Uber does not accept cash in the app, but you can request a cash-paying driver through Uber's website or by calling support
Uber's standard payment method is a debit or credit card linked to your account. However, Uber does offer a workaround for cash payments in some cities: you can request a driver who accepts cash, and you pay them directly when the ride ends. This is not the same as hailing a regular Uber — it requires a separate request and depends on driver availability in your area.
The cash payment option is not available everywhere. Uber has phased it out in most of the United States, though it remains available in some international markets and a few U.S. cities. Before you try to request a cash ride, check whether the option exists in your location.
Key Takeaways
- Uber's app does not have a cash payment button — you must use a card linked to your account for standard rides.
- Some cities still allow cash payments through a separate request process, but availability varies widely by location.
- If cash payment is available in your area, you request it through Uber's website or by calling Uber support, not through the app.
- You pay the driver in cash when the ride ends, and the driver confirms the payment in the app.
- Cash rides may have higher fares or longer wait times than card-paid rides, depending on driver willingness to accept cash.
How to check if cash payment is available in your city
Open Uber's website (not the app) and look for a link or section about payment methods. Some cities display a cash payment option directly in the payment settings. If you do not see it listed, cash payment is likely not available in your area.
You can also call Uber support directly. Tell them you want to pay with cash and ask whether that option is active in your city. They can confirm availability and walk you through the request process if it is available. Uber's support phone number is on the Uber website under "Help."
How to request a cash-paying driver if the option is available
If cash payment is available in your location, the process differs from a regular Uber request. You will typically need to go through Uber's website or contact support rather than use the app. Some cities have a specific cash payment option in the payment method menu; others require you to call or message support with your request.
When you request a cash ride, provide your pickup location, destination, and the fact that you will pay in cash. Uber will match you with a driver who has agreed to accept cash payments. The driver will see a note in their app indicating that you are paying cash, so they know what to expect.
Wait times for cash rides are often longer than for card-paid rides, because fewer drivers accept cash. You may also see a higher fare estimate, since drivers who accept cash may charge more to cover the risk and inconvenience of handling physical money.
What happens when the driver arrives
When your cash-paying driver arrives, the process is the same as a regular Uber ride — they will take you to your destination using the app's navigation. The difference is at the end: instead of the fare being charged to your card automatically, you pay the driver in cash.
Make sure you have enough cash on hand to cover the fare shown in the app, plus any tip if you choose to give one. The driver will confirm in the app that they received payment once you have paid them. Do not leave the car until the payment is confirmed in the app on both your phone and the driver's phone.
Why Uber phased out cash in most places
Uber removed cash payment from most U.S. cities because it created friction for drivers and the company. Drivers had to handle physical money, which increased theft risk and made accounting harder. Uber also could not collect payment data from cash transactions the way it does with cards, which made the rides harder to track and verify.
The shift to card-only payment also pushed users toward Uber's own payment ecosystem, where Uber can see all transaction data and encourage repeat use. In markets where Uber faced less competition or where cash was the dominant payment method, the company kept the option available longer.
Alternatives if cash payment is not available in your area
If cash payment is not available where you live, you have a few options. The simplest is to add a debit card to your Uber account — even a basic checking account debit card works. You do not need a credit card; a debit card is sufficient.
If you do not have a debit card, you can use a prepaid card, which you can buy at most grocery stores or pharmacies. Load it with cash at the register, then link it to your Uber account the same way you would a debit card. This gives you the convenience of card payment without needing a bank account.
Another option is to use a ride service that still accepts cash in your area. Lyft, for example, has cash payment available in some cities where Uber does not. Check Lyft's app or website to see if cash is an option in your location.
What to do if a driver refuses to take your cash
If you request a cash ride and the driver arrives but then refuses to accept cash, you have the right to cancel without being charged a cancellation fee. Tell the driver when ready that you are paying cash and ask them to confirm they accept it. If they say no, cancel the ride in the app and request another driver.
Report the issue to Uber support if the driver accepted a cash ride request but then refused payment. Drivers who accept cash rides are expected to follow through. Uber can address the driver's behavior and may issue you a credit for the inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay part cash and part card?
No. Uber rides are paid in full using one method — either all cash or all card. You cannot split the payment between the two. If you are paying cash, the entire fare goes to the driver in cash.
Do I need to tip a cash-paying driver differently?
Yes. With a card payment, you can add a tip in the app after the ride ends. With cash, you must give the tip directly to the driver when you pay the fare. Have extra cash on hand if you want to tip.
What if I do not have enough cash when the driver arrives?
Tell the driver before the ride starts. If you do not have enough cash, cancel the ride and request a card-paid ride instead. Do not get in the car if you cannot pay the full fare in cash.
Is cash payment safer than card payment?
Both are safe in different ways. Cash leaves no digital record, which some people prefer for privacy. Card payment is safer if you lose your wallet, because you can dispute unauthorized charges. Choose based on what matters more to you.
Can I request a cash ride in advance, or only right now?
Cash rides are typically requested the same way as regular rides — for when ready pickup. You cannot schedule a cash ride in advance through the app. If you need a ride at a specific future time and want to pay cash, contact Uber support ahead of time to arrange it.