What happens to the money Uber charges for a background check
Uber charges a fee to run your background check when you explore to drive or deliver. This fee is not a deposit in the traditional sense — you do not get it back automatically. However, Uber's policy on refunds depends on why you paid it and whether your account was ever activated.
If your account was rejected before you ever drove or made a delivery, Uber may refund the background check fee under certain circumstances. If you completed work and then your account was later deactivated, the fee is typically not refunded. The key difference is whether you had an active, working account.
The background check fee itself varies by location and service type (driving versus delivery), so the amount you paid depends on where you applied and what you signed up for. Contacting Uber Support directly is the only way to know whether your specific situation qualifies for a refund.
Key Takeaways
- Uber's background check fee is not automatically refunded; whether you get it back depends on whether your account was ever activated and why it was rejected or closed.
- If your account was rejected before you completed any trips or deliveries, you have a stronger case for a refund than if you worked first and were later deactivated.
- You must contact Uber Support through the app or website to request a refund; there is no self-service refund option for background check fees.
- Uber Support will review your account history and the reason for rejection or deactivation before deciding whether to issue a refund.
How to request a refund through Uber Support
Open the Uber app or go to the Uber website and sign in to your account. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper left corner of the app, or click "Account" on the website. Look for "Help" or "Support" — this takes you to Uber's support portal.
Search for "background check refund" or "refund" in the support search box. You will see a list of help articles. Select the one that matches your situation most closely — for example, "I was rejected and want a refund" or "My account was deactivated." At the bottom of the article, you will see a button that says "Still need help?" or "Contact support." Click it.
A form will appear asking you to describe your issue. Explain clearly: when you applied, whether your account was ever active, and why you believe you deserve a refund. Be specific about dates if you remember them. Submit the form. Uber Support will respond by email, usually within a few business days, though response times vary.
When Uber is more likely to refund the background check fee
Your chances of a refund are strongest if your account was rejected during the background check process itself, before you ever completed a trip or delivery. This shows you never used the service, so Uber has a clearer reason to return the fee.
Refunds are also more likely if the rejection was due to an error on Uber's part — for example, if the background check company made a mistake, or if Uber's system incorrectly flagged your record. If you can show that the rejection was based on inaccurate information, mention this in your support request and explain what was wrong.
If you were rejected because of something in your actual background — a conviction, a driving record issue, or a failed drug test — Uber is unlikely to refund the fee, because the fee was for the service of running the check, which was completed as requested.
When Uber typically does not refund the fee
If your account was active and you completed at least one trip or delivery before your account was later deactivated, Uber does not usually refund the background check fee. The reasoning is that you used the service and the background check was necessary to let you work.
Deactivation can happen for many reasons: violations of Uber's community guidelines, customer complaints, safety concerns, or a failed background check that was discovered after you started working. In most of these cases, Uber considers the fee earned because the check was run and the account was active.
If you were deactivated for a reason you believe was unfair or incorrect, you can still contact Uber Support to dispute the deactivation itself. However, even if Uber reverses the deactivation, the background check fee is usually not refunded retroactively.
Disputing an inaccurate background check result
If you believe the background check result was wrong — for example, a record that does not belong to you, or a conviction that was expunged — you have the right to dispute it. This is separate from asking for a refund, but disputing the result may lead to account reinstatement, which could then make a refund more likely.
The background check is usually run by a third-party company, not by Uber directly. Common providers include Checkr and Sterling. When you contact Uber Support about an inaccurate result, ask them which company ran your check. You can then contact that company directly to file a dispute.
The background check company is required by law to give you a copy of the report and let you challenge anything on it. This process can take several weeks. Once the dispute is resolved and your record is corrected, contact Uber Support again with the corrected report and ask them to reconsider your account and the refund.
What to include in your refund request
When you contact Uber Support, include the date you applied, your full name as it appears on your account, and the email address associated with your account. If you remember the amount of the fee, mention it. These details help Uber Support locate your account quickly.
Explain your situation clearly and briefly. If you were rejected, say so and explain why you think the rejection was unfair or based on an error. If your account was deactivated, explain the circumstances and why you believe you should get the fee back. Stick to the facts and avoid emotional language — support agents respond better to clear, straightforward requests.
If you have any documentation that supports your case — a letter from the background check company, proof that a record was expunged, or screenshots of your account status — attach it to your support request. This gives Uber Support concrete information to review.
How long the refund process takes
After you submit your request, Uber Support typically responds within three to five business days. However, during busy periods or if your case is complex, it may take longer. Check your email regularly, including your spam folder, for responses from Uber.
If Uber approves your refund, the money is usually returned to the original payment method within five to ten business days. If you paid with a credit card or debit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid with a different method, the timeline may vary.
If Uber denies your request, they will explain why in their response. You can reply to that email to provide additional information or ask for clarification, but Uber's decision is usually final unless you have new evidence that changes the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I never finished the background check process?
If you started the process but did not complete it, you may have a case for a refund. Contact Uber Support and explain that you did not finish the background check. Uber may refund the fee if the check was never actually run, though this depends on their policy at the time you applied.
What if Uber charged me twice for the background check?
If you see two charges for the same background check, contact Uber Support when ready with screenshots of both charges and the dates they appeared. Duplicate charges are usually refunded once Uber confirms the error. Provide your bank statement or credit card statement as proof if possible.
Does Uber refund the background check fee if I decide not to drive?
No. If you completed the background check but decided driving or delivering was not for you, Uber does not refund the fee. The fee is for running the check itself, not for guaranteeing you will work. You would need to show an error or rejection to have grounds for a refund.
Can I reapply without paying the background check fee again?
If your account was rejected, you can reapply, but you will likely have to pay the background check fee again. Some locations or circumstances may waive the fee for reapplication, but this is not may provide. Ask Uber Support whether you can reapply without paying the fee before you try.
What if Uber Support says no but I still think I deserve a refund?
If Uber denies your request, you can reply to their response with additional information or context. If that does not work, you can file a dispute with your credit card company or bank if you paid by card. Your bank can investigate the charge and may refund it if they find Uber's reason for keeping the fee unreasonable.