Bill would force stores to keep accepting cash for purchases up to $500

What does this do?

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 would require most physical, in-person retail businesses to accept cash for purchases up to $500 and would ban charging cash customers more than card or other payment customers. Exceptions apply for temporary system failures, lack of change, or businesses offering free cash-to-prepaid-card machines that don't collect personal data. For five years, businesses wouldn't have to accept $50 or $100 bills, though $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills would always be required.

Who does it affect?

This affects brick-and-mortar retailers, including "cashless" businesses that would need to change policies, and customers who rely on cash, such as lower-income individuals, older adults, or people without bank accounts.

Why does it matter?

The bill creates a legal process for customers to challenge violations, including notice requirements, potential lawsuits, penalties, and damages, and requires banks and credit unions to report ATM locations annually, increasing regulatory oversight of cash access.

Where does it stand?