NEW YORK— A new law requiring most businesses across New York to accept cash payments has now gone into effect. The law is aimed at ensuring access for consumers who rely on physical currency.
The statewide requirement makes it illegal for food stores and retail establishments to refuse cash for in-person purchases, according to a consumer alert issued by the New York State Office of the Attorney General.
Under the law, businesses cannot require customers to pay by credit card or other cashless methods, and they are also prohibited from charging higher prices to customers who choose to pay with cash, according to the attorney general’s office and local media reports.
‘Right to Service’
“New Yorkers have a right to service no matter how they choose to pay,” Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement announcing the law’s implementation. “Businesses cannot deny New Yorkers access to necessities like food and clothing by refusing to take cash.”
Violations of the law can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 for subsequent violations, according to the attorney general’s office.
The legislation applies broadly to retail establishments and food sellers conducting in-person transactions and mirrors a similar law that has been in place in New York City since 2020, according to the attorney general and news reports.
Some Exceptions
The law includes several exceptions. Businesses are not required to accept bills larger than $20, may decline cash for mail, online or telephone orders not completed on-site, and can use in-store devices that convert cash into prepaid cards, provided certain conditions are met, according to the attorney general’s office.
The measure stems from legislation signed in 2025 that was designed to prevent “cashless” policies that advocates say can exclude lower-income consumers, older adults and others without access to digital payment methods, according to legal analysis of the law.
Consumers who believe a business is violating the new requirement can file complaints with the attorney general’s office, officials said.
