Uber has become the standard in ridesharing over the past decade, providing convenient and affordable rides through just a few taps on your smartphone. However, Uber’s cashless system can present challenges for some users who prefer to pay with physical currency.
In this article, we’ll explore the options riders have to pay cash for their Uber rides, even though the Uber app itself does not directly support cash payments. With a little creativity, paying cash for an Uber is possible through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, and even by working with your driver.
Table of Contents
Why Pay Cash for Uber?
There are a few key reasons why some Uber riders may prefer or need to pay cash:
- No bank account or credit card – Some potential riders do not have a bank account or credit card, which are required to set up the Uber app. However, they may have cash they can use for transportation.
- Privacy reasons – Some riders prefer keeping their banking and payments private and untraceable. Using gift cards or cash helps achieve that.
- Reward points – Riders may have gift cards or prepaid debit cards they want to use to redeem rewards or points from other programs.
- Budgeting – Paying cash allows riders to easily stick to a transportation budget without overspending.
Purchase an Uber Gift Card
One straightforward way to pay cash for Uber is to purchase an Uber gift card at a retail store. Uber gift cards work just like any other gift card – they can be redeemed for Uber ride credit or Uber Eats orders.
You can buy Uber gift cards at popular retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens, CVS, Target, and more in denominations from $25 up to $500. The gift card has a 16-digit code that you enter into your Uber app, which adds funds you can use to pay for rides.
Pros:
- Supported directly by Uber
- Widely available at major retailers
- Can replenish with more gift cards easily
Cons:
- Must pay upfront in increments of $25+
- Need access to retail stores selling cards
Use a Prepaid Debit Card
Another method is to purchase a reloadable prepaid debit card, register it with Uber, and use it to pay for your rides. You can add funds to these cards in cash at many convenience stores, pharmacies, and banks.
Some top prepaid cards that work with Uber include:
- GreenDot
- NetSpend
- Bluebird by American Express
- Chase Liquid
- Brinks Money Prepaid Mastercard
Be sure to register the prepaid card fully under your name and with your address. This helps ensure Uber accepts it as a valid payment method.
Pros:
- Can add cash conveniently at stores across the country
- Funds never expire with active use
- Works just like regular debit card for Uber
Cons:
- Must pay upfront and estimate usage
- Reloading requires making trips to participating retailers
Coordinate Payment With Your Driver
If purchasing gift cards or prepaid debit cards won’t work for your situation, you can try coordinating directly with your Uber driver to pay in cash.
This requires getting in touch with the driver after you request your ride and negotiating to pay your fare in cash once they arrive at your pickup location. Not all drivers may agree to this, but many are open to cash payments.
There are a couple ways you can try contacting your assigned driver:
- In-app messaging – Open your ride details in the Uber app and look for the option to send a message to your driver. Politely ask if they would accept cash payment upon pickup.
- Phone call – Uber masks actual phone numbers, but you can tap the option to call your driver once assigned to discuss cash payment. Explain you do not have another payment method available.
If your driver agrees, be prepared to pay the estimated fare amount in cash when they arrive. You may need to request them to start and finish the ride on their app but not charge you.
Pros:
- Allows you to easily pay with physical cash you have on hand
- Personal coordination with driver
Cons:
- Not guaranteed to work or be allowed by every driver
- Need access to a phone
Get Creative: Buy Uber Credit From Friends or Family
If the above options don’t work with your situation, think outside the box. You could politely ask a friend or family member to purchase some Uber credit for you via gift cards or by adding it to their own Uber account for you to use.
Have them send you the gift card code or set up an arrangement where they request rides for you from their device. You simply pay them back the full amounts in cash. This relies on trust and understanding on both sides.
Pros:
- Allows you to tap into your personal network for help
- Friend or family member essentially floats you Uber credit
Cons:
- Relies entirely on someone else’s willingness and availability
- Much less convenient overall
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Uber still primarily focuses on cashless transactions through its app. But with some creative thinking, there are solutions to allow paying cash for rides when needed.
Gift cards and prepaid debit cards offer the most straightforward options. But even coordinating directly with drivers or getting help from friends and family can work too.
