CASH STILL KING IN THE TAXI TRADE? Some cabbies starting to say they prefer card payments
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Whilst cash remains king for many taxi drivers, the trade is continuing to see a shift in payment habits, with a growing number now preferring card over cash, according to comments made by Sam Houston, Senior Rep at the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA).
Writing in TAXI Newspaper, Houston said he’s noticed a change in driver attitudes, with some now favouring card payments due to faster access to funds in their bank accounts. He also observed similar changes among small businesses, where card payments are sometimes now preferred, even in settings traditionally associated with cash.
Houston, a working cab driver himself, noted: “I still assume most small traders prefer cash, but I’ve been surprised lately. Some members have told me they prefer card. Even the chippie I visited in Torquay recently asked for plastic instead of notes.”
One key reason behind the shift is the speed at which card payments can be processed. While cash provides instant access to funds, some drivers now consider fast card settlement just as practical, especially when handled through efficient providers. However, Houston pointed out that traders generally have more flexibility in choosing their payment providers compared to taxi drivers.
Despite these developments, he doesn’t believe cash will disappear. He said it still serves a purpose for informal transactions and remains part of everyday life for many. He warned against complete reliance on digital payments, suggesting that retaining access to cash is one way for individuals to maintain financial control.
Reflecting on recent airport work, Houston said he had seen several substantial fares paid in cash. But he acknowledged that such payments are far less frequent than in the past, with cash-free days now common.
Houston said: “The thing is, most people’s bills these days are via Direct Debit and there are times when you just want the money straight in the bank – if your card payment provider pays quickly, this is a feature some drivers really value. However, traders like those mentioned above have a wider choice than taxi drivers do in their choice of provider.
“I’m not one of those who believes cash will disappear altogether – it’s still very useful as a quick way of settling a bill or payment between friends or even to give as a gift. I’m sure the banks would love all payments to be on cards or conducted electronically so they can have even more of their cut, but there’s a determined movement out there who are dedicated to keeping cash alive and long may it continue. The world seems to be changing at breakneck speed at the moment, so being able to keep a bit of cash is one way for the ordinary citizen to keep more control over their own finances.
“I still work the airport a lot and have been surprised recently by quite substantial rides being settled in cash. Nothing like a few years ago, of course. You can still go days and not see a penny. And then there’s the ones who turn up with paper notes the size of a tablecloth they’ve been saving since 1977, and you have to gently ask them for something a bit more current.
“Cash use in 2023 was about 12% of all payments in the UK economy, according to UK Finance. Personally, I’d be very surprised if it went below the 10% mark any time soon.”
