What is a cash payment receipt?
When money changes hands in cash, the only record is whatever you write down. That matters when you're repaying a loan from a friend in instalments, paying a deposit on something you'll collect later, or settling up for work done privately. Months later, a memory of "I'm sure I gave you the last $200" is a poor basis for agreement.
This template records the receipt number, who received the cash and who paid it, the date and place, the amount in figures and optionally in words, what the payment is for, whether it is a full payment, part payment, deposit or loan repayment, the total due before this payment and the balance still owing. Both people sign, confirming the cash was counted in front of them. The receipt records the payment only and doesn't change any other agreement between you.
- Best for
- Private cash payments, deposits, instalments and loan repayments
- Signed by
- The person who received the cash and the person who paid it
- Records
- Amount, purpose, date, place and balance owing
- Length
- 1 page
When to use a cash payment receipt
- A friend repaying a personal loan in cash instalments
- A cash deposit on furniture, a car or a puppy collected later
- Paying a tradesperson or tutor in cash for work done
- Splitting a shared cost with family in cash
- Paying cash towards a bill held in someone else's name
What you fill in
13 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: received by, paid by.
1 The receipt
- Receipt number (optional)
- Name of the person receiving the cash*
- Name of the person paying*
2 The payment
- Date the cash was handed over*
- Where
- Currency*
- Amount received*
- Amount in words
- What the payment is for*
3 Balance
- This payment is* payment in full · a part payment · a deposit · a repayment of money lent
- Total amount due before this payment
- Balance still owing after this payment*
- Notes (optional)
4 Who signs
- Received by signature and date · The person who was handed the cash.
- Paid by signature and date · The person who handed over the cash. Both signatures mean neither side can later dispute the amount.
What the cash payment receipt covers
- Payment
- Balance
Using the cash payment receipt, step by step
1 Name the people
Your name is filled in as the person receiving the cash. Add the payer's name and an optional receipt number if you keep a series.
2 Record the payment
Enter the date, place, currency and amount. Writing the amount in words as well makes it harder to alter or misread. Describe what the payment is for in a sentence.
3 Show the balance
Choose whether it is payment in full, a part payment, a deposit or a loan repayment. For anything other than full payment, add the total due before this payment and the balance still owing.
4 Both sign
Tick "This is me" and add the payer. Each of you signs from your own email, there and then if you're together. The payer doesn't need a FileIt account, and you both receive the signed PDF.
Tips before you send it
- Count the money together before either of you signs.
- Number your receipts if you take regular cash payments, so gaps are easy to spot.
- For loan repayments, reference the original loan or promissory note in the purpose.
- Keep receipts with the agreement they relate to. Your FileIt vault keeps them in one place.
- If you take cash for business, check what records your tax authority expects you to keep.
Sign it online in minutes
- Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
- Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. FileIt builds the PDF with every signature, date box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
- Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in your vault and emailed to everyone.
Cash payment receipt: frequently asked questions
Why should both people sign a cash receipt?
A receipt signed only by the person who received the money proves they received it. When the payer signs too, both have agreed the amount, purpose and balance, which closes off later disagreements on either side.
Is this a rent receipt?
It can record rent paid in cash, but a rent receipt lists the property and rent period. For tenancies, a receipt that names the property and the rent period is the better record.
Does it replace a loan agreement?
No. It records a payment only. For money lent and repaid in instalments, use a promissory note for the loan and a receipt for each payment.
Can we sign it on the spot?
Yes. Send it from your phone and each of you signs from the link in your email. FileIt adds a Certificate of Completion with the time each of you signed.
Is this template free?
Yes. It is free with the eSignature app in FileIt.