All black cabs accept payment by credit or debit card without a surcharge. For a full list of fares, check out Transport for London's taxi fares information. You can tip taxi drivers as much as you like, but most people round up to the nearest pound.

Yes, as of 2026, it is almost universal for UK taxis to accept credit and debit cards. In London, it has been a legal requirement since 2016 for all licensed Black Cabs to accept card and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. These taxis must be equipped with a fixed card machine in the passenger compartment that can print a receipt. Outside of London, while not always mandated by law in every small town, the vast majority of "Hackney Carriages" and private hire vehicles (like those booked via Uber, Bolt, or local apps) are equipped with mobile card readers. However, in very rural areas, it is still considered polite to ask the driver if they accept plastic before you start your journey. If a London taxi driver tells you their card machine is "broken," they are technically not supposed to be working; however, to avoid conflict, many travelers simply use a ride-hailing app where the payment is handled digitally. Always ensure you have a small amount of cash if you are traveling deep into the countryside where signal for mobile card readers can be spotty.