Uber has launched UBER CASH in Kenya which allows riders to pay for both Uber and Uber Eats from a dedicated account facilitated by Flutterwave. Uber says the move comes as businesses adopt cashless transactions and clients opting for contactless operations in response to the COVID19 crisis.
The new service will enable riders to prepay for their upcoming trips with cash payments still available for rides only. Uber says the new feature will give riders more control on payments and accounts for budgeting purposes.
Flutterwave, an online payment solution, will create a payment account dedicated to both apps that can be preloaded with any amount, to be used on upcoming trips and orders.
The account can be topped-up via the users’ Ride account, via a debit/ credit card, M-Pesa, Airtel, a bank transfer, or barter for payment of use. Top-ups are available and work similarly to that of an airtime increases. Riders are able to top-up their balance.
However, Uber Cash limits potential cash deficits should either the driver, courier or user not have enough or exact change, as like a debit transaction, the exact amount will be taken.
Formed in 2009, Uber is available in sixteen cities in Sub-Saharan Africa and in Kenya operates in Nairobi and Mombasa.