New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert reminding New Yorkers that stores throughout the state now must allow customers to pay in cash. Under a new law going into effect on March 21, it is illegal for a New York food store or retail establishment to refuse payment in cash for goods or services. The new statewide law mirrors a similar New York City law that has been in effect since 2020. Attorney General 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,” said Attorney General James. “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, food stores and other retail establishments cannot require consumers to pay by credit card or use another cashless transaction method to complete their purchase. They also 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 new law has a few exceptions:
- 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.
New Yorkers who believe a store is violating the new law should contact OAG by submitting a complaint online or by calling 1 (800) 771-7755.
