Let me tell you the story of the first time I ordered food through an app. After a long day, I was craving a burger and fries, but when it was time to pay, I realized I only had cash on me—no card in sight. I quickly searched the app for a cash payment option, but to my dismay, it wasn’t available. Frustrated, I ended up rummaging through my cabinets for a sad bowl of instant noodles instead.
If you’ve ever been in a similar situation, you’re definitely not alone. Many people still prefer to use cash for various reasons, whether it’s for budgeting, security, or just out of habit. If you’re curious about whether you can pay with cash for DoorDash orders in 2025, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break it down so you can order with confidence.
Does DoorDash Take Cash in 2025?
The short answer? No, DoorDash no longer accepts cash for orders made through the app.
In the past, DoorDash had a “Cash on Delivery” option that allowed customers to pay their drivers in cash when they arrived. However, this feature has been discontinued due to logistical issues, safety concerns, and the increasing popularity of digital payments. Nowadays, all transactions on DoorDash are processed electronically, which streamlines the process and enhances security for both customers and delivery drivers.
That said, there are still ways to use cash indirectly when ordering from DoorDash. We’ll discuss those options later, but first, let’s look at why DoorDash decided to eliminate cash payments.
Why Did DoorDash Stop Accepting Cash?
At one time, DoorDash permitted cash payments, but as the company expanded and food delivery became more common, cash payments began to create more issues than they resolved. Here’s why:
1. Safety for Drivers
Carrying cash during delivery routes posed unnecessary risks for Dashers. With digital payments, drivers no longer have to worry about holding large sums of money, which decreases the likelihood of theft or other security concerns.
2. Fewer Payment Disputes
Cash transactions can sometimes lead to problems such as incorrect change, counterfeit bills, or customers claiming they have already paid. Digital payments remove these complications by providing a clear record of all transactions.
3. Faster, More Efficient Deliveries
Cash transactions can slow down the process. Drivers had to wait for customers to find exact change, count money, and resolve payment disputes. By eliminating cash, DoorDash ensures that orders are completed more quickly and efficiently.
4. The Rise of Contactless Payments
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift towards contactless payment methods. Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal have gained popularity, making cash payments seem outdated.
5. Easier Refunds and Cancellations
Digital payments simplify the process of refunds and cancellations. If an order needs to be canceled, DoorDash can process a refund immediately instead of figuring out how to return cash to a customer.
How Can You Pay for DoorDash Orders?
While cash payments are no longer available, DoorDash provides a variety of payment options. Here are the best alternatives:
1. Credit and Debit Cards
You can use all major credit and debit cards with DoorDash, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
2. Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo)
For a quicker checkout, link your Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo account to DoorDash for easy transactions.
3. DoorDash Gift Cards
DoorDash offers gift cards that can be used for payments. These can be bought online or at retail locations, making them a great choice for those who prefer not to use traditional banking methods.
4. DashPass Subscription Benefits
If you’re a frequent DoorDash user, consider a DashPass subscription to save money. You can connect any of the above payment methods to your DashPass account for a smoother experience.
What Restaurants Can You Pay with Cash on DoorDash?
If you’re curious about whether you can pay with cash on DoorDash, it’s essential to understand that DoorDash does not allow direct cash payments for deliveries. However, some restaurants that work with DoorDash might accept cash if you opt for the pickup option. This means you can order through the DoorDash app and pay in cash at the restaurant when you go to pick up your food.
Can You Tip Dashers with Cash?
While you can’t pay for your order with cash, you can still give your Dasher a cash tip. Many Dashers prefer cash tips since they get them right away, instead of waiting for DoorDash to process digital ones. If you’d rather, you can also tip through the app when you place your order. DoorDash lets you change the tip amount before, during, or after your delivery.
Alternatives If You Only Have Cash
Although cash cannot be used for delivery orders, there are still a few ways to incorporate cash into your DoorDash experience:
1. Paying with Cash for Pickup Orders
Some restaurants that partner with DoorDash still accept cash for in-person payments. You can place a pickup order through DoorDash and pay at the restaurant when you arrive.
2. Buying a Prepaid Debit Card
If you only have cash, you can buy a prepaid Visa or Mastercard at a convenience store and use it to pay on the DoorDash app.
3. Using a DoorDash Gift Card
Many grocery stores and retailers sell DoorDash gift cards that can be purchased with cash. This is a simple way to convert your cash into a usable payment method for the app.
4. Asking a Friend or Family Member
If you know someone with a credit card or digital wallet, you could ask them to place the order for you, and then reimburse them in cash.
Will DoorDash Ever Bring Back Cash Payments?
While it’s not impossible, it’s quite unlikely that DoorDash will bring back cash payments. The trend is clearly moving towards digital transactions, and companies like DoorDash are prioritizing efficient and secure payment systems.
That being said, it’s wise to check DoorDash’s current payment policies on their official website or app, as they sometimes update features based on user input.
Should You Use DoorDash Without Cash?
If you’re accustomed to paying with cash, DoorDash’s digital-only approach might feel inconvenient initially. However, with a variety of alternative payment methods available—such as credit cards, digital wallets, gift cards, and prepaid debit cards—finding a solution is quite simple.
Even if you don’t have a card, you can still use DoorDash by buying a gift card with cash or asking a friend for assistance. Additionally, you can always tip your Dasher in cash if that’s how you prefer to show your gratitude.
In the end, the ease of having your favorite meals delivered right to your door far outweighs the drawback of not being able to pay with cash. As society continues to shift towards a cashless economy, embracing digital payment options will ultimately simplify your life.
Still have questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments, and let’s keep the discussion going!
