"with cash" vs "in cash"

[Mika]

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #19 "Adverbs and Gerunds", question 10

Just one more thing, waiter, do I have to pay with cash or do you accept credit cards?

(a) thing
(b) with
(c) accept

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #19 "Adverbs and Gerunds", answer 10

Just one more thing, waiter, do I have to pay in cash or do you accept credit cards?

Correct entry: in
The error was: (b) with
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with cash or in cash

Mika

[Yankee]

Hi Mika

Pay in cash is a very common and standard expression. Even though the preposition in would be used much more often than with in this expression, I find it impossible to categorize pay with cash as "wrong".

Perhaps 'with' is never used in the UK.
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Spaniel]

Hello!

Just joined quickly to say -- we do say "pay with cash" in British English, often. It's just as prevalent as "pay in cash", in my experience.

[Mister Micawber]

OK. Thanks for that, Spaniel– and welcome to English-test.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Our Tort System]

Hello,

What about "pay cash"? That is, can I just ommit the preposition altogether?

Thanks.
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What do I think of the pie?!
Goodness gracious, its delicious!
That's what I think of the pie!

[Mister Micawber]

Good idea!
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's