with 2-3 rides per week. Uber One also includes Uber Eats benefits; Lyft Pink includes Grubhub+. Choose based on which services you use most.
How do referral codes work?
Share your code with friends. When they sign up and complete their first ride, both of you get credit ($5-20 depending on market and current promotion).
Why is my Uber/Lyft promo code not working?
Common issues: code expired, only valid for new users on an existing account, ride type not eligible (some codes exclude certain ride types), or code already used.
How do I avoid surge pricing?
Wait 10-15 minutes for surge to drop, walk to a less congested pickup spot, or use scheduled rides to lock in prices in advance. Compare Uber and Lyft—they surge independently.
Get Paid for Your Attention
Turn your time into rewards. Download VISU and start earning today.
Quick video. Earn your first reward.