No card? No problem: Uber launches cash as a payment method in Aotearoa, giving Kiwis a new way to pay

Whether it’s a $10 note tucked into the back of your wallet or cash kept handy for everyday spending, Kiwis now have another way to pay for their Uber rides. From late July, Uber will gradually roll out cash as a new payment method option to give Kiwis more choice, ensuring payment methods are not a barrier to accessing reliable transport.

The nationwide launch follows a successful pilot in New Plymouth earlier this year, where feedback showed enabling cash as a payment method gave riders more choice and made Uber easier to use for people who prefer, or need, to pay with cash. 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 this payment feature 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 as a payment method will continue to include the same trusted safety features already built into the platform, including GPS trip tracking, audio recording¹, 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: “Reliable transport should be accessible to as many people as possible, and choice in how people pay is an important part of that.

“For many Kiwis, cash still plays a practical role in how they budget, pay for everyday essentials, or manage day-to-day spending. Introducing cash as a payment method gives riders another way to pay for Uber trips, alongside digital options such as credit and debit cards, and helps reduce barriers to getting where they need to go.

“It’s about meeting riders where they are and making Uber work better for the different ways people manage their money and move around.”

For 81-year-old Auckland resident Mary, being able to pay with cash for Uber trips gives her a familiar and more practical payment option for everyday travel.

“I often have cash left over in my wallet after grocery shopping or going out for lunch, so it’s very helpful that I can now put that towards an Uber ride,” says Mary.

“For me, cash is a familiar and easy payment method. Whether I’m heading to an appointment, meeting friends or getting around, having another way to pay makes everyday trips feel that little bit easier.”

While digital payments have been rapidly embraced, cash still has a place in Kiwi wallets. According to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, more than 80% of adults use cash sometimes, while over half (56%) still keep cash on hand. Whether it's for small purchases, emergencies, budgeting or everyday essentials, Kiwis continue to value having choice when it comes to how they pay.

Uber as a cash payment will rollout²  nationwide across UberX, Black, Comfort, Electric, UberXL, Uber Pet, Assist and Taxi trips in New Zealand starting from late July within the Uber app. Cash payment on Uber is also available in over 70 countries, including Australia, Japan, France and the United Kingdom.

Notes:

¹ The audio recording safety feature, which enables both riders and driver partners to record audio during trips, is available in all of New Zealand.

² Cash cannot be used on Intercity, Pool, Courier, and Teens trips.