Uber does not accept cash as payment through its app, but you can request a cash-paying driver through a separate service called Uber Cash or use Uber's driver-partner program in certain cities
Uber's main platform requires a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet linked to your account before you can book a ride. The app will not let you complete a ride request without a payment method on file. However, Uber does operate in some markets through a cash payment option, though it works differently than paying at the end of a ride like you would in a traditional taxi.
The availability of cash payment depends on where you live. In the United States, Uber Cash is available in select cities, and some drivers in certain regions can accept cash directly. Outside the US, cash payment options vary significantly by country and city. Your best first step is to open the Uber app, go to your payment settings, and see whether "Cash" appears as a payment option in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Uber's standard app requires a card or digital wallet and does not accept cash at the end of your ride.
- Cash payment is only available in certain cities and regions, and you must check your app to see if it is offered where you are.
- If cash is available in your area, you typically pay the driver directly after arrival, and the transaction is recorded in your app.
- If cash is not available where you live, alternatives include using a prepaid card, asking someone with a linked payment method to book for you, or using a different rideshare service.
How cash payment works when it is available
When Uber offers cash payment in your city, the process is straightforward. You select "Cash" as your payment method in the app before requesting a ride, just as you would select a credit card. The driver knows you are paying in cash and will wait for payment after you arrive at your destination.
You pay the driver the amount shown in the app, and the transaction is complete. Uber does not take a cut from the cash payment — you pay the full fare to the driver. This is different from card payments, where Uber's commission is deducted before the driver receives their portion. Keep in mind that if cash payment is available in your area, it may only work with certain vehicle types (like UberX) and not with premium options like Uber Black.
Checking whether cash payment is available in your location
The only reliable way to know if you can pay with cash is to check the Uber app itself. Open the app, tap your profile icon, select "Payments," and look at the payment methods listed. If "Cash" appears as an option, it is available in your area. If it does not appear, cash payment is not currently offered where you are.
Availability changes over time and varies by city, so even if cash was available in your area in the past, it may no longer be. Conversely, Uber may add cash payment to your city in the future. Checking the app is the only way to get current information for your specific location.
What to do if cash payment is not available in your area
If cash is not an option in your city, you have several alternatives. A prepaid debit card works like a regular card in the Uber app and requires no credit check or bank account. You can buy prepaid cards at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores, load them with cash, and link them to your Uber account.
Another option is to ask someone with a linked payment method to book the ride for you. They request the ride in their app, and you pay them cash for the fare. This works, but it means the ride is under their account, not yours, and you will not build your own Uber history or ratings.
If neither of those options works for you, check whether other rideshare services in your area — such as Lyft or local taxi apps — offer cash payment. Some cities have regional services that accept cash, and traditional taxi services in your area may still operate alongside rideshare apps.
Why Uber moved away from cash payments
Uber phased out cash payment in most of the US over several years, primarily because card payments are faster to process, reduce the risk of driver theft or disputes, and make accounting simpler for the company. Cash also creates a barrier for Uber's data collection and customer tracking, which the company relies on for pricing and marketing.
The shift also reflects Uber's business model: the company makes money by taking a percentage of each fare, and card payments make that cut automatic and verifiable. Cash payments require trust between driver and passenger and create more room for disagreement over the final amount.
Using Uber without a payment method on file
You cannot request an Uber ride without adding a payment method to your account first, even if you plan to pay cash. The app requires you to link a card, digital wallet, or cash option before you can book. This is a security measure Uber uses to verify your identity and ensure there is a record of the transaction.
Once you have added any payment method, you can then select "Cash" as your choice for that specific ride (if it is available in your area). The payment method on file is not charged if you pay the driver in cash, but it must be there to complete the booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the driver cash at the end of the ride if I select a card as my payment method?
No. If you select a card or digital wallet as your payment method, your card will be charged automatically when the ride ends. You cannot ask the driver to accept cash instead. The only way to pay cash is if your app shows "Cash" as a payment option in your area and you select it before booking.
What happens if I do not have enough cash when the driver arrives?
If you selected cash as your payment method and do not have the full fare when you arrive, tell the driver immediately. You can offer to pay what you have, ask the driver if they will accept a card instead, or cancel the ride. Drivers are not required to accept partial payment or alternative methods, so it is best to have the exact amount ready before the ride ends.
Is it safer to pay with cash or a card in Uber?
Card payments create a record in your app and Uber's system, which can be useful if there is a dispute. Cash payments are between you and the driver with no automatic record. Both are generally safe, but card payments give you more documentation if something goes wrong. If you are concerned about safety, paying by card also means the driver knows your identity through the app before pickup.
Can I use Uber Cash (the prepaid balance) to pay for rides?
Uber Cash is a prepaid balance you can load money into and use for Uber Eats and Uber rides. It is different from paying the driver in cash. You load Uber Cash through the app with a card, and then your rides are paid from that balance. This is a card-based system, not actual cash payment.