Uber's payment methods and cash options
Uber does not accept cash as a payment method through its app. When you request a ride, you must have a valid payment method linked to your account — a debit card, credit card, digital wallet, or bank account. The driver cannot process cash payments at the end of the ride, and Uber's system does not support it.
However, Uber does offer Uber Cash, which is a prepaid balance you load onto your account using cash or other payment methods. This is different from paying the driver directly with bills or coins. You load money into Uber Cash first, then use that balance to pay for rides.
Some cities also have Uber Money, which is a full checking account product that lets you manage your money and pay for rides from that account. Availability varies by location.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot hand cash to an Uber driver — the app requires a card, digital wallet, or bank account linked before you request a ride.
- Uber Cash is a prepaid balance you can load with cash at participating retailers, then use to pay for rides through the app.
- If you load Uber Cash at a store, you still need a smartphone and the Uber app to request and pay for rides.
- Some cities offer Uber Money, a checking account product that works with Uber rides, but it is not available everywhere.
How to load Uber Cash with cash
To use cash with Uber, you load it as Uber Cash at a retail location. Open the Uber app, tap your profile icon, and select "Wallet." Then tap "Add funds" and choose the amount you want to load. The app will show you nearby retailers where you can pay cash to add that amount to your account.
Common retailers that accept cash for Uber Cash include CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and various grocery stores and convenience stores. The exact list depends on your location. You go to the store, tell the cashier you want to add money to Uber Cash, provide the amount, and pay with cash. The funds appear in your Uber account within minutes.
There is no fee to load Uber Cash at most retailers, though some locations may charge a small amount. Check the app before you go to the store to see if there is a fee at that particular location.
Using Uber Cash to pay for rides
Once you have loaded Uber Cash into your account, it becomes your default payment method (or you can set it as your preferred method in the Wallet section). When you request a ride, the fare is automatically charged to your Uber Cash balance. You do not need to do anything different — the process is the same as paying with a card.
If your Uber Cash balance runs out during a ride, Uber will charge a backup payment method you have on file. For this reason, you should keep a card or bank account linked to your account even if you primarily use Uber Cash.
You can check your Uber Cash balance anytime in the Wallet section of the app. Any unused balance stays in your account and does not expire, so you can use it whenever you take another ride.
When you might need a card even with Uber Cash
Some ride types and services require a card on file. Uber Eats, for example, may not accept Uber Cash in all regions, and some premium ride options have different payment rules. Scheduled rides booked in advance sometimes require a card as well.
If you are traveling to a different city or country, check whether Uber Cash works there. Uber Cash is specific to the country where you loaded it, so you may need a different payment method if you travel internationally.
Certain promotions and discounts also require a card. If you have a promo code that applies only to credit card payments, you will need to use a card instead of Uber Cash for that ride.
Alternatives if you do not have a card
If you do not have a credit or debit card, Uber Cash is your main option for using Uber. You load it with cash at a store and use it through the app. This works as long as you have a smartphone and the Uber app installed.
Some banks and financial services offer prepaid debit cards that you can load with cash and then link to your Uber account. These cards work like a regular debit card in the Uber app. Check with your bank or a local financial institution to see what prepaid options are available in your area.
Digital wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay can also work if you have a way to load them with cash. Some retailers let you add cash to these wallets, and then you can link the wallet to Uber.
What happens if you try to pay cash to the driver
If you request an Uber ride and then try to pay the driver with cash when they arrive, the driver will not be able to accept it. Uber's system expects payment through the app only. The driver has no way to process a cash transaction, and doing so would violate Uber's terms of service.
If you do not have a valid payment method set up before you request a ride, Uber will not let you book one. The app will prompt you to add a payment method first. This is a built-in safeguard to prevent situations where a driver arrives and cannot be paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the Uber driver with cash if I load Uber Cash first?
No. Even if you have Uber Cash loaded, the payment still goes through the app automatically. You do not hand money to the driver. The driver never handles your payment — it is all processed digitally through Uber's system.
Is there a fee to load Uber Cash at a store?
Most retailers do not charge a fee, but some do. The Uber app shows you the fee (if any) before you confirm the amount at checkout. Check the app to see which nearby stores charge fees and which do not.
What if I load Uber Cash but do not use it?
Your Uber Cash balance does not expire. It stays in your account indefinitely until you use it. You can load it and use it whenever you take a ride, even months later.
Can I transfer Uber Cash to someone else?
No. Uber Cash is tied to your account and cannot be transferred, gifted, or shared with another person. Each person needs their own Uber account with their own payment method.
Does Uber Cash work for Uber Eats?
Uber Cash may work for Uber Eats in some locations, but not all. Check your Wallet section in the Uber Eats app to see if Uber Cash is listed as a payment option where you are. If it is not available, you will need to use a card or other payment method.