inDrive has introduced cashless payment options in South Africa, expanding beyond its traditional cash-based system.
The new feature works alongside existing cash and local payment methods, giving users more flexibility in how they pay and receive payments.
Driven by real user feedback, inDrive’s research across cities points to rising demand for card payments from both passengers and drivers. This is particularly important in cash-scarce areas, when arranging rides for others, or for tourists who may not yet have access to local currency. Users also noted that card payments simplify logistics when booking for family members, making the overall experience more seamless. The addition of this feature is expected to improve transaction efficiency and reliability on the platform.
This move aligns with broader market trends, as highlighted in the dLocal Emerging Markets Payments Handbook, which reports that 63% of eCommerce transactions in South Africa are conducted via card. Unlike conventional ride-hailing services, the platform continues to let passengers and drivers negotiate fares directly within the app, promoting transparency and flexibility in the user experience.
Rather than replacing one payment method with another, inDrive is focused on expanding user choice through a market-specific approach. Cash remains a key option where it is still widely used, local systems like PayShap are integrated where appropriate, and card payments are introduced in response to user demand. South Africa stands out as a clear example, with growing adoption of digital payments alongside the continued relevance of cash.
“South Africa is one of the clearest markets where adding card payments makes sense,” said Ashif Black, inDrive Country Representative in South Africa. “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 launch in South Africa represents a scalable milestone for inDrive, showing how card payments can be introduced without compromising its unique, negotiation-based marketplace. By partnering with dLocal, the company is able to deliver secure and localized payment processing. The integration supports local card transactions, automatically divides payments between driver earnings and platform fees, and enables faster payouts through local systems, all from a single setup.
Despite its global growth, inDrive says continues to prioritize solutions that align with local payment behaviors instead of enforcing a uniform model.
Go to TECHTRENDSKE.co.ke for more tech and business news from the African continent and across the world.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
