1.   Does Uber allow tipping?

The simplest answer is ‘yes’ - no working human on planet Earth will turn down cash handed to them for a service they provided. Though, when you get into Uber’s official public policy, it gets a little murkier. Which leads us to:

2. Does Uber encourage tipping?

Another simple answer - ‘no.’ Uber wants to promote a cashless exchange and that precludes cash tipping. There’s only one problem with that - there’s not a cashless way to tip within the Uber app. The actual quote from Uber HQ about tipping is actually pretty funny:

“If a client offers a tip, please remind them that tipping is not necessary with Uber. New riders may not know about the tipping policy, and could feel cheated if they later learn that tipping was not required. However, if the rider still insists, you should accept the tip – you earned it!”

So, unless the rider almost attacks you with a tip, you should turn it down. But if they get their iron-headed way, then take it because ‘you earned it!’ That’s not a policy conducive to tipping.

3. How much should people tip?

Whether it’s a cash Uber tip or an in-app Lyft tip, a lot of customers (and even drivers) are often confused about what is appropriate. 15-20% of the total fare is a good place to start, with extra being added for an exceptional experience - or for pulling your suitcase filled with rocks out of the trunk.

4. Are there cashless alternatives for Uber tipping?

There’s a lot of clamor for Uber to add a Lyft-like tipping feature within the app. Until that happens, different companies are offering ways for riders to cashlessly tip their drivers. TripCam will soon be releasing a tipping feature that will integrate the popular payment service Square so drivers can easily accept electronic payment outside of the Uber app.

5. Are there ways to increase tipping without hurting driver ratings?

That’s the million dollar question (or at least the 15% question). Ridesharing is still relatively new and the social norms are still getting worked out. As people get used to the practice, tips should increase. In the meantime, there are subtle ways you can goose tips without directly asking for them - which might lead to some guilty riders giving you a low rating. Investing in a tip receptacle of some kind can remind passengers of the need to tip without being in their face about it. Some examples:

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