More ways to move: Uber introduces cash payments across Australia

Uber is making ridesharing more flexible and cash-friendly by introducing a new way to pay - cash. Launching gradually nationwide¹ from Tuesday 16 July onwards, this new payment option gives riders more choice, ensuring payment methods are not a barrier to accessing reliable transport.

Following successful pilots in Launceston (TAS) and Bunbury (WA), the nationwide rollout is designed to support the many Australians who rely on cash - whether as a budgeting tool, or they simply prefer the control of cash on hand. For driver partners, the new payment option also helps connect them with a wider pool of riders, creating more opportunities to receive trip requests through the platform. 

While the digital experience continues to be at the core of Uber, a revolutionised cash payment option can also be digital first. Traditional cash transactions can sometimes come with logistical anxieties, but through innovation and technology built directly into the process, Uber is introducing cash payment features to make paying with cash seamless for both riders and driver partners.

• Upfront pricing. Like all Uber rides, riders will see an upfront pricing before they confirm their trip, so they know exactly how much cash they’ll need on hand. 
• Not enough cash on hand? Uber handles it digitally. In the rare situation where a rider might not have enough cash upon arrival, a rider can pay the driver with however much they have on hand. Uber will simply ask the rider to repay the remaining balance in the app before they request their next trip.
• No exact change? Uber handles it digitally. If a driver partner does not carry enough change, Uber will automatically credit the exact difference directly to the rider’s account as Uber Cash after the trip ends. Uber Cash credits can be used for both Uber and Uber Eats. 
• Change of mind? Switch your payment option mid-trip. If a rider realises mid-journey that they don’t have enough cash on hand, or simply prefer to use digital payment, riders can switch to a supported bank card or digital payment at any point during the trip. 
• No fuss, no stress, no disputes. To ensure a comfortable and seamless experience for everyone, there is no need to dispute fares with drivers. Instead, reach out to Uber Support and Uber will handle the rest. 

Every trip booked with cash will continue to include the same trusted safety features already built into the platform, including GPS trip tracking, audio recording on eligible trips², and access to 24/7 customer support. To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, driver partners can also choose whether to accept cash trips through a simple in-app opt-out feature.

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber Australia and New Zealand, said: “We know many Australians still choose to use cash to manage their everyday spending - whether that’s people who feel more comfortable using cash, young people working within a weekly budget, or households looking for more control over their expenses. We also know that for visitors arriving in Australia and navigating a new destination, having the option to pay with cash can make getting around easier. At a time where services including transport move toward digital-first payment systems, we want to ensure people have options that reflect how they live and pay day-to-day. By introducing cash payments on Uber, we’re helping more people get to the places and services that matter most, using the payment method that suits them best.”

For 54-year-old Sydney resident Carmen, cash payments will make everyday trips feel that little bit easier. “I’ve always preferred using cash because it helps me keep track of what I’m spending week to week, and I’ve never really felt that comfortable with digital payments. Using cash also means I know exactly what I’ve got to spend without having to dip into money I’ve set aside for other things. Now that Uber offers cash as a payment option, I finally feel ready to give it a go, knowing I can pay in a way that works for me using the cash I already have on hand.”

While digital payments have been rapidly embraced, cash remains an important part of daily life for many Aussies. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), cash payments accounted for 15 per cent of all transactions in 2025 (up from 13 per cent in 2022). The RBA’s research also revealed that half of all Australians continue to use cash at least once a week.

Uber Cash payments will rollout³ across UberX, Black, Comfort, Electric, UberXL, Uber Pet, Assist and Taxi trips in Australia starting from 16 July within the Uber app. Cash payment on Uber is also available in over 70 countries, including Japan and the United Kingdom.

Notes:

¹ Uber Cash as a payment method will not be available in Queensland.

² The audio recording safety feature, which enables both riders and driver partners to record audio during trips, is available in all states except Victoria, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

³ Cash cannot be used on Intercity, Pool, Courier, Teens trips. It’s also not available for UberX PIN trips at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) and Melbourne International Airport (MEL)’s T1 and T2 terminals. However cash as a payment option can be used for other trips at SYD and MEL that do not require a 4 digit PIN.