John Fetterman proposes legislation to prevent businesses from being cashless.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, alongside Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, has introduced a significant legislative proposal aimed at preserving cash transactions in the retail sector. The “Payment Choice Act of 2025,” unveiled last week, mandates that all brick-and-mortar establishments located within the United States must accept cash payments for transactions up to 0.

The bill stipulates that businesses cannot impose higher prices on customers who choose to pay in cash, ensuring equitable treatment across payment methods. This proposed legislation has garnered attention for its potential impact on thousands of consumers across the nation, particularly those who may be marginalized in the current cashless economy.

Advocates of the Payment Choice Act emphasize its role in safeguarding the financial rights of low-income individuals. According to recent estimates, approximately 4.5% of U.S. households lack access to traditional banking services, such as checking or savings accounts. These individuals often belong to lower-income brackets, possess limited educational opportunities, or are members of racial or ethnic minority communities. Senator Fetterman highlighted this issue, asserting that it is essential for Americans, regardless of their financial situation, to be able to utilize U.S. currency for their purchases.

Under the provisions outlined in the bill, certain exemptions will be permitted. For instance, businesses that can offer customers devices which convert cash into prepaid cards on-site are not mandated to accept cash. Moreover, establishments facing cash shortages or experiencing system malfunctions that hinder cash processing can be temporarily exempted from these requirements. During a five-year implementation window following the law’s enactment, businesses will also not be obliged to accept cash payments in denominations of or higher.

The movement to protect cash payments is not limited to legislative proposals. In 2019, Philadelphia emerged as the first major U.S. city to implement a ban on cashless retail operations, mandating that most retail outlets must not deny cash payments or levy additional fees on cash customers. Exemptions to this ordinance apply to specific sectors such as parking facilities and certain rental businesses.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 aims to address ongoing concerns surrounding equitable access to payment methods, particularly as digital payment options proliferate. As the national discourse around financial inclusion and consumer rights continues to evolve, this legislation seeks to ensure that cash remains a viable, protected method of transaction within the economy.

This initiative not only aligns with growing advocacy for payment diversity but also reflects increasing recognition of the challenges faced by cash-dependent consumers in an increasingly cashless society. As it stands, the bill awaits further consideration from Congress and could signal a pivotal shift in payment policy across retail landscapes in the United States.

Media News Source