inDrive has rolled out cashless payment options in South Africa, marking a significant step in the company’s shift from a cash-first model to a more flexible, user-driven payment ecosystem.
The new feature allows passengers to pay for rides using cards, complementing existing cash and local payment methods. According to the company, the move is designed to give both riders and drivers greater choice in how they transact on the platform.
Unlike traditional ride-hailing services, inDrive operates a unique model that allows passengers and drivers to negotiate fares directly within the app. The company says this approach promotes transparency and flexibility, and the addition of card payments enhances that experience without altering its core value proposition.
Insights from inDrive’s internal city research revealed strong demand for cashless options among users. Common use cases include areas with limited access to cash, booking rides on behalf of others, and travel scenarios where users may not have local currency. Card payments are also seen as a way to simplify coordination and reduce friction, particularly for family-related travel.
The launch comes at a time when digital payments are gaining traction in South Africa. According to the dLocal Emerging Markets Payments Handbook, card payments account for approximately 63% of e-commerce transactions in the country, highlighting growing consumer preference for digital-first solutions.
Rather than adopting a uniform global strategy, inDrive continues to tailor its payment offerings to local market conditions. In South Africa, where both digital payments and cash remain widely used, the company is maintaining a hybrid approach, supporting cash, local payment methods such as PayShap, and now card payments.
“South Africa is one of the clearest markets where adding card payments makes sense,” said Ashif Black. “We’re not moving away from cash—we’re expanding choice. Our goal is to give people the flexibility to pay in the way that works best for them in different situations.”
The rollout is powered by a partnership with dLocal, enabling localized and reliable payment processing. Through this integration, inDrive can support local card payments for riders, automate revenue splits between drivers and platform fees, and facilitate faster payouts to drivers via local financial systems.
As the company continues its global expansion, inDrive says it remains committed to building a platform that reflects local user behavior and preferences, rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all model.
