Uber does not accept cash directly in the app, but you can request a cash-paying driver through Uber's cash payment feature, available in select cities.
When you open the Uber app and request a ride, you can choose cash as your payment method before you book. The app will then match you with a driver who accepts cash payments. You pay the driver directly at the end of the trip — the amount shown in the app is an estimate, and you settle the actual fare with cash in the car.
Cash payment is not available everywhere. The feature exists in some major cities and regions, but Uber has gradually reduced cash options in many places as the platform has moved toward digital payments. Whether cash is available in your area depends on local demand, driver participation, and Uber's current operations in that region.
Key Takeaways
- Cash payment must be selected in the app before you request a ride, and only drivers who accept cash will be sent to you.
- You pay the driver the full fare in cash at the end of the trip — the app shows an estimate, not the final amount.
- Cash payment is available only in certain cities and regions, and availability changes based on driver participation and local operations.
- If cash is not an option in your app, it is not currently available in your area, and you will need to use a debit or credit card instead.
- Tipping a cash-paying driver works the same way — you hand them cash at the end of the ride.
How to select cash payment in the app
Open the Uber app and tap the payment method icon, usually shown as a card or wallet symbol at the top of the screen. Scroll through the payment options available to you. If cash is an option in your city, you will see it listed alongside credit cards and other methods. Tap cash to select it as your payment method for that ride.
Once you have selected cash, request your ride as normal. The app will show you an estimated fare based on distance and time. This estimate may differ from what you actually pay — the final amount depends on the actual route taken and any traffic delays. When the driver arrives and completes the trip, you pay them the cash fare directly.
What happens if cash is not showing in your app
If you do not see cash as a payment option when you tap your payment method, it means Uber does not currently offer cash rides in your area. This does not mean the feature will never return — availability shifts based on driver demand and Uber's operations in your region — but you cannot use it right now.
Your alternatives are to add a debit card or credit card to your account, or to use a digital payment method like Google Pay or Apple Pay if your phone supports it. These are the payment methods Uber is actively supporting in your city.
How the fare estimate works with cash payment
The app calculates an estimated fare before you book, based on the distance between your pickup and dropoff locations and typical traffic conditions at that time. This estimate is not binding — it is a prediction, not a may provide. If the actual trip takes longer due to traffic, construction, or a different route, the final fare will be higher. If the trip is faster than expected, the final fare will be lower.
When you arrive at your destination, the driver will tell you the final fare amount. You pay that amount in cash. Some drivers may round up or down, but you are responsible for paying what the meter shows. If you are unsure about the final amount, ask the driver to confirm it before you hand over cash.
Tipping when you pay with cash
Tipping is handled differently with cash payment than with card payment. Since you are paying the driver directly in cash, you can tip them in cash at the end of the ride. Hand them the fare plus whatever tip amount you choose. There is no option to add a tip through the app after a cash ride — the transaction is complete when you pay the driver.
Some drivers may ask if you want to round up or add a tip when you pay. You are not required to tip, but drivers who accept cash often depend on tips as part of their income. The amount is entirely your choice.
Why Uber has reduced cash payment options
Uber has moved away from cash payments over the past several years for several reasons. Digital payments are faster to process, reduce the risk of theft or disputes over change, and give Uber better data about ride patterns and pricing. Cash also requires drivers to carry change and handle physical money, which adds complexity to their work.
The shift accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many riders and drivers preferred contactless payment. In most major cities, Uber now prioritizes card and digital wallet payments. Cash remains available in some regions where there is still driver demand for it, but it is no longer the default or primary payment method.
What to do if you need to pay cash but it is not available
If cash payment is not available in your area and you do not have a card or digital payment method, you have a few options. You can add a debit card to your Uber account — this does not require a credit check and works like a regular debit card. You can also use a prepaid card if you have one, or set up a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Pay on your phone.
If you are unable to add any of these payment methods, you will not be able to use Uber. The platform requires a digital payment method to book a ride. Ride-sharing services that may still accept cash vary by city, but Uber's model is built around cashless transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request cash payment and then pay with a card instead?
No. When you select cash in the app, you are telling Uber to send you a driver who accepts cash. If you then try to pay with a card, the driver may refuse or report the issue. Select the payment method you actually plan to use before you book.
What if I do not have exact change for the cash fare?
Tell the driver before you pay. Most drivers carry change and can make change for you. If a driver does not have change, you may need to use a card or digital payment instead — ask the driver what options they have. It is better to clarify this before the ride ends.
Is cash payment safer than card payment?
Both have trade-offs. Cash payment means no card information is shared with Uber or stored digitally. Card payment is safer in that you have a digital record of the transaction and can dispute charges if needed. With cash, there is no receipt unless the driver provides one, and disputes are harder to resolve.
Do I need to tip differently with cash than with a card?
Yes. With a card, you add the tip through the app after the ride. With cash, you hand the driver cash for the fare plus a tip amount of your choice at the end of the ride. There is no way to add a tip through the app after a cash payment.
Will cash payment come back to my city if it is not available now?
It may, but there is no may provide. Uber decides where to offer cash based on driver demand and local operations. If you want cash payment in your area, you can contact Uber support to request it, but the decision depends on whether drivers in your region want to accept cash rides.