WASHINGTON — Both Uber and Lyft have options for people who do not have a bank account, or for those who simply prefer to use cash to pay for their rides formally through the apps.
The two companies each have services called "Uber Cash" and "Lyft Cash" that allow people to pre-load money to the app. This can be a preferred method for budgeting purposes, but can also work with a gift card or using a barcode purchased with cash at some participating retailers around town.
On Uber Cash, you can use almost any payment method, the app says, including Venmo and Paypal. They also specify that, in some markets, you can simply go to the Payment section in the app and select Cash. At the end of the trip, you'll pay the cash directly to your driver.
As an alternative, Lyft recently announced that riders can now add bucks to their Lyft Cash balance at more than 35,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, Walgreens, Family Dollar and more. You can use the app to click on the "Find a store near me" button. Click here to learn more here.
"Riders can simply present a barcode or unique ID number from their Lyft app and add cash, turning physical cash into Lyft Cash. Lyft Cash can then be used in their Lyft account to book rides with no added fees or charges," the company shared.
"With this new payment option, Lyft is expanding transportation access to cash-preferred riders so they can easily pay for Lyft rideshare modes to get where they need to go even if they don’t have a bank account, credit, debit, or prepaid card."