Uber does not accept cash in most places, but you can request a cash-friendly driver through the app

Uber's standard payment method is a debit or credit card linked to your account. The app charges your card automatically when your ride ends. However, Uber does offer a workaround: you can request a driver who accepts cash payment, though this option is not available everywhere and depends on your location and driver availability.

Cash payment is available in some US cities and a limited number of countries outside the US. Even where it exists, not every driver participates. You will need to check whether cash rides are offered in your area before you request one, because the feature does not appear in the app unless your city supports it.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash payment through Uber is only available in certain cities and countries, and you must check your app to see if it is offered where you are.
  • To pay with cash, you add a cash payment method in the app settings, then request a ride and select the cash option at checkout.
  • You pay the driver directly at the end of the ride, not through the app.
  • If cash rides are not available in your area, you will need to add a card to your Uber account or use a different transportation service.

How to add cash as a payment method in the Uber app

Open the Uber app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Wallet" or "Payment methods" depending on your app version. Tap "Add payment method" and look for a "Cash" option. If you see it, tap it to confirm cash as a payment choice. If you do not see a cash option, cash rides are not available in your location.

Once you add cash, it stays in your payment methods. You do not need to add it again for future rides. However, you will still need to select cash as your payment method each time you request a ride, because your app may default to a card if you have one saved.

Requesting a ride and selecting cash payment

Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and destination locations as you normally would. Before you tap "Request," check that your payment method is set to "Cash." The payment method selector appears near the top of the screen, usually showing your current payment option. Tap it and select "Cash" from the list.

Request your ride. The app will show you an estimated fare. When a driver accepts, you will see their name, vehicle, and rating. The driver will know you are paying cash because the app tells them. Meet the driver at your pickup location and complete your ride as usual.

Paying the driver when your ride ends

When you reach your destination, the driver will tell you the final fare amount. This amount may differ slightly from the estimate shown in the app because fares can change based on traffic, route, or time spent waiting. Pay the driver the amount they state using cash. You do not pay through the app.

After you pay, the driver will end the ride in the app. You will receive a receipt in the app showing the fare amount and the payment method as "Cash." If you have questions about the final fare, discuss them with the driver before you exit the vehicle.

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

If you do not see a cash option when you try to add a payment method, cash rides are not currently offered in your city or country. Uber's cash program is limited to specific locations, and availability changes over time.

Your options are to add a debit or credit card to your Uber account, or to use a different transportation service that accepts cash. Some cities have local taxi services or ride-sharing apps that offer cash payment. You can also check whether Uber Cash, a separate service that lets you load money into your Uber account in advance, is available where you are — though this still requires a card to load the balance initially.

Tips for paying with cash on Uber

Bring exact change or bills close to the fare amount. Drivers are not required to make change, though many will. If you are unsure of the exact fare, ask the driver what amount they expect before the ride ends so you can prepare the right payment.

Rate your driver after you pay. Even though you paid in cash rather than through the app, you can still leave a rating and tip through the app after the ride. Some drivers appreciate this because it affects their overall rating on the platform.

Check the app estimate before you request. The app shows you an estimated fare range before you request a ride. This gives you a sense of what to expect and helps you decide whether to carry enough cash. Keep in mind that the final fare may be higher if traffic delays your ride or if you take a longer route than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tip my driver if I pay with cash?

Yes. You can tip the driver in cash when you pay the fare, or you can tip through the app after the ride ends. Many drivers accept both. If you tip in cash, you do not need to tip again in the app, though you can do both if you choose.

What if the driver does not accept cash when I arrive?

This is rare if the driver accepted your cash ride request, but it can happen. Contact Uber support through the app when ready and explain the situation. Do not get in the vehicle. Uber can cancel the ride and refund you, or help you find another driver.

Is the fare the same if I pay with cash instead of a card?

Yes. The fare is calculated the same way regardless of payment method. You will see the estimated fare in the app before you request, and the final fare is based on distance, time, and demand — not on how you pay.

Do I need a card on file to request a cash ride?

No. If cash payment is available in your area, you can request a ride using only cash as your payment method. You do not need a card linked to your account, though having one as a backup is useful if your cash ride falls through.

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

Tell the driver when ready. Work out a solution with them — you might offer to go to an ATM, pay partially in cash and partially by card if you have one, or cancel the ride. Leaving without paying is theft of services. If you cannot resolve it, the driver can report it to Uber.