How to change payment method from card to cash mid-ride on PickMe?

 

Getting into a PickMe only to have the driver demand cash when you have already selected a card payment is one of the most frustrating experiences for Sri Lankan commuters. Often, drivers will refuse to move or pull over, putting you in a stressful stalemate.

If you are stuck in this exact situation right now, here is the short answer and the workarounds you can use to resolve it.

 

The Short Answer: Officially, the PickMe app does not allow passengers to switch the payment method from Card to Cash once a ride has been accepted or is in progress. However, you can use a few strategic workarounds to safely pay the driver in cash and ensure you are not double-charged on your card.

 

Step-by-Step Workarounds When a Driver Demands Cash

 

Since there is no "switch button" in the app mid-ride, you must follow these steps to handle the payment safely:

 

1.Do NOT cancel the ride yourself:Crucial first step.

If the vehicle is moving or if the driver is refusing to drive until you change to cash, do not press cancel. If you cancel, you may be hit with a passenger cancellation fee, and it lowers your user rating.

2.Inform the driver you will pay cash at the destination:De-escalate the situation.

Tell the driver calmly: "Oya gawa run karanna, mama drop-off ekedi cash dennam" (Keep driving, I will give you cash at the drop-off). Reassure them that they will get their cash, but explain that the app must run until the end.

3.Ensure the driver ends the trip on their phone:At your destination.

When you arrive, before handing over any physical money, watch the driver's phone screen and ensure they click "End Trip". Look at the final amount displayed on their screen.

4.Pay the exact amount in cash and take a screenshot:Securing proof.

Pay the driver the cash amount shown on the screen. Immediately open your PickMe app, go to your Ride History, open that specific trip, and take a screenshot showing that it was processed as a "Card" ride.

 

How to Get Your Money Back from PickMe

 

Because the app processed the trip as a Card payment, your bank card will be charged automatically, meaning you have now paid twice (once in cash, once via card). You must instantly report this to get a refund.

Reporting the Incident for a Refund:

1. Open the PickMe menu and go to History.

2. Select the ride you just took.

3. Tap Help or Report an Issue.

4. Choose the option: "Driver asked for cash on a card ride" or "I was double charged".

5. State clearly: "The driver refused to drive unless I paid cash. I paid [Amount] in cash, but my card was also debited. Please refund my card."

PickMe's system flags these driver accounts, and they typically reverse the card charge back to your account or credit your PickMe wallet within 24 to 48 hours.