Uber does not accept cash payments through its app, but you have other ways to ride without a card on file

Uber requires a payment method linked to your account before you can request a ride. You cannot hand cash to the driver at pickup or pay in cash through the app. However, Uber offers Uber Cash, a digital wallet feature that lets you load money onto your account in advance — and you can fund Uber Cash using cash at certain retail locations.

The most practical route for cash payers is to buy an Uber Cash voucher or load money at a participating store, then use that balance to pay for rides. This works the same way as any other payment method in the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Cash is a digital wallet you can load with money at retail stores like CVS, Walgreens, and grocery chains, then use to pay for rides through the app.
  • You must have a payment method on file in your Uber account before you can request a ride, even if you plan to use Uber Cash.
  • Uber Cash balances do not expire, so you can load money and use it over time without pressure to spend it immediately.
  • Some cities and regions do not support Uber Cash, so availability depends on where you live and which stores operate near you.

How to load Uber Cash at a retail store

Visit a participating retailer and ask to load money onto your Uber account. Stores that accept Uber Cash loads include CVS, Walgreens, Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, and many regional grocery and convenience chains. The cashier will process the transaction like any other purchase — you hand over cash, they load the amount onto your Uber account using your phone number or email address.

The amount you can load varies by store and location, but typically ranges from $15 to $500 per transaction. There is no fee to load Uber Cash at most retailers, though some stores may charge a small amount. Once the money is loaded, it appears in your Uber Cash balance immediately and you can use it for rides right away.

Not every store in every chain participates, so call ahead or check the Uber app to see which locations near you accept Uber Cash loads. Availability is higher in urban and suburban areas and lower in rural regions.

Setting up your Uber account to use Uber Cash

You still need to create an Uber account and add a backup payment method before you can ride, even if you plan to use only Uber Cash. Open the Uber app, enter your phone number or email, verify your identity, and add a card or bank account. This backup method is there in case your Uber Cash balance runs out mid-ride or if a transaction fails.

Once your account is set up and verified, go to the Payment section of the app and select Uber Cash as your primary payment method. When you request a ride, the app will charge your Uber Cash balance first. If the balance is not enough to cover the full fare, Uber will charge the difference to your backup payment method.

What happens if your Uber Cash balance runs out

If your Uber Cash balance does not cover the full cost of a ride, Uber automatically charges the remaining amount to your backup payment method — the card or bank account you added when you set up your account. This means you will not be stranded without a way to pay, but you will be charged to that card whether you want to be or not.

To avoid this, keep track of your Uber Cash balance before you request a ride. You can see your balance in the Payment section of the app. If you are running low and do not want to use your backup card, load more Uber Cash at a retail store before your next ride.

Alternatives if Uber Cash is not available in your area

Some regions do not support Uber Cash, particularly outside the United States or in areas where Uber has limited retail partnerships. If Uber Cash is not an option where you live, your only way to use Uber is to add a credit card, debit card, or bank account to your account.

If you do not have a bank account or card, consider asking a friend or family member to add their card to your account and let you reimburse them in cash after each ride. This is not an official Uber feature, but it is a workaround some people use. Alternatively, some cities offer ride-sharing services through local taxi companies or transit agencies that may accept cash — check what is available in your area.

Checking if Uber Cash works in your city

Open the Uber app and go to the Payment section. If Uber Cash appears as an option, it is available in your area. If you do not see it, Uber Cash is not currently supported where you live.

You can also visit the Uber website or contact Uber support to ask whether Uber Cash will be available in your region in the future. Uber has been expanding Uber Cash availability over time, so a service that is not available now may become available later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the Uber driver in cash when they arrive?

No. Uber does not allow cash payments to drivers. Payment must be processed through the app using a linked payment method or Uber Cash balance. If you try to pay the driver in cash, they can refuse the ride and you will be charged a cancellation fee.

Does Uber Cash expire?

No. Your Uber Cash balance does not expire and you can use it whenever you want. There is no time limit on spending money you have loaded into your account.

What if I load Uber Cash but never use it?

Your balance stays in your account indefinitely. You can request a refund of unused Uber Cash by contacting Uber support, though the process and timeline vary depending on your location and how the money was loaded.

Can I use Uber Cash for Uber Eats?

Yes. Uber Cash works for both Uber rides and Uber Eats food orders. Your balance applies to whichever service you use it for.

Is there a limit to how much Uber Cash I can load?

Yes, but the limit depends on your location and the retailer. Most stores allow you to load between $15 and $500 per transaction, and you can load multiple times. Contact Uber support or check with your local retailer for specific limits in your area.