Domino‘s is one of the most popular and widespread pizza chains in the world, with over 18,000 locations across more than 90 markets. Known for their wide variety of pizza toppings, crust options, and sides, as well as their user-friendly online ordering system and efficient delivery service, Domino‘s is a go-to choice for many pizza lovers looking for a quick, tasty, and affordable meal.
One common question that comes up for Domino‘s customers is: Does Domino‘s accept cash payments? The short answer is yes, the vast majority of Domino‘s locations do take cash for both delivery and carry-out orders. However, there are a few important details and exceptions to be aware of. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using cash at Domino‘s.
Paying With Cash for Domino‘s Delivery
When placing a delivery order from Domino‘s, either by phone or through their website or app, you will almost always have the option to select cash as your payment method. This is true even if you live in an area where contactless delivery is being implemented due to COVID-19 precautions.
So how does the cash payment process work when your Domino‘s order arrives? Ideally, you should have the exact amount ready, including any tip you wish to give the driver. While delivery drivers do carry some change, having the precise total will make the hand-off quicker and smoother for both parties.
If contactless delivery is in effect, the driver will typically place your order on your doorstep, then step back to a safe distance. At that point, you can set your cash payment in the designated location, usually a small box or tray, for the driver to collect. Any necessary change will be placed back in the container for you.
It‘s worth noting that while most Domino‘s locations were still accepting cash during the height of the pandemic, and continue to do so now, there may have been temporary location-specific policies put in place in certain areas. Always check your local store‘s current payment options online or by phone to confirm before assuming you can pay cash.
Using Cash When Ordering Domino‘s Through the App or Website
Domino‘s has invested heavily in their digital ordering platforms, with the company reporting that over 75% of US sales now come through digital channels. Luckily, you can still easily select cash payment when ordering delivery or carry-out through the app or website.
During the checkout process, simply choose the "Cash" option rather than inputting credit card information or selecting a saved digital payment method. The order total will then be due upon delivery or pick-up. You can also specify the amount of cash you‘ll be paying with so the driver knows to bring appropriate change.
One slight drawback of the online ordering system is that there isn‘t a way to include a tip for the driver up front when paying in cash. You‘ll need to have extra bills on hand to tip in-person instead.
Potential Reasons a Domino‘s Location Wouldn‘t Accept Cash
As mentioned, cash is accepted at the vast majority of Domino‘s stores worldwide. However, there are some rare instances where a specific location may not take cash. This is most likely due to the policies put in place by the individual franchise owner of that store rather than Domino‘s corporate policy.
Some potential reasons an owner may decide to go cashless could include concerns about employee safety, wanting to speed up transaction times, or encouraging customers to use the Domino‘s app for ordering. Again though, this would be a highly unusual exception, and you can usually count on cash being accepted.
Other Domino‘s Payment Options Besides Cash
If you find yourself without cash on hand, or simply prefer an alternative payment method, Domino‘s offers several other options:
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Credit/Debit Cards: Domino‘s accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards both in-store and for online/phone orders. This is the most common non-cash payment method.
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Digital Wallets: Most Domino‘s locations now accept digital wallet payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. These can typically only be used when ordering through the app or website, not in-store.
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Gift Cards: Domino‘s gift cards can be purchased at many grocery stores, drug stores, and online. They can be redeemed in-store, online, or over the phone.
It‘s fairly simple to save your preferred payment method in your Domino‘s app or online profile so you don‘t have to enter the information each time you order. Of course, cash is also an easy, universally accepted option that doesn‘t require any advance setup.
Tips for Making Sure Your Domino‘s Takes Cash
If you‘re dead set on paying with cash and want to confirm your local Domino‘s accepts it before ordering, there are a couple easy ways to check:
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Use the Store Locator feature on the Domino‘s website to search for your nearest location. Click on the store and check for "Payment Options" to see if cash is listed.
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Download the Domino‘s app, start a new order, and go to checkout. If cash is a selection under "Payment Method" then you know that store takes it.
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Call your local store directly and ask an employee if they accept cash payments for delivery and/or carry-out. The phone number should be listed on the Domino‘s website or app.
Doing one of these quick checks can give you peace of mind and prevent any awkward situations when your order arrives and you try to hand the driver a stack of bills.
What About Tipping With Cash?
In addition to being able to pay for your actual order using cash, you‘re also welcome to tip your delivery driver with cash as well. While tipping for pizza delivery is a personal choice, it is customary, and very much appreciated by the drivers.
A standard tip amount is usually between 10-20% of your order total, depending on the size of the order, distance travelled, weather conditions, and quality of service. You can either hand the tip directly to your driver or leave it in the contactless delivery box for them to grab if you‘re practicing social distancing.
Even if you paid for your order online with a card or digital wallet, you always have the option to give an additional cash tip to the driver if you desire. It‘s a nice way to show a little extra gratitude for their efforts in getting your hot pizza to you quickly and safely.
Domino‘s Cash Policy Compared to Other Pizza Chains
Domino‘s certainly isn‘t alone in accepting cash payments in the pizza delivery world. Their biggest competitors, Pizza Hut and Papa Johns, also take cash at most of their locations for both pick-up and delivery orders placed over the phone or online.
Little Caesar‘s is a bit of an outlier in that they don‘t deliver, but they do accept cash for their popular "Hot-N-Ready" pizzas and other menu items available for in-store pick-up.
One key difference is that some of these other chains may allow you to pre-tip your driver with cash when ordering online, while Domino‘s only includes a tipping option for card payments made through their website or app.
Regional chains and local independent pizza shops will have their own unique policies, but in general, cash remains widely accepted across the industry. Pizza‘s status as an affordable and accessible food option means retailers want to accommodate the widest possible range of payment preferences.
Pros and Cons of Paying With Cash at Domino‘s
There are a few notable advantages to using cash for your Domino‘s orders:
- Cash is accepted at nearly all locations, so you‘ll rarely run into issues being able to pay.
- You don‘t need a bank account, credit card, or smartphone to use cash.
- Using cash makes it easier to stick to a budget and avoid overspending.
- Some people appreciate the greater anonymity of cash transactions compared to cards or apps which track purchase history.
- You may receive your change back in coins, which can be useful for other small cash purchases or tips.
However, there are also some potential downsides:
- Having the exact amount of cash on hand can be inconvenient, especially if your order total changes after adding or removing items.
- Delivery drivers may not always have adequate change if you‘re paying with larger bills.
- Handing cash to a delivery driver is less COVID-safe than online payments.
- Ordering with cash doesn‘t contribute to earning rewards points in the Domino‘s Piece of the Pie Rewards program.
- If your cash is lost or stolen, there‘s no way to cancel the payment like you could with a credit card or digital wallet.
Ultimately, the decision between cash and other payment methods will come down to your personal preferences, financial situation, and what you prioritize most in terms of convenience, safety, and benefits.
The Future of Cash at Domino‘s and Other Restaurants
Even as digital payment options become increasingly popular and we move towards an increasingly "cashless" society, it‘s unlikely that major chains like Domino‘s will phase out cash payments entirely anytime soon.
Eliminating cash could potentially alienate a significant portion of Domino‘s customer base, including those who are unbanked, underage, or simply prefer physical money. The company has reiterated their commitment to accepting cash even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it‘s possible we could see Domino‘s start to encourage customers more aggressively to use alternative methods through promotions, rewards incentives, or a more seamless online ordering experience. The lower costs and valuable customer data that come with digital payments will likely lead the company to nudge more people in that direction over time.
For now though, you can feel confident that your local Domino‘s will be happy to accept your cash payment for that next pizza craving. Just remember to have close to the exact amount ready, and don‘t forget a little extra to thank your hardworking delivery driver! Hopefully this guide has provided you with all the information needed to make your Domino‘s cash transaction a smooth and satisfying experience.
