Uber's Cash Payment Option
Uber does not accept cash directly through its app or at the end of a ride. However, you can use Uber's cash payment feature by loading money into your Uber account beforehand through a partner retailer, then spending that balance on rides. This is different from handing cash to a driver — the money sits in your account first.
The cash loading option is available in some cities and countries but not everywhere. Availability depends on where you live and which retailers Uber has partnered with in your area. You'll know if it's available to you by checking your Uber app's payment settings.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot pay a driver with cash at the end of a ride; all payments go through the app.
- You can load cash into your Uber account at certain retail locations like convenience stores, then use that balance to pay for rides.
- Cash loading is not available in all areas — check your app's payment menu to see if retailers near you offer it.
- Once cash is loaded into your account, it works like any other payment method and covers your fare automatically.
- If cash loading isn't available where you live, a debit card or prepaid card linked to your account is the next simplest option.
How to Load Cash Into Your Uber Account
To add cash to your Uber account, open the app and go to the Payment section (usually found by tapping your profile icon, then selecting Payment Methods). Look for an option labeled "Add Cash" or "Cash" — if you don't see it, cash loading is not available in your location.
If the option appears, tap it and the app will show you nearby retailers where you can load money. Common partners include CVS, Walgreens, Family Dollar, and other convenience stores, though the exact retailers vary by city. The app will tell you the specific amount you want to load and provide a reference code.
Go to one of the listed retailers, tell the cashier you want to load money onto your Uber account, and provide your reference code. You'll pay the cashier in cash, and the money will appear in your Uber account within a few minutes. There is usually no fee for loading cash, though some retailers may charge a small amount — the app will tell you before you confirm.
Using Your Cash Balance to Pay for Rides
Once cash is in your account, it becomes your default payment method unless you change it. When you request a ride, the fare will automatically be charged to your cash balance. You don't need to do anything else — no additional payment step happens at the end of the ride.
Your cash balance appears in the Payment section of your app so you can check it anytime. If your balance runs low and you don't load more cash before requesting a ride, Uber will prompt you to add another payment method or load more cash before the ride starts.
Where Cash Loading Is and Isn't Available
Cash loading through Uber is available in select U.S. cities and some international markets, but the list changes. Uber has offered this feature in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and others, but availability is not may provide everywhere and can change over time.
The best way to know if it's available to you is to open your Uber app, go to Payment Methods, and look for the cash option. If you don't see it, it's not currently available in your area. Uber does not publish a master list of all cities where cash loading works, so the app itself is your most reliable source.
What Happens If Cash Loading Isn't Available Near You
If you don't see a cash loading option in your app, you have other payment choices. A prepaid debit card (like a Visa or Mastercard gift card purchased with cash) can be linked to your Uber account and works the same way as a regular debit card. You buy the card with cash at a retailer, add it to your Uber app, and use it to pay for rides.
Some people also use a friend's or family member's card linked to their account, though that requires trust and coordination. Another option is to use Uber Cash, which is a separate balance system that can sometimes be loaded through partner retailers in certain areas — check your app to see if this is available to you.
How Cash Balances Work and What Happens to Unused Money
Cash loaded into your Uber account stays there until you use it on rides. There is no expiration date on most cash balances, so money you load today can sit in your account indefinitely. However, if you stop using Uber for a long time, it's worth checking your balance periodically to make sure it's still there.
If you want to remove cash from your account, Uber does not offer a direct withdrawal option. Once money is loaded, it's meant to be spent on rides. If you have a balance you no longer need, your only option is to use it on Uber rides or contact Uber support to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hand cash to my Uber driver instead of using the app?
No. Uber requires all payments to go through the app. Drivers are not supposed to accept cash, and doing so could get both you and the driver in trouble with Uber. The only way to use cash is to load it into your account first through a retail partner.
Is there a fee to load cash into my Uber account?
Usually no, but some retailers may charge a small fee. The Uber app will show you any fees before you complete the transaction at the store. The fee, if any, is charged by the retailer, not by Uber.
What if I load cash but then decide not to use Uber?
Cash in your Uber account does not expire and will stay there. You can use it whenever you want in the future. Uber does not refund cash balances, so if you're certain you won't use it, you're better off not loading it in the first place.
Can I use cash loading on Uber Eats or just rides?
Cash loaded into your Uber account can be used for both Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. The balance works across both services, so you don't need separate accounts or separate cash loads.
What should I do if my cash didn't appear in my account after loading it?
Cash usually appears within a few minutes. If it doesn't show up after 15 to 20 minutes, contact Uber support through the app and provide your reference code from the retailer. Keep your receipt from the store as proof of the transaction.