Since 2010, Uber has successfully disrupted the transportation industry by introducing an alternative to traditional taxis and ride-hailing services. The company revolutionized the niche with mobile app technology, creating more affordable transportation options. The taxi industry is heavily regulated in most markets, with permits required for drivers and vehicles, which increases the cost per ride. Uber avoided some of the usual administrative pressure towards taxi companies by hiring gig workers or independent contractors. Despite incurring losses in its first 12 years, Uber has expanded to 70 countries, 15,000 cities, and has completed more than 47 billion trips to date.
One of the main reasons for Uber's early success and high adoption rate was easy in-app payments. You can connect your credit cards and digital wallets to your Uber account and just tap to pay. However, despite being on the forefront of innovation in many ways, Uber still doesn’t accept crypto as a payment, which offers quick and secure transactions. With the rise of crypto holders worldwide who want to pay for services like Uber, but can’t, the obvious question emerges, Can I pay Uber with crypto? Yes, you can, even though Uber doesn’t accept crypto directly, you can use a Plasbit card loaded with crypto as your payment method. It works just like a regular bank card. Just order a card, load it with crypto, add the card details to your Uber account, and use it to pay for your rides. In this article, we will examine Uber's business model and introduce crypto cards as a convenient method for paying for rides. Let’s go through the gist of how to use crypto to pay for Uber services.
Uber diversified its services to more than just taxi replacement
The best ideas often come from necessity, and an anecdotal story reveals how Garett Camp and Travis Kalanick spent too much money on a private driver, which led to the idea of a mobile app that would address this issue. The initial plan was to use licensed drivers and luxury cars; however, over time, numerous changes to its business model have been implemented. The UberX service was launched in 2012, Uber Eats was introduced in 2014, and the company experimented with and eventually abandoned a few other ideas. The company operates globally, and its most essential services include classic Uber rides, Uber Eats food delivery, Uber Freight, and delivery services.
What are Crypto Cards?
One way for crypto holders to go around Uber’s policy of not accepting direct crypto payments is by using a crypto card. PlasBit crypto cards are similar to any other credit or debit card, which you can use anywhere Visa or Mastercard cards are accepted. The primary difference between this card and other credit or debit cards is that you load it with cryptocurrency. Crypto cards can be used for online purchases or linked to your mobile wallet, such as Google and Apple Pay, and used to pay for in-app purchases like rides on Uber, or tap to pay in person at stores at the register. By using crypto cards, you are literally paying with crypto that was loaded onto your card, and going around the fact that the provider, like Uber, is not accepting crypto directly. One way to bypass a lack of crypto payment options is by using a crypto card. PlasBit crypto cards have several tiers and function like regular credit, debit, or prepaid options, but with the added ability to connect your crypto wallet and use it for everyday payments.
Step-by-step guide on how to connect a PlasBit crypto card with Uber
Acquiring a PlasBit crypto card is a straightforward process, which we’ll outline in our detailed guide.
Step 1: Access your PlasBit Dashboard
Log in to your account and navigate to the wallet section on the dashboard.
Step 2: Deposit cryptocurrency
Deposit your preferred cryptocurrency into your PlasBit wallet. Ensure the wallet has sufficient funds for card issuance and loading.
Step 3: Order your card
Go to the Care section in the dashboard, select the preferred card type, and click the “Get This Card” button to start the card issuance process.
Step 4: Select payment wallet
Select the wallet you would like to use for card issuance payment. Confirm your selection and order the card. You will receive a confirmation email for your order, and another after your virtual card has been issued.
Step 5: Load funds onto the card
Return to the Cards section in the dashboard, click on the “Open Details” button for your card, and navigate to the Funding tab. Select the wallet from which you wish to deposit funds, and then press the “Load” button, verify the amount, and then press “Submit”.
Step 6: Access card details
You can access the card details and get your card number, expiry date, and CVV by
pressing the "View Card Details" button.
Step 7: Log in to Uber
Open the Uber app or website and log in to your account.
Step 8: Access Uber Wallet
In the account menu, select the Wallet button to view the payment option.
Step 9: Add a payment method
Click the "Add Payment" button.
Step 10: Select card payment
Choose a credit or debit card as a payment method.
Step 11: Enter PlasBit card details
Fill out your PlasBit card details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV
and add the card.
Step 12: Verify card linking
You will be redirected back to the wallet page and see your card linked to the
account.
Uber’s current accepted payment methods
The most common way to pay for Uber rides is by linking a bank card—whether it's a credit or debit card to the app. In the same way, you can also connect your PlasBit crypto card to your Uber account. Another widely accepted payment method is paying with a digital wallet like PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Venmo. You must connect your card, and it could be a crypto card that will cover all the payments for Uber services. Uber Cash is another way to pay for rides, deliveries, or other Uber services. You can fund this prepayment option similarly to a credit system, using various payment methods, a rewards program, gift cards, or promotional credits. Since Uber operates in 70 countries, the company has invested considerable effort in incorporating local payment processors in each country, making it as easy as possible to pay for their services, some markets even permit cash payments. Additionally, there are exceptions for local digital wallets and other payment methods. With all these diverse payment options, the fact that Uber still hasn’t adopted a crypto payment option shows they probably don’t plan on doing it soon, and for the foreseeable future, using a crypto card is perhaps the best solution for crypto holders.
Uber Eats and other new services
In 2014, the company expanded its services to include food delivery, utilizing its mobile platform to launch Uber Eats. The idea, like in other food delivery services, is similar: a customer orders food from partner restaurants, and Uber Eats delivers it to their home. The platform conveniently connects Uber and Uber Eats drivers, allowing them to work for both services. Food delivery isn’t the only other service company extended to. Ride services alone offer several products, depending on the country, including UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Reserve. The same “Can I pay Uber with crypto?” question arises here. Like classic Uber, the food delivery platform also doesn’t accept direct crypto payments to buy food.
Outside of its primary niche, Uber Connect offers a same-day package delivery service, which uses its drivers to make the deliveries. You will need to request delivery through the Uber Connect option, enter the details, and an Uber driver will pick up the package and deliver it to your location, and the app allows you to track the progress.. Uber Freight is a platform that connects shippers with carriers. Uber Rent is a car rental service built into the app, and Uber for Business is a platform designed to manage business travel and expenses. If you connect your crypto card to Uber, you can enjoy these services and pay for them with crypto so that it could work for all their different services, and not just rides.
Plans to adopt crypto payments
Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, has discussed the possibility of integrating direct cryptocurrency payments on the Uber platform several times in the past. However, the company still hasn’t taken that direction, and it still doesn’t accept any crypto payments. The issue Uber’s leadership has with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is based on the exchange mechanism. “The exchange mechanism is expensive, it's not great for the environment. As the exchange mechanism becomes less expensive and becomes more environmentally friendly, I think you will see us lean into crypto a little bit more.” - Uber’s CEO explained, though it looks like a lame excuse for not adopting crypto by pulling the green card.
On a positive note towards BTC, Dara noted, "I think right now what we see with Bitcoin and some of the other cryptos is that they are quite valuable as a store of value.” So, after all that Dara and other executives said, it still remains unclear what will be the answer to the question: Can I pay Uber with crypto? Unfortunately, it appears that Uber doesn’t take crypto seriously, and there is no clear timeline for adopting crypto payments. However, you can use a crypto card today and essentially pay for your services.
How to pay for Uber with crypto?
Since there is no direct way to pay for your Uber rides with crypto, third-party solutions are your only gateway to using Crypto for ride payments. It’s arguably even more convenient than a direct crypto option. So, how to pay for Uber with crypto? You can pay for Uber using a crypto card if you connect it as your payment method, just like any bank card. Since Uber does not accept direct crypto payments, you can order a Plasbit card, load it with crypto, add it to your Uber account, and use it to pay like any other regular payment method.
What payment methods do Uber’s competitors use?
When it comes to payment methods, Uber’s top competitors have similar options with Lyft being the main rival in the US and Canada, offering ride-hailing, motorized scooters, and bicycle-sharing systems. Along with a similar business model, Lyft resembles Uber in its payment options, where connecting a payment method is done through the app, allowing you to link credit, debit, and prepaid cards. Lyft also accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay, and you can choose Lyft Cash or pay for your rides with PayPal and Venmo. If you visit Paris or another major European city, most Uber drivers are also available on the Bolt platform. Bolt is another major competitor with a similar platform, accepting the same payment methods. You can connect credit and debit cards with your Bolt application, or use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Bolt is also accepting cash payments in some markets.
DiDi acquired Uber's Chinese business and quickly spread to other countries. Its ride-hailing app accepts credit cards, debit cards, as well as various digital wallets, including PayPal, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. Some cities and markets also accept cash payments. Generally speaking, most Uber competitors have a similar model and accept almost identical payment methods. If you’re asking yourself, Can I pay Uber with crypto, the answer is that there is a way, as you can use an innovative payment method like a crypto card, despite Uber and its main competitors not accepting direct crypto payments. You can add a crypto card to any ride-hailing mobile app and use it for payments like any other payment method.
Does Uber Accept Crypto?
Cryptocurrency payments are fast and secure, but some industries remain reluctant to accept them as a legitimate payment method. For now, Uber as a company has shown unwillingness to accept it, and offered few scapegoat reasons not to adopt crypto.. That leads us to the underlying question: Does Uber accept crypto? No, Uber doesn’t accept crypto directly, but you can still pay using a Plasbit card loaded with crypto as a payment option. It works just like any other bank card. Just order a card, load it with crypto, link it to your Uber account, and use it to pay for your rides.
Can I pay Uber with Bitcoin?
Bitcoin remains by far the most popular cryptocurrency and holds the highest authority, and yet BTC still hasn’t found a way into Uber's payment methods. As we explained, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to pay for your Uber rides with crypto. Can I pay Uber with Bitcoin? Yes, you can, while Uber does not accept Bitcoin directly, you can order a Plasbit card, load it with Bitcoin, and connect it as your payment method. All you have to do is order a card, load it with Bitcoin, and use the card details to add it as a payment option on Uber.
Conclusion
Uber has become a global synonym for affordable rides compared to traditional taxi services. The company revolutionized the transportation industry, sparking numerous copycat companies to adopt the ride-hailing model. Even traditional taxi companies accepted mobile apps as an integral part of their business. Meanwhile, Uber offered several other niche services. Uber Eats is perhaps the most distinguished among them. While Uber and its competitors thrive on innovative and quick ways of connecting with customers, they still don’t accept crypto payments. Customers who want to use their crypto for paying for rides can rely on third-party solutions, such as PlasBit crypto cards, as a workaround. You can load your crypto card with cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, and link it to your Uber account. The crypto space is always changing, and projects are constantly looking for better, cheaper ways to replace traditional payments. Crypto cards are a great example, they make it easy to spend crypto on everyday things, which is really what this whole movement is about, changing how we pay.
