COLUMBUS, OH – A new bill introduced in the Ohio Senate aims to require all retail businesses to accept cash payments for in-person transactions, preventing businesses from operating on a cashless-only basis.
The proposed legislation, introduced with bipartisan support, seeks to address concerns about the increasing shift toward a cashless society—a move that disproportionately affects low-income individuals, seniors, and those without bank accounts, including many immigrants. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), 4.2% of Ohio households were unbanked in 2023, meaning they did not use banking services.
Since federal law does not currently require businesses to accept cash, companies can legally refuse it unless a state or local law mandates otherwise. If passed, this bill would prohibit Ohio businesses from rejecting physical currency for in-person retail transactions. However, the requirement would not apply to transactions conducted online, over the phone, or through the mail.
Enforcement and Penalties
Businesses that refuse to accept cash could face legal consequences. The bill would grant the Ohio attorney general the authority to sue non-compliant businesses for damages ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 under the Consumer Sales Practices Act. Additionally, affected customers could file lawsuits seeking reimbursement for their transaction amount plus up to $5,000 in damages.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the bill enforces cash acceptance in most cases, certain businesses and circumstances would be exempt, including:
- Airport vendors in terminals with at least two other food establishments that accept cash.
- City-owned parking facilities and those that only accept mobile payments.
- Rental car companies that accept cashier’s checks or certified checks.
- Large venues with a seating capacity of 10,000 or more.
- Businesses offering cash-to-prepaid card conversion kiosks, provided there is no conversion fee.
Bipartisan Support and Next Steps
The bill, co-sponsored by Republicans and Democrats, including Bill Blessing (R), Catherine Ingram (D), Brian Chavez (R), Hearcel Craig (D), Alessandro Cutrona (R), Kent Smith (D), and Shane Wilkin (R), has been referred to the Small Business and Economic Opportunity Committee as of January 29, 2025.
Supporters argue that the measure is essential to consumer protection, ensuring that all Ohioans—especially those who rely on cash—retain their ability to make purchases without banking restrictions. The bill’s future will now depend on committee deliberations before it advances to a full Senate vote.
