NY Stores Must Accept Cash Under New Law

NUEVA YORK – The New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert today, reminding New Yorkers that starting March 21st, all stores in the state must accept cash payments. Under the new state law taking effect, it is illegal for any food store or merchant in New York to refuse cash payment for goods or services. This new state-wide law mirrors a similar city law that has been in place since 2020. Attorney General James urges all New Yorkers to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) if they believe a store is violating the law.

“New Yorkers have a right to receive service regardless of their payment method,” said Attorney General James. “Merchants cannot deny New Yorkers access to their needs, such as food and clothing, by refusing to accept cash or charging more for customers who choose to pay with cash. I will not hesitate to enforce this law to protect New York consumers throughout our state.”

According to the law, food stores and other retail establishments cannot require consumers to use credit cards or any payment method without cash to complete a purchase. They also cannot charge a higher price if the consumer pays with cash. Stores that violate the new law will face maximum civil penalties of $1,000 for the first offense and $1,500 for each subsequent violation.

The new law has some exceptions: establishments are not required to accept bills over twenty dollars; they are not required to accept cash for phone, mail, or internet orders unless the transaction is conducted on-site; also, the new law does not apply if the establishment provides a device to convert cash into a reloadable card at their location. However, the establishment cannot charge any fee nor require that the reloadable card be loaded with an amount over one dollar.

New Yorkers who believe a store is violating the new law should contact the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) by filing an online complaint or calling 1 (800) 771-7755.

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