Uber does not accept cash payments through its app, but you can request a cash-paying driver through Uber's cash option in select cities.
Uber's standard payment method requires a debit or credit card linked to your account before you book. However, in certain markets — primarily in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and some US cities — Uber offers a cash payment feature. When you enable this option in the app, you can request a driver who accepts cash, and you pay them directly at the end of the ride instead of through the app.
Availability varies significantly by location. Cash rides are not available everywhere Uber operates. Before you try to use this feature, check whether it appears as an option in your app's payment settings. If it does not show up, cash payment is not currently offered in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Cash payment in Uber is only available in select cities and regions, and you must enable it in your app's payment settings before requesting a ride.
- When you book a cash ride, the driver knows in advance that you will pay in cash, and you settle the fare directly with them at the end of the trip.
- You still need a valid payment method on file in your account, even if you plan to pay cash for individual rides.
- Surge pricing and upfront fares still apply to cash rides, and you will see the estimated cost before you confirm your booking.
How to enable cash payment in your Uber account
Open the Uber app and tap your profile icon in the upper left corner. Select "Wallet" or "Payment Methods" depending on your app version. Look for a "Cash" option in your payment methods list. If it appears, tap it to turn it on. Once enabled, cash will show as a payment choice when you request a ride.
If you do not see a cash option in your payment settings, it means Uber does not currently offer cash rides in your city. The feature is not available everywhere, and Uber does not announce which cities have it — you can only find out by checking your own app.
What happens when you request a cash ride
After you enable cash payment and select it as your payment method, you book your ride the same way you normally would. The app shows you the estimated fare upfront, just as it does for card payments. The driver receives a notification that you will be paying cash, so they know what to expect.
When the driver arrives and completes your trip, you pay them the fare shown in the app using physical cash. The driver may ask for exact change or may have change available. After you pay, the ride is marked complete in the app. You will still receive a receipt and can rate the driver.
Why you still need a card on file
Even if you plan to pay cash, Uber requires a valid debit or credit card linked to your account. This card serves as a backup payment method and helps Uber verify your identity. The card is not charged when you pay cash for a ride, but it must be present in your account for the cash option to work.
If your card expires or is removed from your account, you will lose access to cash payment until you add a new card. Uber uses this requirement to reduce fraud and ensure accountability on both sides of the transaction.
Surge pricing and upfront fares with cash rides
Cash rides are subject to the same pricing rules as card-paid rides. If demand is high, surge pricing applies, and your fare will be higher than the base rate. You will see the estimated cost — including any surge — before you confirm your booking, so you know exactly what you will pay before the driver arrives.
Upfront fares, which show you the total cost before the ride begins, also apply to cash rides. This means you are not charged by the minute or mile; you pay the flat amount shown in the app. Tips are not included in the upfront fare and are handled separately when you pay the driver.
Tips and receipts for cash payments
When you pay cash, tipping is handled in person with the driver. You can offer a cash tip at the end of the ride, or you can add a tip through the app after the ride is complete. If you tip through the app, you will need to use your card on file to process that payment.
You receive a digital receipt in the Uber app showing the ride details, the fare amount, and any tip you added through the app. This receipt serves as your record of the transaction. Keep track of your cash spending if you need it for budgeting or reimbursement purposes.
What to do if cash payment is not available in your city
If cash payment does not appear in your app, Uber does not currently offer it in your location. You have a few alternatives: you can use a prepaid debit card if you want to limit spending, you can ask someone with a card to book the ride for you, or you can look into other ride-sharing services that may accept cash in your area.
Some cities have local ride-sharing apps or traditional taxi services that still accept cash. Checking your local transportation options can help you find a payment method that works for your situation. Uber's cash feature may become available in your city in the future, but there is no way to request it or predict when that might happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cash if I do not have a credit or debit card?
No. Uber requires a valid card on file even if you pay cash for rides. You cannot use the cash payment option without a card linked to your account. If you do not have a card, you will need to obtain one or use a different transportation service.
What if I do not have enough cash when the ride ends?
Tell the driver immediately. You can offer to pay with your card on file, or you can arrange to pay the driver later if they agree. Leaving without paying is considered fare evasion and can result in your account being suspended or closed. It is your responsibility to have enough cash before the ride begins.
Do I have to tip the driver in cash?
No. You can tip in cash when you pay the fare, or you can add a tip through the app using your card after the ride is complete. The driver will see any app-based tip in their earnings. Many drivers appreciate either form of tip.
Is cash payment safer than using a card?
Both methods are safe in different ways. Cash leaves no digital record and does not expose your card information. Card payment is protected by fraud liability limits and creates a documented transaction. Choose based on your comfort level and privacy preferences.
Can I request a specific driver who accepts cash?
No. When you book a cash ride, Uber matches you with an available driver who accepts cash payments. You cannot choose a specific driver in advance. The app will only show drivers in your area who have indicated they accept cash.