Uber's cash payment option and where it works
Uber does accept cash payments in some cities, but not everywhere. Whether you can pay with cash depends on which country and city you're in, and the specific Uber service you're using. Cash is available for Uber X and Uber Comfort rides in certain markets, but Uber Eats, Uber Black, and other premium services typically require a card or digital payment method on file before the ride begins.
The availability of cash payment changes by region. In the United States, cash rides are offered in select cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C., though the list varies. Outside the U.S., cash payment is available in countries including India, Mexico, Brazil, and parts of Southeast Asia. You can check whether cash is an option in your area by opening the Uber app, tapping your profile icon, selecting "Payments," and looking for a cash payment option in your payment methods.
When you request a ride and cash is available in your location, you'll see a cash payment option during the booking process. The driver will know you're paying with cash before they accept your ride request. After the trip ends, you pay the driver the amount shown on the app — the driver does not collect payment through the app itself.
Key Takeaways
- Cash payment is only available in certain cities and countries, and you must check your app to see if it's an option where you are.
- You must have a valid payment method on file in your Uber account even if you plan to pay with cash, though the charge will not go through if you pay the driver directly.
- The app shows you the fare amount before you request the ride, and you pay that exact amount or close to it to the driver at the end of the trip.
- Drivers can decline a cash ride request, and some drivers may not carry change, so having small bills makes the transaction smoother.
- Cash rides do not earn Uber rewards points or cash-back offers that card payments might include.
How to request a cash ride through the Uber app
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations as you normally would. Before you tap "Request," look at the payment method shown at the bottom of the screen. If cash is available in your area, you'll see a cash icon or "Pay with cash" option next to your other payment methods. Tap that option to select it.
Once you've selected cash as your payment method, request the ride. The driver will see that you're paying with cash before they accept. After the driver accepts and arrives, complete your trip as normal. When you reach your destination, the app will show the final fare amount. Pay the driver that amount in cash — you do not need to process any payment through the app itself.
If you don't see a cash option in your app's payment settings, cash rides are not currently available in your location. This can change over time as Uber expands or reduces cash payment availability in different cities.
Account requirements and payment method on file
Even though you're paying with cash, Uber requires you to have a valid payment method — such as a debit card or credit card — linked to your account. This payment method must be on file before you can request a cash ride. Uber uses this information to verify your account and maintain records, but the card will not be charged if you complete the cash payment with the driver.
If your card on file is expired, declined, or removed from your account, you may not be able to request a cash ride, depending on your location. Some cities require an active payment method more strictly than others. If you run into trouble requesting a cash ride, check that your card details are current and valid in your account settings.
What happens if you don't have exact change
The app displays the estimated fare before you request the ride, and the final fare appears on your phone when you arrive at your destination. You should pay the driver the amount shown, or as close to it as you can with the cash you have. If you don't have exact change, let the driver know before the ride ends so they can tell you whether they can make change.
Some drivers may not carry cash for making change, especially if they receive many card payments. If a driver cannot make change and you don't have exact change, you may need to find an ATM or ask the driver if they can accept a payment through another method. To avoid this situation, try to have small bills or exact change ready before the ride begins.
Tipping the driver is optional but common. If you're paying with cash, you can tip the driver directly by handing them additional cash at the end of the ride. Unlike card payments, there is no tipping option in the app for cash rides.
Differences between cash and card payments
Cash and card payments work differently in terms of rewards, receipts, and record-keeping. When you pay with a card, Uber charges your card through the app and you receive a digital receipt in your account history. Card payments may also earn you rewards points or cash-back offers if your card issuer or Uber offers them. With cash, you receive no digital receipt in the app — your only record is what the driver provides or what you note yourself.
Cash payments also do not count toward Uber's loyalty programs or promotional offers that may explore to card payments. If you use Uber frequently and want to earn rewards, paying with a card is the only way to accumulate those benefits. However, cash payment can be useful if you prefer not to link a card to the app or if you want to control your spending by using only the cash you have on hand.
From the driver's perspective, cash payments mean they receive money when ready rather than waiting for Uber to deposit their earnings. However, drivers must manually track their cash and may be less likely to accept cash rides if they're concerned about carrying large amounts of money.
Why a driver might decline your cash ride request
Even if you've selected cash as your payment method and requested a ride, a driver can still decline your request. Drivers see that you're paying with cash before they accept, and some choose not to accept cash rides for various reasons. A driver might decline because they prefer card payments, they're concerned about carrying cash, or they're nearing the end of their shift and don't want to handle a cash transaction.
If a driver declines your cash ride request, the app will show that the driver is no longer available, and you can request another ride. You can try requesting again with the same cash payment method, or you can switch to a card payment if you want a faster match. There's no penalty for a driver declining a cash ride, and you won't be charged if no driver accepts your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have a payment method on file but want to pay with cash?
You must add a valid debit or credit card to your Uber account before you can request any ride, including a cash ride. The card will not be charged if you pay the driver with cash, but Uber requires it on file for account verification. Add a card through your account settings under "Payments" before requesting a ride.
Can I request a cash ride if I'm a new Uber user?
New users must complete their account setup and add a payment method before requesting any ride. Once your account is active and you have a card on file, you can request a cash ride if it's available in your location. Some cities may have additional requirements for new users before cash payment is available.
Do I get a receipt when I pay with cash?
Uber does not send a digital receipt to your app for cash payments. Ask the driver for a receipt if you need one for your records. You can also take a screenshot of the fare estimate before the ride to document the amount you paid.
Will my cash payment show up in my Uber account history?
Yes, the trip will appear in your account history with the fare amount, pickup and dropoff locations, and date and time. However, it will show as a cash payment rather than a card charge, and you won't see a digital receipt like you would with a card payment.
What if the driver and I disagree on the fare amount?
The fare shown in the app before the ride is an estimate, and the final fare may be slightly higher or lower depending on traffic, route, and time of day. The final fare appears on your phone when you arrive. If you and the driver disagree, refer to the amount shown in the app. If you believe there's an error, you can contact Uber support through the app after the ride to report the issue.