Does DoorDash Take Cash? (The Ultimate Guide 2023)

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to pay for food delivery? 

While most Americans use some form of digital wallet these days, some people find them tricky. Senior citizens, in particular, often find it difficult to get to grips with these digital payment methods. Since the pandemic, many companies have started to refuse to accept banknotes and coins. This move was originally designed to limit contact between customers and employees as much as possible. 

So, if you are wondering, ‘does DoorDash take cash?’ Then it’s time to find out…

Availability

In the past, it was possible to use coins and banknotes to pay for your DoorDash order. However, this was suspended in 2020 as part of an effort to encourage customers to use contactless payment methods. There is not currently any information on whether a cash option will be available in the future. 

Read more: How Much Does DoorDash Pay?

How Paying With Cash Worked

When a cash payment was possible with DoorDash, the company would inform a driver that a Cash on Delivery order had been placed. This type of order was also known as COD for short. 

Once the DoorDasher received the notification, they were able to accept or refuse the order. Choosing to refuse a COD order would not affect the driver’s acceptance rate. After cash payment, the driver had to carefully check the money and was able to keep the full amount. The total would then be deducted from their next direct deposit transfer from a customer.

Insufficient Change

One of the reasons drivers would refuse a COD order is the lack of change. If this happened, the DoorDasher was still permitted to give the customer their order. However, they were not allowed to take incorrect payment for the order.

In this type of situation, the DoorDasher had to select Issue Collecting Cash Payment in the Dasher mobile app. They would then have to indicate that the issue occurred because they didn’t have enough change. The company would then pay the delivery driver the base pay for that order. 

Not good for driver’s pay at all!

Fortunately, this situation would not affect the DoorDasher’s Completion Rating. However, they would not receive a tip for that order. If this happened more than once during a shift, the earning potential of the driver could be severely affected.  

Tipping In Cash

Even though COD isn’t currently accepted, you can still use banknotes and coins to tip your DoorDash driver. You can either hand over the money or leave it for your DoorDasher to collect when dropping off your order. This is a good way for customers and drivers to keep their distance from each other if they want. 

However, most food delivery drivers prefer receiving their tips via contactless payment. This allows the driver to see in advance how much they will earn for the order. This is more likely to mean that your order is accepted quickly, especially if you tip generously. 

Does DoorDash Take Cash? – Currently Accepted Payment Methods

Even though you cannot currently use banknotes and coins, there are plenty of other payment options. Most people have some type of digital wallet set up these days that they can use to make direct deposit transfers. Here are some of the main ways that you can pay for your food delivery. 

Credit and debit cards

Most people have a credit or debit card that they can use to pay for their orders. All you have to do is enter the card number and a few other details in the app or on the DoorDash website. It is possible to attach several different cards to your account and switch between them whenever you want. 

Apple Pay and Google Pay

If you are familiar with these digital wallets, you will know that they are fairly easy to use. Both Apply Pay and Google Pay can be used to purchase products online. All you have to do is connect your preferred digital wallet to your DoorDash account. 

When you place an order, you simply need to select from the payment options. You can also set it as your default payment method. This will help to make the checkout process much quicker and smoother in the future. 

PayPal 

If you already have a PayPal account, this is an easy way to pay for goods and services. It is easy to connect this digital wallet to your account and use it to pay for your order. Using PayPal to pay for goods and services also makes it easy to keep track of your expenses. 

Gift cards

If you are lucky enough to have a DoorDash gift card, you can use it to pay for your next order. You can purchase these gift cards from the company’s website to use yourself or send to loved ones. This is a great way to treat yourself or someone special to a great meal in the comfort of their home. 

For people who don’t have a credit or debit card, this is an excellent option. The funds from the gift card can be loaded into your account. You can then pay for orders until it runs out. 

How To Change Your Default Payment Method

If you previously used COD, you are going to need to change your payment method before ordering. Fortunately, this is a quick and easy process. You can do this either on the company’s app or only through a desktop computer.

Make sure you are signed into your account and open the menu on the top left-hand side of the screen. Select Payment or Payment Method and add your new option. You can now add which one you want to use, followed by Set Default. Once the checkmark on the right-hand side of the payment method appears, the process is complete. 

Paying In Cash With DoorDash Drive 

DoorDash Drive is a service that is usually only used by restaurants and drivers. While most customers order directly from a restaurant, it is also possible to use Doordash. This can be particularly useful if you want to place a large order.

In the past, it was possible to pay in cash using this feature. Currently, this payment option has been temporarily suspended. However, there is a good chance that it will be available once more shortly. 

Tips For Paying In Cash 

There is a good chance that cash will be accepted by DoorDash once again in the near future. Even though availability is being restricted, this is still many people’s payment method of choice. Here are some ways to make sure transactions go smoothly when money is accepted by DoorDash. 

Have the exact fee ready

DoorDashers work as independent contractors and visit several restaurants and customers in a single shift. Even if they plan carefully at the start of their shift, they may quickly run out of change. Therefore, it is best to try and prepare the right amount of change for your driver in advance.

Don’t make the driver wait ten minutes while you painstakingly count out your nickels and dimes. You will know exactly how much your order comes to as soon as it is confirmed. Use the waiting time to get the correct money ready.

 They won’t give you your order…

If neither you nor the driver has the correct change, you will be unable to receive your order. This is sure to spoil your day if you are hungry and looking forward to a special treat. In the worst-case scenario, try to borrow the money before ordering to avoid this awkward and unpleasant situation. 

Tip generously

DoorDashers are not obligated to accept COD orders. Stiffing the delivery driver on the tip means they are less likely to accept your order in the future. If multiple drivers refuse your order, you are likely to end up going hungry.

Giving a bigger tip than usual is a good way to thank your driver. If you are paying with a large note, consider letting the driver keep the change as a tip. This is likely to convince the driver to continue accepting COD orders in the future. 

Be gracious if your request is refused

If your COD order is not accepted, there is no point in getting upset. Repeatedly placing COD orders and getting shot down is likely to be frustrating for everyone. It is best to have an alternative payment method that you can rely on in this case.

Using a credit or debit card is a good option when this happens, but you can still use cash to give them their tip. Use the opportunity to mention the virtue of accepting COD offers in the future.

Using Doordash For The First Time?

Then, you’ll probably be wondering How Late Does Doordash Deliver, as well as Can You Use Restaurant Gift Cards On Doordash, or why not check out our in-depth guide to the Doordash Application if you’re looking to work as a delivery driver.

Uber is another very well-known food delivery app. Before applying, find out more about the Best Times To Drive For Uber And Uber Eats, along with How Much Do Uber Eats Drivers Make, our comprehensive comparison between Lyft vs Uber Income for drivers, and finally, check out our guides to the Uber Application and the Uber Eats Application for 2023.

Lastly, if you’d like more information on working as a driver, our Delivery Driver Job Description and Pizza Delivery Driver Job Description will come in handy!

Does DoorDash Take Cash? – Final Thoughts

It is not currently possible to use cash to pay for your DoorDash delivery. The company suspended its Cash on Delivery option in 2020. However, this service may be available again in the near future.

But you can still use banknotes and coins to tip your DoorDasher. If you really want to pay with cash, it may be best to contact the eatery directly. Many restaurants offer a delivery service, and their drivers are often happy to accept payment in cash.

Good luck with your delivery and Bon Appetit!