Bill > HR1138

This bill, known as the "Payment Choice Act of 2025", aims to ensure that businesses cannot refuse cash payments for in-person transactions. Specifically, the bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as payment for transactions up to $500, and prohibits charging higher prices to customers who pay with cash. For the first five years after enactment, businesses are not required to accept $50 bills or larger denominations, but must accept $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. The bill includes several important provisions: businesses can temporarily refuse cash payments during system failures or if they cannot make change, and they can provide free cash-to-prepaid card conversion devices with specific consumer protections. Enforcement mechanisms allow customers to file civil actions against businesses that violate the law, with potential damages ranging from $250 to $1,500 depending on the offense. The bill also preserves states' rights to implement stronger consumer protection laws and requires the Treasury Secretary to develop additional implementation rules. The overall intent is to protect consumers' ability to use cash and prevent discrimination against cash-paying customers in brick-and-mortar businesses.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1138/all-info