New Delhi: Uber has phased out saved UPI IDs to pay for trips, and has replaced it with a new ‘Scan and Pay’ feature. A QR code is displayed on the driver’s Uber app, which can be scanned by any UPI app used by the rider to make the payment. Uber users can no longer book rides and pay later as per their convenience. However, there are a couple of options still for users who prefer to walk away from the ride without having to make the payment then and there on potentially busy roads, or in spotty network coverage.
Uber has introduced a Scan and Pay feature. (Image Credit: Uber).
There are two methods available for seamless payments, linking through Amazon Pay, and using Uber Wallet. Both of these payment methods are prepaid, which means that you will have to pre-load the money into these apps to make the booking. The ride will not be booked if there is not sufficient balance to pay for the ride. Note that there is no confirmation to the user for making the payment, the amount is deducted automagically at the end of a ride. These method can also be used to book rides for friends, or for relatives in another city.
What happens to saved UPI IDs?
The saved UPI IDs are now displayed as ‘unavailable’, and rides cannot be booked when one of these are selected. You can also use Uber gift cards to make payments. Using Amazon Pay apparently gives back five per cent back as Uber Cash, but we have not seen this amount credit to our Uber Wallets after three trips over three days. If you book a little earlier than the time you want to catch the ride at, the ‘Wait and Save’ feature can help you save a bit on the ride. Uber plans to roll out the ‘Price Lock’ feature soon, that allows you to lock-in to a price on frequent routes, to travel without hassle during rush hour.