Uber is introducing Cash trips to provide riders with more flexibility while unlocking new earning opportunities for driver-partners. A cash trip looks very similar to a standard digital trip, except that the rider pays you the final fare in physical cash before they exit the vehicle.
Cash as a trip payment option is currently only available in Launceston (TAS, AU), Bunbury (WA, AU), and New Plymouth (NZ).
Accepting a trip: When you receive a cash trip request, you will clearly see a Cash badge on the offer card.
Collecting payment: When you arrive at the destination and select Collect payment, the app will display the exact amount the rider owes you. This displayed amount already accounts for time, distance, tolls, promotions, and any outstanding balances the rider owes from past trips.
Trip limitations and safety precautions: For your safety, cash trips are strictly limited to verified users.
Cash trip service fees: You will be able to keep the cash you receive from riders, and Uber will deduct the cash trip’s Service Fee from your total weekly earnings.
Tolls: All tolls charged to you over the course of the rider’s route will be added to the total cash fare that is confirmed in the app at the end of the trip.
Rider promotions: If a rider uses a promotion on a trip, the final cash amount to collect will reflect their discount, and you will receive the rest of the fare in your weekly payment statement.
Cancellation fees: If the rider cancels the trip and a cancellation fee is applied, the charge is made to the rider’s Uber account. Any cancellation fees you are eligible for will continue to show in your weekly statement.
Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient experience when working with cash trips:
Confirm the Payment Method Early: Always look for the Cash badge on the offer card before accepting the trip. When the rider enters your vehicle, it is highly recommended to politely confirm by asking, “Is this a cash trip?” to avoid any payment misunderstandings at the end of the route.
Don’t Stress About Exact Change: For your safety, it is actually recommended that you avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you do not have exact change, simply use the app to enter the exact amount of cash the rider handed you. You will keep that physical cash, your digital earnings will be adjusted, and the app will instantly issue the exact change to the rider in the form of Uber Cash/Credit. Be sure to explain this to the rider to avoid any misunderstandings.
Never Argue Over a Short Fare: If a rider does not have enough cash to cover the final cost of the trip, safely end the trip in the app, collect whatever amount they are able to provide, and record that exact amount. Never discuss or dispute payment issues directly with the rider since Uber will ensure you will still receive accurate earnings for the trip.
Log Tips Correctly: Riders cannot tip you through the app on cash trips, but they may give you extra physical cash. If a rider gives you a cash tip, do not include the tip amount when the app asks how much cash you collected; only enter the standard fare amount so your earnings are calculated correctly. Any cash tips you receive from your rider won’t be included in your payment summary, or on the invoice Uber generates on your behalf. You may need to issue a tax invoice for any cash tips to your rider, if requested.
Stay in Control of Your Preferences: Eligible driver-partners are automatically opted in to receive cash trips but you have full control over your trips, and accepting cash trips is entirely optional. If you want to take a break from cash trips, you can easily opt out any time by going to the Preferences section in your app, scrolling to Trip filters, and toggling off Accept cash. Keep in mind it may take up to 15 minutes for your preferences to update.
If you have concerns regarding a cash trip, select “HELP” from the app menu for assistance.