The New York State Legislature has passed a new bill that would require food stores and retail establishments to accept cash payments—a move aimed at protecting access to essential goods and services for residents who don’t use credit or debit cards.
The legislation, introduced by Queens Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and State Sen. James Sanders, passed both houses of the legislature in late May and now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk to be signed into law.
The law would have a strong impact in boroughs like the Bronx, where many residents—particularly seniors, low-income individuals, and immigrants—rely on cash as their primary form of payment. According to a 2025 city comptroller report, roughly 10.9% of Black households in NYC and 14.5% of Hispanic households are unbanked, with the overall unbanked rate in NYC at 7.6% in 2023.
“Cash is still king for many New Yorkers who live paycheck to paycheck or who simply don’t have access to credit or banking services,” Sanders, who represents southeast Queens, said in a statement. “No one should be denied a sandwich, a bottle of water, or a loaf of bread because they don’t have a debit card. This bill is about fairness and basic dignity.”
The legislation introduces civil penalties of up to $1,000 for businesses that refuse to accept cash, with fines increasing to $1,500 for repeat violations. However, the bill allows stores to decline cash for transactions above $20.
Cruz said the bill is particularly important for working-class families, seniors and immigrants.
“Cashless stores shut out too many New Yorkers,” Cruz said. “Our bill makes it clear: retailers and food stores can’t refuse cash—because access to essentials shouldn’t depend on a credit card.”
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, a co-sponsor from Queens, echoed those concerns, stating that lawmakers “must not forget” the residents who still rely on cash.
“This bill is about fairness and inclusion,” Addabbo said. “By prohibiting businesses from refusing cash, we ensure that the purchasing of goods and services is open and accessible to all.”
State Sen. Lea Webb, another co-sponsor who represents a district in Albany, said the measure reinforces a consumer’s right to participate in the economy.
“No one should be turned away from buying food or necessities simply because they pay in cash,” Webb said.
Advocates say the law also strengthens privacy and consumer protection. Bruce Wayne Renard, executive director of the National ATM Council, said cash remains crucial during emergencies and offers a safeguard against digital threats.
The bill’s passage comes amid a growing trend of businesses adopting digital-only payment systems—a shift critics say disproportionately harms vulnerable communities.
If signed into law by Gov. Hochul, New York would join other jurisdictions, including New Jersey and San Francisco, that have taken action to preserve cash as a valid and legal form of payment.
