Taxi payment options
Pay your driver at the end of the trip \u2014 cash, card, contactless, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Same upfront price either way.
The short version
- You pay the driver directly when the trip ends \u2014 not the app or website.
- Every car accepts card via the driver\u2019s in-car terminal (contactless, chip-and-PIN, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
- Cash is welcome for any in-area trip.
- No surcharge for paying by card \u2014 the price you saw at booking is the price you pay.
Cash
Standard sterling notes and coins. Drivers carry change for normal note amounts. If you\u2019re only carrying a \u00a350 note for a \u00a312 fare, mention it when the driver arrives so they can sort change before you set off.
Card & contactless
All drivers in the network carry a modern card terminal. They accept:
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- Contactless (tap up to the bank limit \u2014 currently \u00a3100 per transaction)
- Chip-and-PIN for larger amounts
- Apple Pay and Google Pay (no limit when authenticated by your phone)
Your receipt is sent by email automatically (we capture your email when you book).
Tipping
Tipping is optional and at your discretion. For Haywards Heath:
- Short local trips \u2014 round up to the nearest pound or two.
- Airport runs \u2014 \u00a32\u2013\u00a35 is typical for a good experience.
- Long London / cross-country trips \u2014 5\u201310% if you\u2019re happy with the service.
- Help with luggage / heavy bags / wheelchair \u2014 a small extra tip is appreciated but never expected.
Tips go 100% to the driver \u2014 no platform commission is taken from a tip. You can tip in cash or ask the driver to add it to the card payment.
Long-distance trips
For unusually long trips (e.g. cross-country airport runs over \u00a3150), the dispatcher may ask for a card to be on file before assigning a driver. This protects the driver from no-show losses on big jobs. You\u2019re still charged the upfront fare \u2014 the card is just a guarantee.
Receipts
An email receipt is sent automatically after the trip. If you booked through the XTaxi24 app, you\u2019ll also see the receipt in your ride history. Need a VAT-style invoice for expenses? Reply to the receipt email and we\u2019ll send one.
What if my card declines?
Card terminals lose signal occasionally, or your bank blocks an unusual transaction. If a card declines:
- The driver will try the terminal again.
- If still declining, switch to another card or Apple/Google Pay.
- If no card works, pay in cash if you have it.
- If neither, the driver will take your details and send a payment link by SMS to settle later.
Drivers are trained to handle this calmly \u2014 it happens once in a few hundred trips.
Account / business billing
Need monthly invoicing for staff trips, hotel guest accounts or care-home transport? XTaxi24 offers business accounts with consolidated billing. Get in touch at business@xtaxi24.com.