Uber does not accept cash payments through its app, but you can request a cash-paying driver through Uber's cash option in select cities.
Uber stopped accepting cash as a standard payment method years ago. However, in some cities, Uber offers a cash payment feature that lets you request a ride and pay the driver in cash when you arrive at your destination. This option is not available everywhere — it depends on your location and whether Uber has activated the feature in your area.
The cash option appears as a payment method in your Uber app only if your city supports it. When you select it and request a ride, the driver knows you will pay cash. You still need a valid payment method on file in your account, even though you are not charged through the app.
Key Takeaways
- Cash payment is only available in certain cities; check your Uber app to see if the option appears in your payment methods.
- You must have a valid payment method (debit or credit card) registered on your account to use the cash option, even though you pay the driver directly.
- When you select cash as your payment method and complete your ride, you pay the driver the full fare amount in person.
- The fare amount shown in the app before you request the ride is the same amount you will owe the driver in cash.
Where the cash option is available
Uber's cash payment feature exists in a limited number of cities across the United States and internationally. The company has not published a complete list of all cities where cash is accepted, so the only way to know if it is available to you is to open your Uber app and check your payment methods.
Cities where cash has been reported as available include parts of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and several others, but availability changes over time. If you do not see a cash option in your app's payment settings, it is not currently active in your area. Uber may expand or reduce cash availability depending on driver participation and demand in each location.
How to set up and use cash payment
To use cash payment, open your Uber app and go to the payment methods section. If cash is available in your city, you will see it listed as an option alongside your card and other payment methods. Tap on it to select cash as your preferred payment method for your next ride.
When you request a ride with cash selected, the driver will see that you are paying in cash. The app shows you the estimated fare before you confirm the ride request. After the driver drops you off, you pay them the full amount shown in the app — no tip through the app is required, though you can tip the driver in cash if you choose.
You must still have an active debit or credit card on file in your account to use the cash option. Uber uses this card as a backup and to verify your identity, but you will not be charged if you pay the driver in cash and complete the transaction.
What happens if you cannot pay the driver in cash
If you request a ride with cash selected but cannot pay the driver when you arrive, tell the driver when ready. Some drivers may be willing to accept a card payment instead, but they are not required to do so. The safest approach is to make sure you have the exact cash amount before requesting the ride.
If a dispute arises — for example, if you and the driver disagree about the fare amount — you can contact Uber support through the app. Uber will review the trip details and the fare shown at the time of the ride. However, resolving cash payment disputes can take longer than card disputes because there is no automatic payment record.
Differences between cash and card payment
| Feature | Cash Payment | Card Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Payment method | Cash to driver at end of ride | Card charged through app |
| Availability | Select cities only | Available everywhere |
| Backup payment method required | Yes, a valid card must be on file | No |
| Receipt | Digital receipt in app; no physical receipt from driver | Digital receipt in app |
| Tipping | Cash only; no in-app tip option | In-app tip option available |
| Dispute resolution | Longer process; relies on trip details | Faster; payment record is automatic |
Why Uber limits cash payment
Uber moved away from cash payments because card payments are easier to track, reduce theft risk, and make disputes simpler to resolve. Cash also requires drivers to carry change and handle physical money, which adds complexity. By limiting cash to select cities and requiring a backup card on file, Uber balances the needs of riders who prefer cash with the operational challenges it creates.
The company has not announced plans to expand cash payment widely. In most cities, card payment remains the only option. If you do not have a debit or credit card, you may not be able to use Uber, even in cities where cash is theoretically available, because a card must be registered on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Uber without a credit card if cash payment is available in my city?
No. Even if cash payment is available, you must have a valid debit or credit card registered on your Uber account. The card serves as a backup payment method and for identity verification. You will not be charged if you pay the driver in cash, but the card must be on file.
What if the driver does not have change for my cash payment?
This is a risk with cash payment. Before you get in the car, you can ask the driver if they have change for the amount you are carrying. If they do not and you cannot pay the exact fare, you may need to use your backup card instead. It is safest to have the exact cash amount ready before the ride ends.
Do I have to tip the driver if I pay in cash?
Tipping is not required, but it is customary. With cash payment, you can only tip in cash — there is no in-app tipping option. You decide the tip amount and give it to the driver along with the fare.
How do I know if cash payment is available in my city?
Open your Uber app, go to your account settings, and look at your payment methods. If cash is available in your location, it will appear as an option. If you do not see it listed, cash payment is not currently active in your area.
What happens if I lose my receipt for a cash payment?
Your Uber app stores a digital receipt of every trip, including cash rides. You can view this receipt in your trip history anytime. The digital receipt shows the date, time, location, driver name, and fare amount. You do not need a physical receipt from the driver.