New York stores must accept cash payments under new 2026 law
WGRZ • • business
Key Points:
- Starting March 21, 2026, a new New York State law will require food stores and retail shops to accept cash payments, making it illegal to refuse cash for goods.
- The law prohibits businesses from mandating cashless payments or charging more for cash transactions, covering venues such as Six Flags Darien Lake and KeyBank Center, which are currently cashless.
- Violations of the law can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 for subsequent offenses.
- Exceptions include not accepting bills over $20, not requiring cash for remote orders unless completed in-store, and allowing cash-to-prepaid card conversion without fees or minimum load amounts above one dollar.
