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If you’re wondering whether any delivery apps accept cash payments in your area, you’re certainly not alone. With the rise of food and grocery delivery apps such as Uber Eats, Postmates, and DoorDash, many rely on these services for convenience and ease of use. By placing an order on your phone or computer, you can have food from your favorite local restaurants or groceries from nearby stores delivered to your doorstep.
However, it’s worth noting that while credit cards were the most common payment method in 2021, cash still remains a popular choice for many people. Around 40 percent of point-of-sale payments were made with credit cards, followed by debit cards and cash.
People might prefer to use cash to pay for their delivery orders for several reasons. For example, they may not have a credit or debit card or prefer to pay with cash to better track their spending. Additionally, some people may feel more comfortable using cash because it offers a greater sense of security and privacy than using a card. Whatever the reason, it’s good to know that there are still plenty of options available for those who prefer to pay with cash.
Although many platforms are entirely digital, some delivery companies still allow cash payments, such as:
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
- Grubhub
- EatStreet
- Seamless
- Delivery.com
Top food delivery apps that accept cash
Here’s a guide on how cash payments work with these delivery services and tips to prevent payment issues when receiving food deliveries.
DoorDash
DoorDash is a well-known food delivery service that collaborates with numerous local restaurants and chains.
It accepts cash payments for most of these eateries. If the restaurant you’re ordering from allows cash deliveries, DoorDash facilitates cash transactions.
Delivery drivers, called Dashers, are generally willing to accept cash orders. However, orders must meet a minimum cost of $7 to qualify for cash payment.
DoorDash is popular for its appealing deals and discounts. Partner restaurants and chains frequently offer promotional discounts and deals, such as reduced service fees and free deliveries.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats collaborates with major food and beverage industry players and offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries on its platform.
Cash deliveries are available in select areas, depending on the restaurant and delivery driver.
Until recently, Uber Eats only accepted credit card payments, which excluded customers who preferred cash or did not have a credit card.
However, Uber Eats is expanding cash payment options following a successful pilot program in Mumbai, India, in 2017.
Cash deliveries are generally smooth on Uber Eats as the app encourages drivers to carry adequate change to prevent delays.
Grubhub
Grubhub allows cash payments through its online and mobile platforms. Whether a restaurant accepts cash on Grubhub depends on their policy. You may need to browse the app to find out which ones do.
However, this process might not be ideal if you’re in a rush. It’s best to check beforehand which local restaurants accept cash for delivery orders.
Although Grubhub promotes contactless deliveries, cash payments are still available on the app.
EatStreet
EatStreet is a food delivery app operating in nearly 250 cities across the US. It links customers with over 15,000 restaurants.
Cash payment is an option depending on the restaurant you select.
If the restaurant offers cash deliveries, you’ll see it as a payment choice at checkout when placing an order.
Seamless
Seamless started as a New York City-focused app but has expanded to major cities nationwide. It allows cash on delivery (if the restaurant accepts it) and digital payments.
Seamless is now part of Grubhub, offering both platforms a consistent cash payment experience.
Delivery.com
Delivery.com is a versatile delivery service that accepts cash payments. You can conveniently receive deliveries from nearby restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, and laundromats. Orders can be placed online for both delivery and takeout.
Once you’ve placed your initial order, you can pay with cash for subsequent deliveries, excluding laundry orders. Payment options on Delivery.com include major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa Checkout, Masterpass, and PayPal.
Which food delivery services don’t accept cash?
These food delivery services do not accept cash:
- Amazon Fresh
- Caviar
- Bite Squad
- Favor
- Postmates
- Instacart
- Shipt
- ASAP
Many delivery services prefer card or digital payments over cash for these reasons:
- Easy tracking and processing of digital transactions by businesses.
- Faster transactions compared to cash.
- Reduced chance of human error.
- Cashless payments are safer and help prevent theft.
Common issues with cash payments in delivery services include:
- Limited cash on hand: Delivery drivers often struggle to carry enough cash to provide change to customers, especially when multiple orders are paid in cash.
- Safety concerns: Carrying large sums of cash poses a safety risk for delivery drivers, especially when accumulated from multiple deliveries.
- Risk of unpaid orders: Customers may cancel orders if drivers cannot provide change, increasing the likelihood of unpaid transactions.
- Delivery delays: Cash transactions require extra time for exchange, potentially causing delivery delays and affecting driver efficiency.
- Multiple trips requirement: Some restaurants require drivers to return with cash payments, leading to increased travel and time consumption.
- Reconciliation and commission fees: Managing cash payments between the restaurant and delivery apps can be cumbersome. Moreover, delivery apps often impose high commission rates, impacting the profitability of each order. For instance, Uber Eats charges commissions ranging from 25% to 30% per sale.
Tips for paying delivery drivers with cash
Although the world is moving towards a digital economy, cash still plays a significant role alongside electronic payment methods like Visa and Venmo. Despite the convenience of cashless options, paying with cash remains a valid choice.
Consider these helpful tips to ensure smooth cash transactions for both yourself and delivery drivers.
Don’t try to pay with large bills
Paying for food delivery with big bills can cause problems because delivery drivers might not have enough change. Then, you’ll both struggle to fix it.
It’s smarter to have small bills ready for food deliveries. This avoids payment problems.
For instance, if your order costs $15 but you only have a $100 bill, the driver probably won’t have the right change.
They might need to return your order, or you’ll have to find $15 elsewhere. Not an ideal situation, especially when you’re hungry!
Try to have exact change
It’s best to prepare the exact payment for your driver.
Drivers handle many deliveries and might not have enough change, especially for large bills.
Even if the bill isn’t big, getting change for small amounts can still be tricky.
Make it a habit to set aside small bills for delivery payments.
Give cash tips
The best way to support your delivery drivers is by tipping them in cash. It’s hassle-free and ensures they get the full tip amount. If you don’t need change, it’s a simple gesture to let them keep it.
Cash tips are vital for drivers since they pocket the entire amount. In the past, some companies like DoorDash were criticized for using customer tips to offset drivers’ pay, but many have since changed their policies. However, some apps still take a portion of a driver’s tip if it’s paid online.
By tipping in cash, you guarantee your driver receives the full tip without deductions. This is especially important considering the challenging nature of the job and the low wages many drivers receive.
Additionally, expressing gratitude in other ways, such as offering snacks like protein bars, crackers, cookies, or bottled water, can brighten their day during demanding work shifts.
Can I pay cash on delivery apps?
Some restaurants on delivery apps accept cash as a payment option.
Can I pay cash with DoorDash and GrubHub?
Cash payment is accepted, but the restaurant you’re ordering from must also accept cash for this option to be available.
The bottom line
Many people, like students, prefer paying with cash for various reasons, such as sticking to a budget or not having a bank account yet. Some individuals, like myself, may also feel wary about using the Internet for payments.
Whatever your reason, there’s a significant number of people who prefer cash transactions.
Businesses recognize this preference and provide cash-on-delivery (COD) options. This helps them reach customers who prefer cash payments, expanding their customer base.
Next time you’re craving takeout, just open one of the mentioned apps and add your favorite food to your cart, and pay with cash. Enjoy your meal!