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Lyft Promo Code 2022 Guide (First Lyft Ride Free)

UPDATE: Freebird has temporarily reduced the signup bonus due to COVID-19. The new sign up bonus is now $1 for each of your first two rides.

Trying to track down a Lyft promo code so you can get the first lyft ride free?

We have plenty of them, along with ways to save even more money.

Sick of shopping around for coupon codes that don’t work?

You’re in the right place!

Before we get into that, we’d like to introduce a new app on the scene that goes hand-in-hand with both Lyft and Uber to really boost your savings both for new customers and existing users.

Meet Freebird, the app that gives you cashback for EVERY ride you take, not just your first ride (and it can combine with a Lyft promo).

The Freebird app is a companion app for Uber and Lyft users.

Take a peek directly below for a little more info on this money-saving opportunity, then keep reading for the deets on the illustrious Lyft promo code as well as info on how to save even more with rideshare.

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We keep our ears to the ground when it comes to rideshare promotions and its publicity, so it’s here you’ll find the latest (and valid!) Lyft credit codes and such.

Lyft promo codes can be combined with the Freebird promo code, by the way.

Looking for a Uber Eats Promo Code?
Use Code: EATS-UBERVIP3 for $20 Off Your Uber Eats Order OR better yet get $30 Credit for DoorDash.

So if you’re new to both?

Savings galore!

Take a peek below for not just a list of current Lyft promo codes to use for new users, but also tips, tricks, and some helpful information to get the best out of your rideshare experience when you use Lyft (or Uber as well).

1. Lyft Promo Code for a Free Ride?

Here we are!  The elusive Lyft promo code for new users.

Lyft Promo Code for New Users

If you’re looking forward to trying this service for the first time, why not save some cash in the process with a Lyft promo?

Not sure what Lyft promotion might be working right now?

We’ve done the research for you.

Take a peek below for the most current Lyft promo codes for new users, and continue reading for more tips, tricks, and handy rideshare information.

The following Lyft code list includes promo codes valid for up to $50 in Lyft credit towards your first Lyft ride free as a new user.

Promo CodeCredit AmountExpiration Date
SHYFTOne ride up to $5012/31/2020
ONDEMANDLYOne ride up to $5012/31/2020
HYPEOne ride up to $5012/31/2020
HIPPOOne ride up to $5012/31/2020
TORQUEOne ride up to $5012/31/2020
NEXGENOne ride up to $5012/31/2020
FLOWOne ride up to $5012/31/2020
NEXTOne ride up to $5012/30/2020
ONDEMANDOne ride up to $5012/31/2020
SOAROne ride up to $5012/31/2020
HYPOne ride up to $5012/31/2020

Reasons to Try a Lyft Promo Code

In general, there are numerous reasons to utilize on-demand services to make your life easier.

In particular, ridesharing is a pretty fabulous way to save time and stress.

And, as for ridesharing, they have a pretty stellar company culture that customers seem to really dig.

Like what, you say?

Well, their culture is all about being ‘your friend with a car,’ versus other companies such as Uber that are less friendly.

They promote fist bumps as a greeting when you meet your driver.

They even have the hashtag #WhyILyft for riders and drivers to share experiences.

How cool is that?!

Lyft Code Tips, Tricks, & Tidbits for First-Timers

With ridesharing, like most other things these days, there are always unexpected variables here and there.

To get the best experience possible when you ride Lyft, we’ve put our experience to use to compile a list of tips & tricks for you.

We want you to have the most hassle-free experience possible!

  • Get the Lyft promo entered into your account before you’re ready to request your first ride.  You want to make sure it’s valid.
  • Promo codes expire!  Make sure to use your Lyft code within 14 days of entering into the app.
  • Your credit code will be used first before any pre-entered payment method.
  • Choose an easily accessible pickup location such as a corner or a loading zone.
  • Call or text the driver with more specific instructions if necessary.  For example, if you’re in a parking lot.
  • Enter your destination into the Lyft app (or the Freebird app if you’re using it for cash back) before the driver arrives to save time and hassle.
  • Remember, ratings go both ways!  You and your driver rate each other, so treat him or her how you want to be treated.
  • If you’re using your Lyft promo code for business rides, enter your company card as your default payment method.  Transportation costs are mostly tax deductible.
  • If you’d like to have an idea of how much of your ride would be covered by Lyft promo codes, get a fare estimate before requesting your ride.

Excellent Times to Use Lyft Coupon Codes

While you can’t save it forever, you can save your Lyft free ride for when it can be the most useful to you.

Take notice, though, once you actually enter it into your account, it will expire.

We recommend using any Lyft promo code within 14 days.

You can wait to enter it if you wish to save it for longer.

However…

Make sure to take note of its basic expiration date, too.

Don’t miss out by waiting too long!

You could save your Lyft promo for a day when you work especially early and don’t want to take public transit.

Or, maybe you have an appointment across town and don’t want to drive.

The holiday season is a good one to plan for using discount codes as well.

Whatever the reason, pick a time that isn’t during peak hours.

You’ll get more bang for your free buck![divider]

2. How to Use a First Lyft Ride Free

You’ve managed to track down this premium free Lyft free ride voucher.

How do I actually use my Lyft discount?

Where do I enter my free ride code for Lyft?

How to Use a Lyft Credit

When it comes to how to use a Lyft promo code, we’ve got you covered.

It’s simple!

Be sure to enter any promo codes BEFORE requesting your first ride in order for it to be valid.

First, of course, make sure to download the Lyft app onto your mobile device if you haven’t done so already.

To enter your Lyft code into the app, use the following steps:

  1. Press the menu button on the top left.
  2. Select the ‘Promos’ option from the menu.
  3. Enter your Lyft promo code: ONDEMAND

Most of these Lyft promotional codes are valid for a $20 credit towards your first ride.

The credit from any promo codes will be used before you’re charged.

Lyft Free Ride Code Errors

Sometimes with technology, things don’t go perfectly smoothly, especially when it comes to promo codes since there are so many bad ones out there.

If you’ve got an error message when trying to use a Lyft promo, chances are that you’re frustrated.

Save yourself some stress and speculation and take a look at possible errors you could encounter when doing a Lyft sign up and subsequent Lyft free first ride.

Expired Free Lyft Code

Be sure to check expiration dates before entering or using a promo code for Lyft.

Commonly, people enter promo codes into their account but forget.

Then, when it comes time to use that Lyft first ride, it’s too late.

Don’t be that guy (or girl)!

Pro Tip:  If you enter your Lyft promo code and wait too long to use it, it will expire.  If this happens and you haven’t yet taken your first ride, simply delete any expired promo codes from your account.  Look up another (current) Lyft promo from our list at the top of this post and try again!  As long as you haven’t taken your first ride yet, you retain your new user status and can cash in on Lyft coupons.

Location-Exclusive Credits

Sometimes, they will release promo codes meant for people in a certain location only to ride Lyft at a discount.

This is much less common, however, it does happen.

For example, sometimes when they branch out into a new area, they will offer discounts (by using a promo code usually) for new members to try out a Lyft ride.

While there is no working around this, be sure to check out the restrictions before using these Lyft offers.

If you’re not in the permitted area, you may be able to delete it and use a different code before losing your new member status.

Already Used a Lyft Free Ride

This is the most common.

These new user codes are meant as a Lyft sign up bonus, to build up regular users of the service.

Therefore, if you’ve already used one on your account, you won’t be able to use another.

In this case, we recommend trying to use Uber.  If you’re already an Uber customer then try out an existing Uber user code.

If you’re looking for a free ride or at least a promo code of some sort but you’ve used both Lyft and Uber before, check out Freebird.

You can snag a promo code on your first ride as well as cash back every single time you use the app.

More info about Freebird and their promo code can be found at the top of this post.[divider]

3. Know Your Lyft Coupon Code Options

Knowing what you’re getting into and being prepared is half the battle with a Lyft promo, or really any type of promotion or coupon codes.

More often than not, the more you know from the get-go, the more you’ll save.

Especially with rideshare services.

Lyft Coupon Code Options

Information about ride options and service areas are some of the most common things you should know, especially before your first ride.

Rides Available with Codes

There are four options available on your rider account when it comes to requesting a ride; any can be used with your ride credit.

It all depends on what you’re looking for.

All options are available when you’re using a Lyft credit code (but they will vary in cost).

Firstly, they have the original service.

This is your standard, all-purpose option, which includes seats for up to three other people.  This is available everywhere you can ride Lyft, all the way from Los Angeles to New York and in between.

This option is what we suggest using with any type of Lyft promo codes, as your money will go further.

Next, they have Lyft Plus.

This is a heftier option for those times when you have more than four people to schlep around.

These Lyft Plus rides include spots for up to six people.

The vehicles are typically a van or SUV versus a smaller car like with the original ride option.

In some cities, Lyft Premier is available.

This is a luxury offering, typically consisting of a 4-door luxury sedan.

Currently, this option is only available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.

Lastly, we have the Lyft Shared (formerly Lyft Line) option.

This is more of a true carpool than the other services, in which you can share a ride with someone else headed the same direction.

This option is less expensive than the others because you split your fare with the other passenger (and yes, you can still use your promo code).

Popular Lyft Cities with Promotions

Currently, availability has opened up in about 65 cities within the United States.

They’re growing, though!

Expansion plans have continued along with the rise in demand for Lyft rides across the country.

If you’re specifically looking for a good deal, there are a few cities within the United States that offer Lyft promo codes or other Lyft coupons more often than others.

These include:

  1. San Francisco
  2. Chicago
  3. Los Angeles
  4. New York City (NYC)
  5. San Diego
  6. Las Vegas

These are most definitely top cities in the United States in terms of free ride promotion.[divider]

4. Free Lyft Codes for Existing Users

Already tried Lyft?

Love it?

You can still rake in some savings similar to that of a promo code on your next Lyft ride too.

Free Codes for Existing Users

There aren’t any Lyft codes for existing users, however, there are still things you can do to decrease your ride cost.

We’ve got a lot of ideas, and we’re sharing a few with you now!

If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at maximizing your savings as a continuing customer, check out our detailed guide to really cash in next time you ride Lyft.

Sharing Ride Credit with a Friend

Another option to get Lyft credit for current customers is to simply ride with a friend.

This can be an especially good solution if you’re socializing in a group.

Find out which of your friends has never used the platform before.

Set them up with the Lyft app.

Get them a Lyft coupon.

There is no limit to the number of people in the car when using ride credits, so you can all ride for free!

Substitutes for a Coupon

Of course, this isn’t the only rideshare option out there.

If by chance you happen to be an existing Lyft user, you could check some of these promo code alternatives out to save some cash.

Even if you are a new user and plan on using a free Lyft code for your first ride, it’s always nice to see what else is also out there.

Also, technology isn’t perfect.

It’s a good idea to have a couple of these apps ready to go in case one of them isn’t working when you really need a ride.

You can use an Uber code for free the first time.

Using the Freebird App

In lieu of a Lyft promo code, you can use the Freebird rides app to earn cash back.

This actually works for every single Lyft ride you take, not just your first one for new users.  It works for Uber too!

That being said, you can take advantage of this option by using a Freebird promo code your first time using the app as well.

Scroll up to the beginning of this post for a step-by-step to using their promo code, or check out our deep dive into using the Freebird promo code.

5. Lyft Referral Program

Their give a ride, get a ride program is the best way to get a Lyft promo code for current customers.

It’s easy!

You simply refer friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances, etc. to try the service.

Lyft Referral Program

Give them your unique Lyft referral code.

They’ll input it just as you would a Lyft discount code for new users.

This allows them to get their Lyft first ride free.

When they complete the ride, you’ll receive a Lyft discount as well.

Everyone ends up happy!

Pro Tip:  Try referring family and friends first, followed by coworkers.  If you’re really feeling bold, you could expand out to teachers, classmates, acquaintances, etc.  Just keep it personal!

Lyft Coupon FAQs

Do you have questions about the Lyft promo code for $50?

Looking for additional help?

Again, you’re in the right place.

What exactly is a Lyft coupon code?

Promo codes enable discounts on rides and credits for Lyft.  You can apply them via a link or easily enter them into the smartphone app.  You can get a link from a friend for a Lyft sign up or click a friend’s online referral.  Then a promo code is applied to your account automatically as long as you’re a new user.

How do I use my free Lyft?

You simply enter your Lyft coupon before requesting your first ride.  Then, after you take your first ride, any ride credit leftover should still remain in your account.  To check the Lyft promo code details or the amount of remaining credit, go to ‘Promos’ in the Lyft app for more information.

Is the first ride on Lyft Free?

It can be, considering that Lyft is in direct competition with Uber, and both platforms offer ride codes for discounts.  New customers can enter a Lyft coupon code when signing up, enabling eligibility for up to $50 in free ride credits (use code RYDER).  New customers for Uber can also earn an incentive by using Uber coupon RIDESHARE.

How do I enter a Lyft promo code?

After creating your account, you can click on the Lyft menu within your app.  Tap the ‘Promos’ button to enter your Lyft promo code.  Enter ‘RYDER‘ and tap ‘Apply.’  This will provide you with up to a $50 off code towards your first rides.

Are you supposed to sit in the front or back when taking a Lyft?

There are many answers, here, although many drivers have a preference, so if you don’t have a preference yourself, it may be polite just to ask your Lyft driver before your Lyft ride begins.  Keep in mind, you are the paying customer, so most drivers expect you to choose wherever you feel most comfortable.

Jimmy has been interested in technology and smartphone apps for some time now.  These interests have helped OnDemandly.com come to life.  Through personal experience working for DoorDash and Uber for over a decade, this blog's helpful guides have become popular pieces for many of our long-time visitors to understand the on-demand landscape.