Lyft Gift Card: How It Works, Where to Buy and How to Redeem

Summary: A Lyft gift card adds Lyft Cash to the recipient's account, which then pays for rides automatically. Redeem it in the Lyft app under Payment, then Gift card. Lyft Cash from gift cards never expires, but you still need a default payment method for tips, some fees and any ride that costs more than your balance.

• Lyft gift cards are sold in the US and redeemed as Lyft Cash in the app.
• Gift card value never expires.
• A default payment method is still required on the account.
• Lyft cannot replace lost or stolen gift cards, so treat the code like cash.

Where to Buy a Lyft Gift Card

Lyft sells digital gift cards through its own app and website, and physical Lyft cards are sold at retailers across the US. Online gift card stores also sell digital Lyft codes. Lyft gift cards are only available to buy in the US, and a card in US dollars can only be redeemed in the US.

If you are buying for someone else, do not add the code to your own account to check it. Once it is redeemed, the value is tied to that account.

How to Redeem a Lyft Gift Card

• Open the Lyft app and tap the menu icon.
• If you see a gift card icon in the menu, tap it. Otherwise, tap Payment.
• On the Payment screen, tap Gift card.
• Enter the code and confirm. The value appears as Lyft Cash.

Your Lyft Cash balance sits at the top of the Payment tab, with a history of every gift card you have redeemed further down.

What Lyft Cash From a Gift Card Pays For

Lyft Cash pays for rides automatically once it is on your account. If you have both gift card credit and a promo code, you can choose which to use before the ride, or up to 24 hours afterwards on the Rate and Pay screen.

Your default card is charged for tips, some fees, and the rest of any ride that costs more than your gift card balance. That is why Lyft requires a default payment method even when you are riding on gift card credit. For airport trips where driving yourself works out cheaper, Cheapest Airport Parking lets you book a spot ahead.

Do Lyft Gift Cards Expire?

No. Lyft Cash that comes from a gift card never expires. This is different from promotional Lyft credits earned through rewards, which can expire, so check the expiry dates shown in the Payment tab if you have both.

If a Lyft Gift Card Goes Missing

Lyft cannot replace gift cards that are lost or stolen. If a digital gift card email has not arrived, ask the recipient to check every folder, including spam and trash, before assuming it is gone. For physical cards, keep the receipt until the card is redeemed.

Who Gets the Most Out of a Lyft Card

A Lyft gift card is a practical present for people who do not drive: students, older relatives, anyone recovering from an injury, or a friend who has a night out planned. It also suits anyone who travels for work and would rather not put rides on a personal card, and Hotels.com can cover the stay on the same trip. If the recipient uses Uber more, see how Uber gift cards work instead.

When you are ready to send one, browse Lyft gift cards.