New York state force stores to accept cash

Under the law, food stores and other retail establishments cannot require consumers to pay by credit card or use another cashless transaction method to complete their purchase. They also cannot charge consumers a higher price if they pay in cash.

Stores that violate the new law will face maximum civil penalties of $1,000 for the first violation and $1,500 for each succeeding one.

The law passed both houses of the New York State Legislature last year before securing the signature of Governor Kathy Hochul, bringing the state in line with New York City, which has had similar rules in place since 2020.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert encouraging people who believe a store is violating the new law to submit a complaint.

Says James: “Businesses cannot deny New Yorkers access to necessities like food and clothing by refusing to take cash, or charging shoppers more for paying in cash.”

As people increasingly turn to digital forms of payments, authorities around the world have taken measures to protect low-income, elderly, and unbanked people who still disproportionately use cash.

The Australian government introduced rules at the beginning of the year that require most fuel and grocery retailers to accept in-person cash payments of $500 or less made between 7am and 9pm.