Uber is now allowing riders in most UK cities to pay for their trips with cash, expanding beyond its traditional card-only model. The option, currently unavailable in London while under review,

was rolled out following successful trials in Birmingham, Stoke, Nottingham, and Leicester.

While riders can now choose to pay with cash via the app, individual drivers have the option to decline cash payments, with safety concerns cited as one reason.

The move comes amid growing discussions around protecting access to cash. A recent report from the UK Parliament’s Treasury Committee warned that shops and services may eventually need to be legally required to accept cash to support those who depend on it, such as people with disabilities or those trying to escape abusive situations.

Uber said the decision was driven by its belief that transport should be accessible to everyone, including those without bank cards or who prefer cash. If a driver is unable to provide change, Uber credits the difference to the passenger’s account.

The cash payment feature applies only to ride-hailing services—not Uber Eats or other Uber services—and remains under consideration by London authorities.

Advocates for cash access, like Ron Delnevo of the Payment Choice Alliance, praised the move and urged the government to make cash acceptance mandatory. He noted that Uber’s decision aligns the UK with its practices in other countries.

The Treasury Committee report also highlighted how cash can be a critical tool for those facing economic or domestic abuse. Sam Smethers, head of the charity Surviving Economic Abuse, emphasized that digital payments can expose victims to tracking by abusers, making cash a lifeline for privacy and escape. One woman, she noted, managed to flee her abuser by secretly saving cash over time.

While ministers have no current plans to enforce cash acceptance, campaigners continue to call for legal protections to ensure its availability. Photo by Diablanco, Wikimedia commons.