Uber and bKash partner to provide contactless payment options

Uber and bKash today announced a partnership which will allow riders to pay for their trips using bKash, the largest mobile financial service provider in Bangladesh.

The partnership aims to enhance rider experience by making the payment process contactless, and secure as riders resume travel after a lengthy lockdown.

This partnership will give millions of Bangladeshi riders the convenience of seamlessly taking Uber rides, without the inconvenience of carrying cash or worrying about exact change.

bKash's digital payment option will take care of all transactions without any manual intervention once the bKash wallet is added as a payment method on the Uber app. This method will help users avoid transaction lag in case of poor network, gateway timeouts, or insufficient balance.

Commenting on the partnership, Nandini Maheshwari, Director, Business Development, Uber, APAC, said, "We applaud the impact fintech leaders like bKash are having in Bangladesh and are pleased to partner with them to expand payment options for our riders. During an ongoing global pandemic and especially as cities start moving again, we understand the importance of safer, cashless transactions to help maintain physical distancing. With this partnership we hope to promote more digital transactions, reduce cash dependency on the platform and improve the country's digital financial infrastructure."

Mizanur Rashid, chief commercial officer, bKash, said, "Facilitated through our partnership with Alipay, the automatic payment options provided to Uber rides by bKash will bring more relief to customers during this pandemic. The experience of this new digital payment facility will further drive the adoption of uninterrupted ride-sharing services. The payment service for world leading ride-sharing company Uber will enhance the existing network of diversified digital payment solutions and services bKash provides to local consumers."