How to Pay for DoorDash Orders With Cash
DoorDash accepts cash payments, but only for orders you pick up yourself—not for delivery
If you want to pay with cash on a DoorDash order, you have one option: pick the order up at the restaurant instead of having it delivered. You tell DoorDash at checkout that you'll collect it yourself, and you pay the restaurant staff in cash when you arrive. DoorDash does not send drivers to your home or office to collect cash payment, and restaurants cannot accept cash through the app on your behalf.
This matters because most people use DoorDash for delivery, not pickup. If delivery is what you need, you'll have to use a debit card, credit card, or a digital wallet linked to a card—there's no cash option for that service.
Key Takeaways
- Cash payment only works for pickup orders, not delivery orders.
- You select "pickup" at checkout, then pay the restaurant in cash when you arrive.
- DoorDash drivers will not collect cash payments at your door.
- For delivery, you must use a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet.
- Some restaurants may have their own cash-only policies that override DoorDash's system.
How to place a pickup order and pay with cash
Open the DoorDash app or website and search for the restaurant you want. When you see the restaurant's page, look for a toggle or button that says "Pickup" instead of "Delivery"—it's usually near the top. Select the items you want, then proceed to checkout.
At checkout, you'll see payment method options. If you're picking up, you can choose "Cash" from that list. Complete the order. The app will give you a pickup time and a confirmation number. Go to the restaurant at that time, give them your confirmation number or phone number, and pay the staff in cash when they hand you the food.
Not all restaurants on DoorDash offer pickup—some are delivery-only. If the restaurant you want doesn't show a pickup option, that location doesn't support it, and you'll have to use delivery with a card or find a different restaurant.
Why DoorDash doesn't accept cash for delivery
DoorDash drivers are independent contractors who use their own vehicles and phones. The company doesn't want drivers carrying large amounts of cash or handling transactions on the street. It's a liability and security issue for both the driver and the customer. Requiring card payment also lets DoorDash track the transaction, dispute it if something goes wrong, and protect the driver if a customer later claims they never paid.
Cash also creates a record-keeping problem. DoorDash's system is built around digital transactions that can be logged, refunded, and audited. A driver collecting cash would have no way to prove payment was made, and DoorDash would have no way to verify it.
What payment methods work for DoorDash delivery
For delivery orders, DoorDash accepts debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, and digital wallets. Digital wallets include Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. You can also use a DoorDash gift card or store credit if you have it.
When you add a payment method to your DoorDash account, it's saved for future orders. You can add multiple cards and choose which one to use for each order. If a card declines, DoorDash will ask you to update your payment method before the driver arrives.
If you don't have a card and need delivery
If you don't own a debit or credit card, you have a few paths forward. A prepaid card—which you can buy at most grocery stores, pharmacies, or convenience stores—works on DoorDash just like a regular card. You load money onto it at the register, then use it to pay online.
A digital wallet like PayPal or Venmo can also work if you have a bank account or linked card. Some people use a family member's card with permission. If none of those options are available to you, pickup with cash is your only DoorDash option, or you could order directly from the restaurant by phone and arrange your own pickup or delivery.
Restaurant cash policies that override DoorDash
Even if DoorDash's system allows cash pickup, an individual restaurant might not accept it. Some restaurants have stopped handling cash altogether, especially since the pandemic. Before you place a pickup order, check the restaurant's page on DoorDash—some list their payment methods, or you can call the restaurant directly to confirm they take cash.
If you place a cash pickup order and the restaurant refuses to accept it when you arrive, contact DoorDash through the app to report the issue. You may be refunded, but it's better to call ahead and avoid the trip.
How to change your payment method if you already ordered
If you placed a delivery order and need to change the payment method before the driver arrives, open the DoorDash app, find the active order, and look for an option to update payment. You can usually do this from the order tracking screen. Tap the payment method and select a different card or wallet.
If the driver is already on the way and you can't change it in the app, contact DoorDash support through the app chat. They can sometimes update it for you, but it's faster to handle it before the driver leaves the restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tip the driver in cash if I pay with a card?
Yes. You can add a tip in the app before the driver arrives, or you can give cash to the driver when they deliver your food. Many people do both—a small tip in the app and additional cash at the door. The driver will accept it.
What happens if I order pickup with cash but don't show up?
The restaurant will hold the order for a limited time, usually 10 to 15 minutes. After that, they may discard it or sell it to someone else. You won't be charged if you don't pick it up, but you also won't get a refund if you already paid in cash. Call the restaurant if you're running late.
Can I use DoorDash credits or gift cards for pickup orders?
Yes. If you have DoorDash credit or a gift card, you can use it for pickup orders. You can combine it with cash if the credit doesn't cover the full amount—pay the credit through the app and the remaining balance in cash at the restaurant.
Is there a DoorDash cash card I can load money onto?
DoorDash does not issue its own cash card or prepaid card. You would need to use a third-party prepaid card, a digital wallet, or a traditional debit or credit card for delivery orders.
Do I need to add a card to my DoorDash account if I only use pickup?
No. If you only order for pickup and pay in cash, you don't need to add a payment method to your account. You can create an account with just your email and phone number.