Uber will reintroduce cash as a payment option for rides in Australia starting July 16, aiming to broaden its appeal to customers who prefer using physical currency. The ride-hailing company said the change responds to consumer demand, particularly among older Australians who are more accustomed to paying taxis with cash.

Under the new system, passengers will receive upfront pricing before their journey, and if drivers do not have the exact change, the difference can be settled through the app’s digital payment methods. However, cash payments will not be permitted for UberX PIN trips originating at Sydney Airport and Melbourne’s T1 and T2 terminals, where a PIN is required for security reasons. Additionally, the option will be disabled for Uber teen accounts and riders with low ratings.

Emma Foley, managing director of Uber Australia and New Zealand, explained that the company sought to accommodate diverse payment preferences. “We know many Australians still choose to use cash to manage their everyday spending – whether that’s people who feel more comfortable using cash, young people working within a weekly budget, or households looking for more control over their expenses,” she said. Foley also noted the benefit for visitors unfamiliar with local payment systems, adding that access to cash payments can simplify travel logistics for tourists.

The decision builds on a recent trial of cash payments conducted in Launceston and Bunbury during May, which Uber described as successful. The company referenced a Reserve Bank of Australia study indicating that cash remains involved in approximately 15 percent of transactions nationwide.

By reintroducing cash payments, Uber aims to make its service more accessible to a broader segment of the population, providing flexibility alongside its existing digital payment infrastructure.