Cash to close refers to the total amount of money a borrower needs to pay on the day of closing to finalize a home purchase transaction. It includes the down payment, closing costs, and prepaid items. Closing costs are the fees paid to the mortgage company to close on a home loan, while the cash to close is the total amount, including closing costs, that a borrower needs to bring to the closing to complete the real estate purchase. The cash to close and closing costs are interconnected but are still different. The cash to close amount can be determined by looking at the costs agreed upon, such as the down payment and any costs from the mortgage lender listed in the loan estimate. The payment methods for cash to close include cashiers checks, certified checks, wire transfers, and secured credit cards. It is important to note that using actual cash to pay for the closing is not recommended, and some title companies and mortgage providers have even banned cash payments during closing.