How Do I Pay My Uber Driver With Cash?

What happens when you pay with cash?

Here’s how it works: Uber lets drivers confirm cash payments through their own app, which closes the trip without touching your linked payment method. Honestly, this is the simplest way to pay if you don’t carry a card. The catch? Cash rides only work where local laws allow them and when drivers opt in. Don’t assume it’s available everywhere—check your city’s Uber support page in the app to be sure.

How do you set up and pay with cash step by step?

1. Fire up the Uber app and make sure you’re logged in with location services on.
2. Head to Account > Payment (iPhone) or Menu > Wallet > Payment (Android).
3. Tap “Add payment method,” scroll down, pick “Cash,” and confirm.
4. Set “Cash” as your default if this is your go-to payment method.
5. Request your ride and watch for the “Pay with Cash” banner at the top of the screen.
6. When the ride’s over, hand the driver the exact fare—they’ll mark it as paid in their app.

If “Cash” isn’t an option, your city probably hasn’t rolled it out yet. No worries—just stick with your linked payment method instead.

What if the cash payment option didn’t show up?

• Pop over to the Uber Help Center and search for your city name. As of 2026, cash is mostly available in big U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
• If a driver refuses cash fares, request a new driver through the app or call them directly if you’ve already matched.
• Double-check the fare in the app against what the driver says you owe—settle any differences before handing over cash to dodge headaches later.

How can you avoid cash payment headaches next time?

• Before you tap “Request,” open the app and confirm “Cash” shows up under Payment Methods.
• Bring small bills or coins—drivers rarely carry change for cash fares.
• Update your Uber app regularly so you don’t miss new payment options in your city.
• Hit “End Trip” in the app after you hand cash to the driver to close the ride officially and prevent disputes.