North Carolina Says No Cash, No Business
Jun 9, 2023
North Carolina is advancing pro-cash legislation that will see it join other states and cities across America in ensuring payment choice is a legal right.
Lawmakers are concerned by businesses introducing cashless policies, noting that requiring payment by card discriminates against a wide range of individuals, including those who lack access to a bank account, or are otherwise unable to meet the requirements imposed by cashless payment providers.
Folks have went in to get things as simple as a ham sandwich and a Coke with $5, and they they’ve been turned away. This [legislation] is just saying paper tender… is legal tender for all debts, public and private.
Other states where physical businesses are required to offer cash as a payment option include Arizona, Colorado and Massachusetts. Pro-cash legislation also exists in New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and—most recently—Miami-Dade.
Under North Carolina’s new legislation (House Bill 20, which passed its first committee hearing in late April without opposition), businesses will also not be permitted to charge cash customers a higher price than those paying by other means. It will not apply to vending machines or other self-service transactions, and will not require businesses to accept bills larger than $50.