How to Pay for Uber Rides with Cash
Uber's cash payment option and where it works
Uber does accept cash in some cities, but not everywhere. Whether you can pay with cash depends on your location and the type of ride you book. Cash payments are available in select markets, mostly in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. In the United States, cash rides are extremely limited — only available in a handful of cities, and the list changes.
When cash payment is available in your city, you will see a cash payment option in the Uber app when you request a ride. You select it before the driver arrives, and the driver will collect payment at the end of the trip. The driver does not need to carry a card reader or any special equipment — they simply take your cash and give you change if needed.
To find out whether cash rides are available where you live, open the Uber app, tap your profile icon, go to Wallet, and look for a cash payment option. If you do not see one, cash rides are not currently offered in your area. You can also contact Uber support through the app to ask whether cash will become available soon.
Key Takeaways
- Cash payment in Uber is only available in certain cities and countries, and you must select it in the app before requesting your ride.
- The driver collects cash at the end of the trip and gives you a receipt through the app, just as they would with a card payment.
- You will not receive a receipt printed on paper — your receipt appears in the Uber app under your trip history.
- If cash payment is not available in your area, you will need a debit or credit card linked to your Uber account to ride.
How to select cash as your payment method
Open the Uber app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select Wallet, then look for the option to add a cash payment method. If the option appears, tap it and confirm that you want to use cash. You will then see cash listed as one of your payment methods.
When you request a ride, the app will show you all available payment methods for that trip. Select Cash before you confirm your ride request. The driver will see that you are paying with cash and will collect payment when you arrive at your destination. After the trip ends, a receipt will appear in your app under "Your Trips" — you can screenshot it or share it if you need proof of payment.
If you have multiple payment methods saved, Uber will remember which one you used last and suggest it for your next ride. You can change it each time, or set a default payment method in your Wallet settings.
What happens if you do not have exact change
Drivers are expected to carry change, just as they would at any other cash transaction. If you hand the driver a $20 bill for a $12 ride, they should give you $8 back. However, not every driver carries large amounts of cash, so it is a good idea to have smaller bills or exact change if possible.
If a driver says they cannot make change, you have a few options. You can ask them to take you to a nearby store or ATM so you can withdraw exact cash. You can also cancel the trip through the app and request a new ride with a different payment method. If you have already completed the trip and the driver took more cash than the fare, report it to Uber support through the app — include the trip details and the amount taken.
Cancellation and refund policies for cash rides
If you cancel a cash ride after the driver has already started heading to pick you up, you may be charged a cancellation fee. This fee works the same way as it does for card payments — Uber deducts it from your account balance or charges a linked payment method. You will see the cancellation fee in your trip history.
If the driver cancels after accepting your cash ride request, you will not be charged. If you cancel before the driver accepts, there is no fee. Once the ride is complete and the driver has collected cash, the transaction is final — you cannot dispute it through the app the way you can with a card charge. This is why it is important to keep your app receipt and note the driver's name and vehicle details.
Why cash rides are disappearing in many places
Uber has been phasing out cash payments in many countries over the past several years. The company prefers digital payments because they are easier to track, reduce the risk of theft or disputes, and fit better with Uber's business model. Cash also slows down the payment process slightly and requires drivers to handle money, which adds complexity.
In the United States, cash rides were never widely available and have become even rarer. Uber's focus has shifted almost entirely to card and digital wallet payments. If you are in a U.S. city and cash is not an option, it is unlikely to return unless Uber reverses its strategy.
Alternatives if cash payment is not available in your area
If you do not have a credit or debit card and cash rides are not available, you have a few other options. You can use a prepaid debit card, which you can load with cash at a store and then link to your Uber account. Many retailers sell prepaid cards, and they work just like regular debit cards in the Uber app.
You can also use a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Pay if you have a smartphone. These services let you store a card digitally and pay through your phone. Some areas also offer Uber gift cards, which you can purchase with cash and then use to pay for rides. Check the Uber website or app to see which payment methods are available in your location.
Another option is to ask a friend or family member to book the ride for you using their card, and then you pay them back in cash. This is not ideal, but it works if you are in a pinch and have no other way to pay.
How Uber tracks and reports cash transactions
When you pay with cash, Uber still records the transaction in your account and in the driver's account. The app generates a receipt with the date, time, pickup and dropoff locations, fare amount, and driver name. This record exists even though no card was charged — it is part of Uber's internal system.
Drivers are required to report cash income to Uber and to tax authorities, just as they do with card payments. From your perspective, the transaction is documented in your trip history, and you can download or screenshot your receipt for your own records. If you need proof of a ride for work or other purposes, this app receipt is your evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a cash ride if I do not have the app?
No. You must use the Uber app to request a ride and select cash as your payment method. You cannot hail an Uber driver on the street and pay with cash unless you have already set up an account and selected cash in the app before they arrive.
What if the driver claims the app did not show I was paying with cash?
The driver's app shows your payment method before they accept the ride. If there is a dispute, check your trip history in the Uber app — it will show what payment method you selected. Contact Uber support through the app and provide your trip details. Uber can see the driver's record too and will investigate.
Do I need to tip the driver if I pay with cash?
Tipping is optional and works the same way whether you pay with cash or card. If you pay with cash, you can hand the driver a tip directly. If you want to tip through the app, you can do that after the ride is complete, and Uber will charge your linked card or account balance for the tip amount.
Can I use cash to pay for Uber Eats or Uber Pool?
Cash payment rules vary by service and location. Uber Eats may have cash options in some cities, but it is less common than Uber rides. Uber Pool (shared rides) follows the same cash rules as regular Uber rides. Check the app for your specific service and location to see what payment methods are available.
What if I lose my phone before the driver arrives?
If you lose your phone after requesting a cash ride, the driver will still arrive at the pickup location you selected. You can still complete the ride and pay with cash. However, you will not have access to your app receipt unless you log back in on another device later. The receipt will still be in your account history.