pay in cash

Meaning

To pay in cash means to buy something using physical money, such as paper bills and coins, rather than using a credit card, debit card, or digital payment. This expression is commonly used in shops, restaurants, and local markets. It is a neutral, everyday phrase used worldwide.

Examples

• I didn't have my credit card with me, so I had to pay in cash.

  I didn't have my credit card with me, so I had to pay in cash.

• Some small local markets prefer it when you pay in cash.

  Some small local markets prefer it when you pay in cash.

• If you pay in cash, the shop owner might give you a small discount.

  If you pay in cash, the shop owner might give you a small discount.

• Do I need to pay in cash, or do you accept mobile payments?

  Do I need to pay in cash, or do you accept mobile payments?

• He paid in cash for the used bicycle he bought online.

  He paid in cash for the used bicycle he bought online.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to pay with cash money.

  ✓ I want to pay in cash.

  Learners often translate literally from their native languages and add 'money' after 'cash'. In English, 'cash' already implies money, so 'cash money' sounds redundant and unnatural in daily life.

• ✗ Can I pay by cash?

  ✓ Can I pay in cash?

  While we say 'pay by card' or 'pay by credit card', the correct preposition for physical money is 'in'. Therefore, you should always say 'pay in cash'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I'm sorry, our card reader is broken today, so you will have to ___.

  💡 use physical money

  Show answer

  pay in cash

• If you ___ , you don't have to worry about credit card interest or fees.

  💡 use paper bills or coins

  Show answer

  pay in cash

• She prefers to ___ for her groceries to keep better track of her weekly budget.

  💡 spend physical banknotes

  Show answer

  pay in cash