"The payment was made by cash" vs "The payment was paid in cash"

Question

"The payment was made by cash" vs "The payment was paid in cash"

Both phrases are correct, but "the payment was paid in cash" is more commonly used and sounds more natural in English. Both phrases convey the same meaning, but the first one is the preferred choice.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase also indicates that the payment was done using physical currency.

Examples:

The payment was made by cash, as requested by the seller.
She always prefers to have payments made by cash.

Alternatives:

the payment was paid in cash
the payment was settled in cash
the payment was done in cash
the payment was handed over in cash
the payment was given in cash

This phrase is used to indicate that the payment was made using physical currency.

Examples:

The payment was paid in cash, so there was no need for a credit card.
I prefer to receive payments paid in cash rather than checks.

Alternatives:

the payment was made in cash
the payment was settled in cash
the payment was done in cash
the payment was handed over in cash
the payment was given in cash

Answer 1

The payment was made by cash

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

Answer 2

The payment was paid in cash

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"The payment was made by cash" vs "The payment was paid in cash"

The payment was made by cash

The payment was paid in cash

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