New York stores must now accept cash payments, with a few exceptions

Stores in New York must now accept cash from customers, per a new law that went into effect on Saturday.

The law now makes it illegal for any food store or retail establishment in the state to refuse to accept cash for goods or services. 

The new statewide law mirrors a similar NYC law that has been in effect since 2020. NYS Attorney General Letitia James is encouraging all New Yorkers to submit a complaint to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) if they believe a store is violating the law.

“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.”

Per the law, customers cannot be forced to pay by credit or other non-cash transactions. Also,  businesses 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 violation, the attorney general said.

The new law 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 $1.

There are other exceptions to the law. Stores do not have to accept bills in denominations above twenty dollars. They also do not have to accept cash for orders made by telephone, mail, or internet, unless that transaction takes place at the store.