You can pay cash for Uber rides, but only through the Uber app and only if the driver has turned on the cash payment option
Uber does not automatically accept cash. The driver must enable cash payments in their app settings before you can choose it as your payment method. This means not every Uber driver will take cash, and you will not know until you request a ride whether a driver near you accepts it. If no cash-enabled drivers are available in your area at that moment, you will need to use a card or another payment method instead.
Cash payments work differently from card payments. When you request an Uber and select cash as your payment method, the app will only match you with drivers who have cash enabled. The driver will see that you are paying cash before accepting your ride. At the end of the trip, you hand the cash directly to the driver — the app does not process the payment, so there is no receipt generated automatically.
Key Takeaways
- Cash payment must be turned on by the driver in their Uber app, so availability depends on which drivers are working in your area at that time.
- You select cash as your payment method in the Uber app before requesting a ride, and only drivers with cash enabled will see your request.
- You pay the driver directly in cash at the end of the trip — the app shows the fare amount but does not process the payment.
- Tipping in cash is optional, and the driver will not receive a tip through the app if you pay in cash unless you add it separately.
- If you change your mind after requesting a ride, you can cancel without penalty as long as the driver has not yet arrived.
How to select cash payment in the Uber 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. Select "Add payment method" or tap your current payment method to change it. Look for the cash option in the list — it may be labeled "Cash" or appear as a wallet icon depending on your phone and app version. Tap it to select cash as your payment method.
Once you have selected cash, the app will remember this choice for future rides. You can switch back to a card or other payment method at any time by returning to the payment settings. When you request a ride with cash selected, the app will only show you drivers who have cash enabled, so you may see fewer available drivers or longer wait times than you would with a card.
What happens when you arrive at your destination
The Uber app will display the fare amount when the ride ends. This is the amount you should pay the driver in cash. The driver will see the same fare on their end. You hand the cash to the driver directly — do not give it to Uber or put it in the app.
Keep in mind that the fare shown in the app is the base amount before any surge pricing adjustments or tolls that may have been added during the ride. If you are unsure about the total, ask the driver before handing over cash. Most drivers will have change available, but it is reasonable to ask first if you are paying with a large bill.
Tipping when you pay in cash
Tipping is separate from the fare and is entirely up to you. If you want to tip, you hand it to the driver along with the fare payment. The tip does not go through the app — it is a direct cash transaction between you and the driver.
If you prefer to tip through the app instead of in cash, you can do that after the ride ends. Open the Uber app, find the completed ride in your history, and select the option to add a tip. This tip will be processed through your payment method on file, not in cash. Some drivers may prefer cash tips because they receive them immediately, but either method is acceptable.
What to do if no cash-enabled drivers are available
If you request a ride and no drivers with cash enabled are nearby, the app will show you a message saying cash is not available in your area right now. You have two options: wait and try again in a few minutes, or switch to a different payment method and request a ride immediately.
Cash availability depends on which drivers are currently working and whether they have chosen to accept cash. During busy times, more drivers may be online and some may have cash enabled. During slow times, you may have no options. There is no way to reserve a cash-paying driver in advance — you can only request a ride and see what is available at that moment.
Canceling a cash ride before the driver arrives
If you request a ride with cash selected and then change your mind, you can cancel without being charged as long as the driver has not yet arrived at your pickup location. Open the Uber app, find your current ride, and tap the cancel button. The cancellation is free at this stage.
Once the driver has arrived and started driving toward you, canceling may result in a cancellation fee. If you cancel after the driver has picked you up, you will be charged for the distance traveled. These fees apply whether you are paying in cash or by card.
Why some drivers do not accept cash
Drivers choose whether to enable cash payments in their app settings. Some drivers prefer card payments because they are automatic and do not require handling physical money. Others may not have change available or prefer the security of digital transactions. Uber does not require drivers to accept cash, so it remains optional.
This is why cash availability varies by location and time of day. In areas where many drivers have cash enabled, you will have plenty of options. In areas where few drivers accept cash, you may wait longer or find no cash-enabled drivers available. There is no way to request a specific driver or may provide cash payment — you can only select it and see who is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request an Uber and pay cash if I do not have a card on file?
Yes. You need an Uber account to use the app, but you do not need a card linked to it if you are paying in cash. You can create an account with just your phone number and email, then select cash as your payment method. The app will only match you with cash-enabled drivers.
What if the driver says the fare is different from what the app showed?
Ask the driver to show you their app screen so you can see the fare calculation. Fares can change if the route was longer than expected, tolls were added, or surge pricing was in effect. If you disagree with the amount, you can contact Uber through the app after the ride to dispute it, though this is less common with cash rides since there is no automatic record.
Do I need to rate the driver if I pay in cash?
Yes. After a cash ride ends, the Uber app will prompt you to rate the driver and leave feedback, just as it does for card payments. Your rating helps other riders and affects the driver's standing on the platform. You can rate and review even though you paid in cash.
Can I use Uber Eats with cash?
No. Uber Eats does not offer cash payment. You must use a card, digital wallet, or other payment method linked to your account. Cash payment is only available for Uber rides, not for food delivery.
What if I do not have exact change?
Most drivers carry change and can make change for you. It is polite to ask before handing over a large bill. If a driver cannot make change, you can offer to use a card or mobile payment instead, though this may not be possible if you do not have another payment method with you. It is a good idea to have some smaller bills available when paying in cash.