Beginning on Saturday, stores in the state of New York must accept cash payments from customers, according to a consumer alert from Attorney General Letitia James.
The alert, which James shared on Friday, reminds businesses and consumers that it will be illegal for a New York food store or retail shop to refuse payment in cash for goods or services.
“New Yorkers have a right to service no matter how they choose to pay,” James said. “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. I will not hesitate to enforce this law to protect consumers across our state.”
Under the law, restaurants and other businesses cannot require customers to pay by credit card or use another cashless method for purchases.
They also cannot charge consumers a higher price for paying in cash. Stores in violation face maximum civil penalties of $1,000 for the first violation and $1,500 for each succeeding violation.
The new consumer law will have a few exceptions, including:
- Stores do not have to accept bills in denominations above twenty dollars
- Stores do not have to accept cash for orders made by telephone, mail, or internet, unless that transaction takes place at the store
- The new law also does not apply if a store provides a device on its premises to convert cash into a prepaid card. However, the store cannot charge a fee or require that the prepaid card be loaded with a minimum amount above one dollar
The new law reflects a similar one that went into effect in New York City in 2020.
New Yorkers can file a complaint online or call 1 (800) 771-7755 if they believe an establishment is breaking the law.
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