In a major shift that began in late 2025 and finalized in early 2026, Uber now allows "Verified Riders" to pay for trips in cash in several major U.S. cities. For over a decade, Uber was strictly a cashless experience, but to increase accessibility for those without bank accounts or credit cards, they have rolled out a cash payment option in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and parts of Florida, Texas, and New York. To use this feature, you must be a "Verified Rider," which involves a stricter identity check (often providing a government-issued ID). When you request a ride, you can select "Cash" as your payment method under the options menu. You will see the fare upfront, and you must pay the driver the exact amount (or more, if tipping) at the end of the trip. Note that cash trips are restricted to daylight and evening hours (usually 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM) for driver safety. If you overpay, the driver can credit the change to your account as "Uber Cash" for future use. It is important to note that you must still have a valid payment card on file for account verification, even if you choose to pay in cash.