Uber does not accept cash payments through its 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 requires a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet linked before you request a ride. The company stopped accepting cash payments in most markets around 2016 because the system created delays — drivers had to make change, trips took longer to complete, and the company couldn't verify payment until after the ride ended.
If you want to pay with cash, you have two real options: use Uber's cash payment feature where available, or use a different payment method that Uber does accept. Neither option works everywhere, and both depend on what your city supports.
Key Takeaways
- Uber's main app does not accept cash; you must add a card or digital wallet before requesting a ride.
- Some cities offer Uber Cash, a feature that lets you add cash at participating stores and use that balance to pay for rides.
- You can also link prepaid cards, debit cards, or digital payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay to your Uber account.
- If your city does not support Uber Cash and you have no card, you will need to find a different ride service or add a payment method to your account.
How Uber Cash works in cities where it is available
Uber Cash is a prepaid balance system. You go to a physical store — usually a convenience store, grocery store, or pharmacy — and give the cashier cash. They add that amount to your Uber account as a balance. You then use that balance to pay for rides through the Uber app, the same way you would use a linked card.
The stores that accept Uber Cash deposits vary by city. Common locations include CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and local convenience stores, but not every location in every chain participates. You can check which stores near you accept Uber Cash by opening the Uber app, tapping your profile picture, selecting "Wallet," and looking for the "Add cash" option. If that option appears, your city supports it, and the app will show you nearby stores.
Once you add cash to your Uber account, the balance stays there until you use it. There is no expiration date on most Uber Cash balances, though the company can close inactive accounts after a long period. You can add cash multiple times and build up a balance if you want.
Which cities and regions support Uber Cash
Uber Cash is not available everywhere. It is currently offered in parts of the United States, but coverage varies by state and city. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco have it, but smaller cities and rural areas often do not. International markets have different payment rules — some countries have their own cash payment systems, and others do not support cash at all.
The fastest way to know if your city supports Uber Cash is to open the Uber app and check your Wallet section. If you see an "Add cash" button, your area supports it. If you do not see that option, your city does not currently offer Uber Cash through Uber's system.
Other payment methods you can use instead of cash
If Uber Cash is not available in your area, you can link other payment methods to your account. Uber accepts most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Some regions also accept local payment apps or bank transfers, depending on the country.
To add a payment method, open the Uber app, go to your profile, select "Wallet" or "Payment methods," and tap the option to add a new card or wallet. You will need to enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV, or authenticate through your digital wallet app. Uber will charge a small amount to verify the card is real, then refund it within a few days.
If you do not have a credit or debit card, you might be able to use a prepaid card from a retailer like Target, Walmart, or a bank. These cards work like regular debit cards in Uber's system. You buy the card with cash at a store, load it with money, and then add it to your Uber account.
What happens if you request a ride without a payment method
You cannot request an Uber ride without at least one payment method on file. The app will not let you enter a pickup location or confirm a ride until you add a card, digital wallet, or Uber Cash balance. This is different from some other ride services that may allow you to arrange payment with the driver after arrival.
If you try to use the app without a payment method, you will see a message asking you to add one. You cannot bypass this by contacting Uber support or by asking the driver to accept cash instead — the system is designed to require payment information before the ride is matched.
Alternatives if you cannot use Uber's payment system
If your city does not support Uber Cash and you have no card or digital wallet, other ride services may work better for you. Lyft, the main competitor to Uber in the United States, also does not accept cash through its app in most places, but it does offer a cash payment option in select cities — check the Lyft app to see if it is available where you are. Some local taxi companies and ride services still accept cash directly from the driver, though you usually need to call or hail them on the street rather than through an app.
If you need a ride and have no payment method, your best option is to ask someone you trust to request the ride using their account and payment method, then reimburse them with cash. This is allowed under Uber's terms — the account holder is responsible for the ride, but anyone can sit in the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell the Uber driver I will pay cash when they arrive?
No. Uber's system requires payment information before the ride is matched to a driver. Drivers are not trained to handle cash, and Uber's policy does not allow them to accept it. If you do not have a payment method on file, the ride cannot be requested.
Is Uber Cash the same as a gift card?
No. Uber Cash is a prepaid balance you add yourself by paying cash at a store. Uber gift cards are different — someone buys them and gives them to you, and you redeem them for Uber Cash or ride credit. Both work to pay for rides, but you create Uber Cash yourself, while gift cards are given to you by someone else.
What if I add cash to my Uber account and never use it?
Your Uber Cash balance does not expire under normal circumstances. However, if your account is inactive for a very long time, Uber may close it and the balance may be lost. If you add cash and then do not use Uber for several years, contact Uber support to confirm your balance is still there before relying on it.
Can I get a refund if I add too much cash to my account?
Uber Cash balances cannot be converted back to cash or refunded to your original payment method. Once you add cash to your account, it can only be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders. If you add more than you need, you will need to use it on future rides.
Do I need a smartphone to use Uber Cash?
Yes. You need the Uber app to request rides and use your Uber Cash balance. Uber does not support ride requests through a website or phone call in most markets. If you do not have a smartphone, you will need to use a different ride service or ask someone else to request the ride for you.