Posted on the 6th May 2025 in PHTM News

UBER U-TURN AS CASH PAYMENTS NOW ACCEPTED ACROSS MOST OF UK

In a significant shift, ride-hailing giant Uber has begun allowing customers across the majority of the United Kingdom to pay for their journeys in cash.

This expansion follows successful trial periods in several cities and now encompasses all UK cities excluding London, where the option remains under review.

While the move aims to broaden accessibility for passengers who prefer cash or lack bank cards, individual drivers retain the right to opt out of accepting cash payments, citing potential safety concerns related to carrying money.

An Uber spokesperson explained the decision, stating: "We believe that movement should be accessible to everyone, so following successful pilots in some UK cities over the last 18 months, we have decided to give passengers outside of London the option to pay for trips with cash."

The introduction of cash payments by a company whose success was built on cashless transactions comes as a major report from the Treasury Committee of MPs recently highlighted the need to protect cash users. While the committee stopped short of recommending mandatory cash acceptance for all businesses immediately, their report was described as "a wake-up call" to the government on the issue.

Cash campaigner Ron Delnevo from the Payment Choice Alliance lauded Uber's decision, stating it "demonstrates that they now believe in the future of cash in the UK" and aligns their UK operations with many other countries globally. Delnevo further urged the government to legislate mandatory cash acceptance for all shops and services.

The Treasury Committee's report underscored the reliance on cash by various vulnerable groups, including some individuals with learning disabilities, those managing tight budgets, and victim-survivors of domestic and economic abuse. The charity Surviving Economic Abuse welcomed the committee's focus on this issue and supports legally mandated cash acceptance.

For now, Uber passengers outside of London can select the cash payment option within the app, with drivers able to opt-out through their own app preferences.

Uber has clarified that any insufficient change from drivers will be credited to the passenger's account.

The cash payment option is currently not available for Uber Eats or other transport services offered through the app.


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