Uber does not accept cash in the app, but you can request a cash-paying driver through a separate service called Uber Cash or use Uber's partnership with certain payment methods

Uber's main app does not have a built-in cash payment option. Every ride booked through the standard Uber app requires a payment method linked to your account — a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet. However, Uber does offer a workaround: you can add Uber Cash to your account, which you load with money upfront, and then use that balance to pay for rides.

The other option is to look for drivers in your area who use Uber's cash payment feature, which is available in select cities. Not all markets have this option, and availability depends on your location and local regulations. Before you try to pay with cash, check whether your city supports it by opening the Uber app and looking at your payment settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Cash is a prepaid balance you load onto your account at a convenience store or online, then use like a digital wallet to pay for rides.
  • Cash payment at the end of a ride is only available in certain cities and requires you to select a cash-paying driver before booking.
  • If your city does not support cash rides, Uber Cash is the closest option to paying with physical money.
  • You can load Uber Cash at retailers like CVS, Walgreens, or Best Buy, or through your bank account online.

How Uber Cash works and where to load it

Uber Cash is a prepaid account balance that you add money to in advance. You then use that balance to pay for Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, or other Uber services. To load Uber Cash, open the Uber app, go to the payment section, and select "Add Uber Cash." You can choose to add money online using a bank account or debit card, or you can go to a physical retailer and buy an Uber Cash card or voucher.

Retailers that sell Uber Cash cards include CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and some grocery stores. The cards typically come in denominations of $25, $50, or $100. When you buy one, you scratch off a code on the back, enter it into the Uber app, and the balance is added to your account. This method works if you want to use cash at a store but do not want to carry physical money to the driver.

Once you have Uber Cash loaded, it becomes your default payment method (or you can choose it manually before each ride). The balance sits in your Uber account and does not expire, though Uber's terms can change. If you have leftover Uber Cash and want to cash it out, Uber does not refund it directly — you have to spend it on rides or food orders.

Paying cash directly to the driver in supported cities

In some cities, Uber offers a cash payment option that lets you pay the driver in cash at the end of the ride. To use this feature, open the Uber app, tap on your payment method, and look for a "Cash" option. If it appears, your city supports cash rides. Select it, book your ride normally, and the driver will know you are paying cash when they arrive.

When the ride ends, you pay the driver the amount shown on the app. The driver confirms the payment in the app, and the transaction is complete. This is the closest experience to traditional taxi payment, but it is only available in select markets. Cities that have offered this include New York, Mexico City, and parts of India, but availability changes and is not may provide in all locations.

The cash payment feature is less common than it used to be, and Uber has been phasing it out in many regions. Before you plan to use it, confirm that it is still available in your area by checking the payment settings in your app. If the cash option does not appear, it is not currently supported where you are.

Why Uber moved away from cash payments

Uber originally offered cash payment as a way to reach riders without bank accounts or credit cards. Over time, the company shifted toward digital-only payments for several reasons: digital payments are faster to process, reduce driver safety concerns around carrying large amounts of cash, and make accounting simpler for both Uber and drivers.

The move also reflects broader trends in the payment industry. Most ride-sharing and delivery services have moved to cashless models, and many cities have reduced cash transactions across transportation services. Uber's push toward Uber Cash and digital wallets aligns with this shift while still offering a way for cash-preferring customers to use the service.

Alternatives if cash payment is not available in your area

If your city does not support cash rides and you do not have a debit or credit card, Uber Cash is your main option. You can buy Uber Cash at a physical store using cash, then use that balance to pay for rides. This gives you the benefit of using physical money without carrying it to the driver.

Another option is to use a prepaid debit card, which you can load with cash at many retailers. Once you have a prepaid card, you can link it to your Uber account just like a regular debit card. This works in all cities and gives you the same flexibility as Uber Cash, with the added benefit that the card can be used elsewhere.

If neither of these works for you, traditional taxi services or local ride-sharing apps in your area may still accept cash. Check what other transportation options are available in your city before assuming Uber is your only choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the Uber driver with cash if I book through the app?

Not in most cities. The standard Uber app requires a digital payment method at booking. In a few select locations, you can choose cash as your payment method before booking, but this feature is rare and disappearing. Check your payment settings in the app to see if it is available where you are.

Does Uber Cash expire?

Uber Cash does not have a set expiration date, but Uber's terms of service can change. The balance stays in your account until you spend it on rides or food orders. If your account is inactive for a very long time, Uber may close it, but this is not common for active users.

Where can I buy Uber Cash with cash?

You can buy Uber Cash cards at CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and some grocery stores. They come in $25, $50, and $100 denominations. Scratch off the code on the back and enter it into the Uber app to add the balance to your account.

What happens if I load Uber Cash but do not use it?

The balance stays in your account and does not expire. You can use it whenever you book a ride or order food through Uber. If you want to get the money back, Uber does not offer refunds — you have to spend the balance on Uber services.

Can I use Uber Cash to pay for Uber Eats?

Yes. Uber Cash works across Uber's services, including rides and Uber Eats food delivery. The balance is shared between all Uber services, so you can use it however you want.