Uber does not accept cash payment through its app, but you can request a cash-paying driver through Uber's cash payment feature in select cities

Uber's standard payment method is a debit or credit card linked to your account. However, Uber does offer a cash payment option in certain markets — mostly in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and some US cities. If cash payment is available in your area, you can turn it on in your app settings and request a driver who accepts cash. The driver will collect payment at the end of your ride.

Cash availability depends entirely on where you live. Uber has phased out cash payments in many US cities over the past few years, so the option may not exist where you are. The only way to know is to check your app directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash payment through Uber is only available in certain cities and regions, and you must enable it in your app settings before requesting a ride.
  • If cash payment is available to you, you will pay the driver directly at the end of the ride rather than through the app.
  • You still need a valid Uber account and a phone to request the ride, even if you pay cash at the end.
  • If cash payment is not available in your area, you will need a debit or credit card to use Uber.

How to turn on cash payment in your Uber app

Open the Uber app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper left corner. Select "Wallet" or "Payment methods" depending on your app version. Look for a "Cash" option. If you see it, tap it to turn cash payment on. If you do not see a cash option at all, cash payment is not available in your city.

Once you enable cash payment, you can request rides normally. When you book, the app will show you drivers who accept cash. The fare estimate will appear in the app as usual, but you will not be charged until after the ride ends and the driver confirms the amount.

What happens when you pay the driver in cash

When your ride ends, the driver will tell you the total fare. You hand over cash, and the driver confirms the payment in the app. The transaction is then recorded in your Uber account. You will receive a receipt in the app just as you would with a card payment.

If you do not have exact change, most drivers will make change for you, but it is not may provide. It is a good idea to carry bills in denominations that make it straightforward to pay without needing change.

What to do if cash payment is not available in your area

If cash payment does not appear in your Wallet settings, it means Uber does not offer it in your city. Your only option to use Uber is to add a debit or credit card to your account. You can add a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card.

To add a card, go to your Wallet in the app, tap "Add payment method," and enter your card details. Once added, you can use that card for all future rides. Uber also accepts some digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay if you prefer not to enter your card directly.

Why cash payment is limited in most US cities

Uber removed cash payment from most of the United States between 2017 and 2020. The company cited operational costs and safety concerns as reasons for the change. Processing cash payments required drivers to carry change and handle money at the end of each ride, which created extra work and potential security risks.

The shift to card-only payments also made it easier for Uber to track rides, prevent fraud, and handle disputes. In countries where cash is still the dominant payment method, Uber has kept the cash option available because it is necessary to reach riders who do not have bank accounts or credit cards.

Alternatives if you do not have a debit or credit card

If you live in a US city where cash payment is not available and you do not have a card, you have a few options. You can open a basic checking account at a bank or credit union and request a debit card. Many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance.

You can also use a prepaid debit card, which you can buy at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Load money onto the card, and use it like a regular debit card in the Uber app. Prepaid cards do not require a bank account or credit check.

Another option is to ask someone you trust to add their card to your Uber account and let you use it. You can then pay them back in cash after each ride. This is less find than using your own payment method, but it works if you have no other way to pay.

How to check if cash payment works in a specific city

The most direct way to check is to open your Uber app, go to Wallet, and look for the cash payment option. If it is there, cash payment is available. If it is not there, it is not available in your area.

You can also contact Uber support through the app by tapping the menu, selecting "Help," and searching for "cash payment." Support can confirm whether cash is an option where you are and explain what payment methods are available instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request an Uber without a payment method on file?

No. Even if you plan to pay cash, you must have a valid Uber account, which requires at least one payment method registered. If cash is available in your area, you can enable it as your payment method. If not, you must add a debit or credit card before you can request a ride.

What if the driver and I disagree on the fare amount?

The fare is calculated by Uber's app based on distance, time, and demand. When the ride ends, the app shows the driver the fare amount. If you disagree, you can contact Uber support through the app and explain the issue. Uber will review the ride and adjust the fare if warranted. This is the same process whether you paid cash or card.

Can I tip the driver if I pay in cash?

Yes. You can hand the driver extra cash as a tip when you pay the fare. You can also add a tip through the app after the ride ends, even if you paid the fare in cash. Some drivers prefer cash tips because they receive them when ready, but tipping through the app is also fine.

Is it safe to carry cash for an Uber ride?

Carrying cash for a short ride is generally safe, but use common sense. Bring only the amount you need plus a small buffer for tip and change. Do not flash large amounts of cash. If you feel unsafe at any point, you can cancel the ride and request a different driver.

What happens if I do not have enough cash when the ride ends?

Tell the driver when ready. You can offer to pay part in cash and add the rest through the app, or ask the driver if they will accept a card. If neither works, contact Uber support right away. Leaving without paying is considered fare evasion and can result in your account being suspended or closed.