Uber has officially rolled out a new cash payment option for riders across most cities in the UK—except for London, where it’s still under review. This marks a significant shift for the tech-driven ride-hailing giant, which traditionally required all transactions to be cashless.
The change comes after successful pilot programs in Birmingham, Stoke, Nottingham, and Leicester. Now, Uber says it wants to make rides more accessible for everyone—including those without access to bank cards or those who simply prefer to pay with physical currency.
“We believe that movement should be accessible to everyone,” an Uber spokesperson said. “Following successful trials over the last 18 months, we’ve expanded the option to pay for rides with cash outside of London.”
Riders can now select “cash” as a payment option when booking their trip in the app. However, not all drivers are required to accept cash—drivers have the option to disable it if they’re concerned about safety or prefer digital transactions. If a driver doesn’t have the right change, Uber will credit the passenger the remaining amount in the app.
Cash payments are currently not available for Uber Eats orders or other transport services through the app. London also remains an exception as city authorities continue to assess the policy.
This move comes at a time when the UK is facing a broader debate around the future of cash. A recent report by the Treasury Committee warned that some vulnerable individuals could be left behind in a cashless society. While the government stopped short of proposing a legal mandate for businesses to accept cash, the report was called a “wake-up call” about the essential role cash still plays for millions.
Cash remains crucial for people with learning disabilities, those without bank access, and individuals using physical money to manage their budgets. It’s also a lifeline for victim-survivors of domestic and economic abuse.
Sam Smethers, CEO of the charity Surviving Economic Abuse, highlighted how cash offers a form of autonomy for people trapped in abusive relationships. “One woman said she had to stash away small amounts of cash in secret until she had enough to escape her partner,” Smethers revealed. “It really is a matter of life and death.”
Advocates like Ron Delnevo of the Payment Choice Alliance praised Uber’s decision, noting it aligns with how the company operates in other parts of the world. He urged the UK government to go further and legally require all services to accept cash.
For now, Uber’s move stands as a significant gesture toward financial inclusivity—proving that even in a tech-first world, there’s still room for traditional payments.
