Uber has stopped accepting Visa cards in Kenya, removing a key payment option in its biggest East African ride-hailing market and marking a shift in how global platforms adapt to local payment economics.

The decision, which took effect in January, was confirmed by Uber in a statement saying it regularly reviews payment methods in each market to balance costs and user experience. Uber pointed to rising global payment processing costs as the main reason for dropping Visa as a payment option.

Why Visa Was Removed

Most Visa card transactions on Uber in Kenya were processed under a global payment structure that routed payments offshore. These transactions incurred foreign exchange spreads, cross-border fees and scheme charges, which increased overall costs for both riders and the platform. In contrast, local settlement methods like mobile money are cheaper and clear instantly, without such added costs.

With global interest rates high and currency volatility lingering, Uber said limiting overseas payment options helps keep costs more reasonable without heavily impacting consumer experience.

Mobile Money Takes Centre Stage

In Kenya, mobile money services such as M-PESA and Airtel Money are now among the primary payment options on Uber. These services settle directly in Kenyan shillings and avoid cross-border fees, making them more efficient for everyday users and drivers alike.

Data from the Central Bank of Kenya shows mobile money transactions remain dominant: over KES 636.2 billion (about $4.93 billion) was moved through mobile money in the 12 months leading to February 2025, highlighting the strong position of local wallets in the country’s financial ecosystem.

Other Payment Options Remain

The removal of Visa does not affect all card payments. Riders in Kenya can still use Mastercard, Airtel Money, cash or PayPal on the Uber platform, according to recent reports.

Uber’s shift reflects the broader transition toward local payment rails in African markets, where mobile wallets and bank integrations are increasingly preferred over international card schemes that carry higher costs and settlement delays.

Impact on Riders and Businesses

The decision may inconvenience certain user groups, particularly business travellers, expatriates and corporate riders who relied on Visa for travel expenses, rewards and budgeting flexibility. These users now have to turn to alternative methods like mobile money or other cards.

Industry observers see the move as part of a wider trend in Africa’s digital economy, where payment systems are tailored to local use patterns and cost structures, rather than maintaining uniform global solutions.

As Kenya’s mobile money infrastructure continues to expand, local platforms such as M-PESA have become core to everyday transactions — from transport and retail to bill payments — reinforcing their importance in the transition.