The Payment Choice Act of 2025 requires brick-and-mortar retail businesses that accept in-person payments to accept U.S. cash as payment for purchases up to $500 per transaction and prohibits charging higher prices to customers who pay with cash. The bill applies to any retailer operating a physical location, including those selling goods online but accepting in-person payments at a storefront. Limited exceptions exist for temporary situations like system failures or insufficient cash on hand, and retailers can avoid the requirement by providing a free, no-fee prepaid card device on premises. For the first five years after enactment, businesses are not required to accept $50 bills or larger, though the Treasury Secretary must issue rules after five years requiring acceptance of $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. Violations are enforceable through civil lawsuits filed by affected customers, with penalties ranging from $250 to $1,500 depending on the offense, and the bill requires annual federal reports on ATM locations to help ensure cash accessibility.
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