Uber does not accept cash payments in the app or at pickup

Uber requires a payment method linked to your account before you request a ride. You cannot pay the driver in cash when they arrive. The app will not let you book a ride without a valid card, bank account, or other digital payment method on file.

If you do not have a credit or debit card, you have other options to pay for Uber rides. The most common route is to add a debit card to your account, even if it is a basic prepaid card. You can also link a bank account directly, use a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Pay, or add Uber Cash — a prepaid balance you load with money.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber requires a digital payment method before you can request a ride; cash payment to the driver is not an option.
  • A prepaid debit card works just like a regular debit card in the Uber app and does not require a credit check.
  • You can link your bank account directly to Uber if you have a checking account, even without a debit card.
  • Uber Cash is a prepaid balance you load with money at a store or online, then use to pay for rides.
  • Digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay let you use cash you have loaded into them, though you must set them up first.

Using a prepaid debit card

A prepaid debit card is the simplest way to use cash with Uber if you do not have a regular bank account or credit card. You buy the card at a store, load it with cash, and then add it to your Uber account the same way you would add any debit card. Uber treats it like any other card — there is no difference in how the payment goes through.

Common prepaid cards include NetSpend, Green Dot, and Walmart MoneyCard. You can buy these at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. Load the card with cash at the register or at an ATM, then go to your Uber app, tap your profile picture, select "Payments," and add the card number, expiration date, and CVV just as you would for a regular debit card.

The main cost is the card fee itself — usually between $5 and $15 when you first buy it, plus small monthly fees if you do not use the card. Some prepaid cards charge a fee each time you load cash onto them. Check the fee schedule before you buy, because costs vary by brand.

Linking your bank account directly

If you have a checking account, you can link it to Uber without using a debit card. Go to your Uber app, tap your profile picture, select "Payments," and choose "Add payment method." Select "Bank account" and enter your routing number and account number — you can find both on the bottom left of a check, or call your bank.

Uber will make two small deposits to your account (usually under $1 each) within a few business days. You then confirm the exact amounts in the app to verify you own the account. Once confirmed, you can use that bank account to pay for rides.

This method works if you have direct deposit or can deposit cash at your bank's branch or ATM. It does not require a debit card, but it does require an active checking account. There is no fee to link your bank account to Uber.

Loading Uber Cash and paying with it

Uber Cash is a prepaid balance stored in your Uber account. You load it with money using a debit card, credit card, or bank account, then use that balance to pay for rides. The advantage is that you can load it once and use it for multiple trips without entering payment information each time.

To add Uber Cash, open your Uber app, tap your profile picture, select "Payments," and tap "Add Uber Cash." Choose how much to load (amounts vary by location, but typically start at $10). You will need a card or bank account to load the cash, but once it is in your Uber account, you can use it to pay for rides.

Uber Cash does not expire, so you can load it and use it whenever you want. If you run out, you straightforward load more. This method works well if you want to control your spending — you can only spend what you have loaded.

Using digital wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay

If you have Google Pay or Apple Pay set up on your phone, you can use those to pay for Uber. Both wallets can hold prepaid card balances or bank accounts. If you load cash onto a prepaid card and then add that card to Google Pay or Apple Pay, you can pay for Uber through the wallet.

To use a digital wallet with Uber, open your Uber app, tap your profile picture, select "Payments," and look for the option to add Google Pay or Apple Pay. Tap it and follow the prompts. Your phone will confirm the payment method you want to use from the wallet.

The setup takes a few extra steps compared to adding a card directly, but it works the same way once it is done. The advantage is that your actual card number is not shared with Uber — the wallet handles the payment instead.

What happens if you do not have a payment method

If you try to request an Uber ride without a payment method on file, the app will show an error and ask you to add one before you can proceed. You cannot get around this by offering to pay cash to the driver — the system will not let you book the ride in the first place.

If you are in a situation where you need a ride when ready and do not have time to set up a payment method, ask someone else to request the ride using their account and payment method. They can add you as a passenger, and you can pay them back in cash. Alternatively, you can set up a prepaid card or Uber Cash in about 15 minutes if you have a store nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give the Uber driver cash and have them enter it into the app?

No. The driver cannot process a cash payment through the Uber app. The payment method must be linked to your account before the ride starts. The driver has no way to accept or record a cash payment in the system.

Do prepaid cards work with Uber the same way regular debit cards do?

Yes. Uber treats a prepaid debit card exactly like a regular debit card. As long as the card has a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo and has enough balance, it will work. You add it to your account the same way and pay the same way.

What if my prepaid card runs out of money during a ride?

Uber checks that your card has enough balance before the ride starts. If the card does not have enough funds, the app will not let you request a ride. Load more money onto the card before you try again.

Is there a fee to use Uber Cash?

There is no fee to load or use Uber Cash itself. However, if you load it using a credit card, your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee — check with your card issuer. Loading with a debit card or bank account has no additional fee.

Can someone else load Uber Cash onto my account?

No. Only the account holder can add payment methods or load Uber Cash. However, someone can give you money in cash, and you can use that cash to load a prepaid card or Uber Cash yourself using a store or online.