Cash deliveries in Uber Eats may look a bit different than before. For selected orders, the customer no longer needs to have cash on hand; they can pay the courier with a contactless card, phone, or digital wallet such as Google Pay or Apple Pay.
Uber Eats contactless payments are a convenient additional option that can make finalizing orders easier and reduce the hassle of giving change. Check who can use this feature, how to enable it, and what to do when collecting payment.
New payment option on delivery
Until now, customers paying on delivery have usually chosen cash. Now, for some cash deliveries, the app may also offer the ‘Uber Eats contactless payments’ option.
If you see it on your device, you can inform the customer that they have the option to pay by:
- credit or debit card with contactless functionality,
- phone,
- watch or other supported digital wallet,
- using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another compatible mobile wallet.
Important: Contactless payment does not replace cash. The customer can still pay traditionally if that is more convenient for them.
Who can use Uber Eats contactless payments?
The feature is being rolled out gradually, so not every courier and not every order will support it yet. At the moment, Uber Eats contactless payments are available to couriers using eligible Android devices.
To use this solution, you need a phone with active NFC functionality. It is this module that allows your phone to work similarly to a payment terminal.
| Requirement | What does it mean in practice? |
|---|---|
| Android phone | The feature is currently intended for selected devices with this system |
| NFC on the phone | Must be enabled to accept payment via the customer’s card or phone |
| Option visible in the app | Use it only for orders where the app displays it |
| Feature setup | You need to complete a short payment activation process |
How to prepare your phone?
Setup is optional for every courier and can take less than 2 minutes. It also does not require logging into your account. You should receive setup instructions in your app inbox.
If you plan to enable this option, it’s a good idea to do it in advance. This way, when the feature becomes available on your account and for specific orders, you won’t waste time during delivery.
Before you start, make sure that:
- you have the latest Uber Driver app,
- NFC is enabled on your phone,
- your phone battery is sufficiently charged,
- you know where the NFC antenna is located on your device—it is usually at the top of the back panel.
How to collect payment step by step?
After configuring this feature, the activation process is simple. When you are making a cash delivery and the app displays the contactless payment option, follow these steps.
- Select the “Contactless” option in the app, and then click “Collect payment”.
- The app will redirect you to the payment screen, where you will see the total order amount.
- Ask the customer to hold their card, phone, or watch near the top back part of your phone.
- Wait for the transaction confirmation. The payment usually takes about 5–10 seconds.
- Only finish the order after confirmation in the app.
If your phone does not read the payment the first time, ask the customer to slightly move or rotate their card or phone. If needed, you can also remove a thick case from your device, as it may interfere with NFC operation.
What happens to the money?
The contactless payment goes directly to Uber. The courier does not collect these funds personally and does not need to settle them later as with cash. This is a significant convenience, especially for those who want to reduce the number of cash payments and issues with giving change.
Uber also states that it covers the processing costs of such payments. For you as a courier, this means that using this method should not involve any additional fees.
Key rules for couriers
Remember a few simple rules:
- Offer contactless payment only when the option appears for a given order in the app.
- Do not assume every cash delivery supports the new method.
- Always wait for payment confirmation in the app before completing the delivery.
- If the customer prefers cash, accept it according to standard procedures.
- Keep your phone charged and make sure NFC is working – this is crucial for quick order processing.
Contactless payments at Uber Eats – convenience for both sides
The new payment method in Uber Eats gives customers more choice, and can make it easier for couriers to handle orders paid on delivery. Less cash means fewer issues with lack of change, giving change back, or having to settle bills.
If you have an Android phone and receive the option to configure, it is worth enabling the feature right away. This way, you’ll be ready when Uber Eats contactless payments become available for your orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a courier use contactless payments in Uber Eats?
Only when the order qualifies for this method and the contactless payment option appears in the app. If you don’t see the option for an order, accept cash payment as usual.
Does contactless payment replace cash?
No. It is an additional payment method for selected orders paid on delivery. The customer can still pay with cash if that is more convenient for them.
What contactless payments can Uber Eats couriers accept?
The customer can pay:
– with a credit or debit card featuring contactless functionality,
– with a phone or another supported digital wallet.
This applies to payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other compatible mobile wallets.
Is a terminal required to accept contactless payments?
No. In this solution, the courier’s phone acts as a payment terminal. The customer taps their card, phone, or watch against the designated area on the back of the courier’s device.
What device does a courier need to accept contactless payments?
Currently, the feature is available to couriers using eligible Android phones. The device should also support NFC technology and have it enabled.
What should I do if the contactless payment isn’t working?
First, ask the customer to try again by tapping their card or phone to the upper part of the back of your device. You can also gently slide or rotate the card. If you have a thick case, remove it during payment, as it may weaken the NFC signal. If the payment still fails, the customer can pay with cash.
How long does a contactless payment take in Uber Eats?
A transaction usually takes about 5–10 seconds. Always wait for the Uber app to confirm the payment before completing the delivery.
Does the courier have to settle contactless payments afterwards?
No. Funds from contactless payments go directly to Uber. The courier does not handle them in cash and does not need to settle them like cash payments.
