pay in cash

You usually use this phrase when a cashier asks how you want to pay. You can say, "I’ll pay in cash." It also works when you are splitting a bill with friends. If you don't have a payment app, you just give them a ten-dollar bill. It is a simple, active verb phrase. You can also say pay with cash, which means the exact same thing.

Use it at small local shops or farmers' markets. Some tiny cafes might only take cash. It is great for small purchases like a pack of gum. Use it when you want to keep your spending private. It is also perfect for tipping delivery drivers or waiters. Giving a physical bill feels more personal than adding a digital tip. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when the card machine is broken!

Don't use it for very expensive things like a car or a house. Walking around with a suitcase of money looks suspicious. Most modern offices won't let you pay in cash for utilities or rent. They prefer digital records for safety. Also, avoid it in "cashless" businesses. Many trendy city coffee shops now only take cards. If you try to pay in cash there, you might get a confused look.

In many Western countries, cash is becoming less common. However, in places like Germany or Japan, people still love to pay in cash. It represents privacy and control. In the US, there is a saying "Cash is king." This means cash is always accepted and sometimes gets you a discount. Some small gas stations even offer a lower price if you pay in cash instead of credit.

You might hear people say "pay cold hard cash" for emphasis. This usually implies a large amount of physical money. Another variation is "cash on delivery" (COD). This is when you pay the person who brings a package to your door. If you are paying someone secretly or unofficially, people might say you are paying "under the table."