Uber Adds Cash as a New Payment Option for Verified Riders
Uber is making it easier for more people to catch a ride — by officially accepting cash payments. The popular ride-share platform announced that verified riders can now pay drivers directly with cash, offering more flexibility for those who prefer not to use a card or digital wallet.
Before you can use cash, though, there are a few important steps and rules riders need to know.
How to Use Cash to Pay for Your Uber Ride
Step 1:
First, you must be a verified rider to access the cash payment option. To check your verification status, open the Uber app and go to the “Account” section. If you’re not yet verified, follow the prompts to complete the process.
Step 2:
When booking your next trip in the Uber app, verified riders will see the option to select “Cash” under Payment methods. Make sure you always request your ride directly through the Uber app — safety features and insurance coverage only apply to trips booked in the app.
Step 3:
You’ll see your fare upfront before you confirm the trip. Be sure to bring enough cash to cover the ride and, if possible, smaller bills. Drivers may choose whether or not they carry change. If change is owed and the driver doesn’t have it, Uber will automatically credit the difference to your Uber account as Uber Cash to use on a future Uber or Uber Eats order.
Step 4:
At the end of the trip, hand the driver your cash payment directly. If any issues come up, don’t argue with the driver — contact Uber Support instead. As always, Uber expects both riders and drivers to treat each other respectfully, and behavior that violates Uber’s Community Guidelines could lead to account deactivation.
Key Things to Know About Paying With Cash
- No exact change?
Not a problem. If your driver doesn’t have change, Uber will credit any owed amount to your Uber account as Uber Cash. If you don’t have enough to cover the fare, you’ll need to repay the balance in the app before booking another ride. - Tipping drivers:
You can’t tip through the app when paying cash. If you want to tip your driver, include it with your cash payment and let them know how much is for the tip. - Available ride options:
Cash payments are allowed for UberX, UberXL, Uber Comfort, Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, and Uber Green rides. However, cash can’t be used for scheduled rides through Uber Reserve. - Changes during a trip:
If you’re paying with cash, you cannot change your destination or add stops during the trip. You would need to cancel and book a new ride, which may come with a cancellation fee.
