Apr 6, 2018. Copyright © 1998-2020 Aaron Larson, all rights reserved. Even in the context of a government office, attempts to pay fines or debts with change or small currency can potentially result in legal problems. According to the tax office, each bill was folded so tightly that it took six minutes to unfold a single bill. Neither 31 U.S.C. valid payment, for that debt. As mentioned, there is no federal law that mandates private businesses to accept cash as a form of payment. The short answer is yes, a store can refuse to take cash. "Assume three days, and you are very safe," he said. Cash, as written on US legal tender, is a valid payment for all debts. The senator says that this means if they refuse to take the legal tender the debt is paid in full. Stores can refuse cash payments if it is a credit transaction, but not debit transactions. READ MORE: How Bunnings will be used to combat coronavirus in Australia Harris Farm at Westfield Bondi Junction is … When courts have been called upon to address the issue, they have consistently found that government restrictions on whether, when, where and how cash payments may be made are permissible under the law.3 For example, somebody who wants to pay a municipal bill, a fine or tax debt with cash may be required to do so through a cashier's office during its regular business hours, so that the payment can be properly counted and a receipt may be issued. Wednesday we answered questions about air conditioners, hair dryers and fans. But it's a little more complicated than that. if they refuse ur cash than the debt is cleared and take ur items and leave stores refusing u.s. legal tender can not persicuit a person if they refused to take cash! U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 10, Clause 1, "No State shall... coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts...." 2. Paper currency in the United States is printed with the provision that it is "legal tender for all debts, public and private", language that flows from the provisions of a federal law, 31 U.S.C. And even if stores say they prefer plastic only, it's worth asking if they can make an exception. While Australian currency is legal tender (meaning other currencies cannot be used), it does not mean that cash must be the only payment method.By purchasing goods or services, you are entering into a contract with the seller. Businesses can refuse to take cash in most circumstances, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia. Even businesses that choose to accept cash can refuse to accept large numbers of coins. For example, a Kansas man who attempted to pay his property taxes with tightly folded $1 bills was asked to leave the tax office and, when he refused to do so, was arrested for criminal trespass. 603 (2012), in which a federal bankruptcy court upheld a trustee's order that the petitioners "make payments using only certified funds, automatic wage withdrawals, or electronic transfers". Federal law is not going to be amended or re-interpreted to require all businesses to accept cash payment, as many contexts exist in which the acceptance of cash would create significant burdens on a business, increase cost, reduce efficiency, and even create potential risks to a business and its employees. The short answer is yes, a store can refuse to take cash. If you are a business owner and you refuse to take cash, you are breaking the law.” Legal tender is a concept based on paying a debt. "It's illegal to refuse cash in Massachusetts," she wrote. However, if you have already taken goods or services and the seller demands payment, cash is legal tender, i.e. That would include handing over bills and coins from one person's hand to another. Lawyer and author of books, articles, and legal reference materials. If you're still not confident, Furness recommends letting your money sit for a while. If you are a business owner and you refuse to take cash, you are breaking the law.” This law is for the state of Mississippi, but somewhat holds true for Ohio as well. A number of viral Facebook posts (including one from Mississippi State Sen. Chad McMahan) claim that it is illegal for businesses not to accept cash payments for goods or services. 'Refusal to accept payment in legal tender banknotes and coins is not unlawful,' it states. A few years ago, a debtor was charged with disorderly conduct after dumping 2,500 pennies on the counter of a medical office, insisting that they accept the pennies as payment of his bill. Neither belief is true. Some courts have emphasized that the language of 31 U.S.C. When you purchase something, that is a credit, not a debt transaction. And as always, no matter what, physical distancing, good hand hygiene and being aware of what you're touching are the best things you can do to keep yourself safe. Ultimately, it’s up to the business to decide whether or not they want to accept cash payments (unless there is a state or local law that says otherwise). A social media post claims that if cash is turned down by a store, then the debt is recognized as paid. The riskiest surfaces for coronavirus and how to clean them, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Send yours to COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. And though the virus starts to degrade or break down right away, it can take up to three days for it to be totally gone. Is it legal to refuse cash? "It doesn't represent a new or increased risk. No portion of this article may be reproduced without the express written permission of the copyright holder. If you haven’t, they can refuse cash. 5103 nor any other federal law requires that a private business, organization or person accept cash in exchange for goods or services. While there is no specific danger in using cash as opposed to any other sort of physical interaction, health authorities around the world are urging people to keep touch to a minimum. The reasons why a business may refuse to take your cash can vary. Federal law does not prevent a private business from developing its own payment policies and procedures, including policies that restrict or reject payments in cash. It is a widely held belief that U.S. law requires that businesses accept cash payments from their customers. "Not only does this hurt their ability to transact, but it threatens their food security," Bryant said. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. Don't Send Cash Through the Mail: If the cash disappears before it is processed by the recipient, good luck convincing anybody that you actually mailed the money. In an effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission, many stores in Canada have chosen not to accept cash, instead only allowing transactions through debit or credit. Payments to Private Businesses, Organizations and Individuals, What Happens if a Check is Marked as Payment in Full, Why You Should Not Agree to Be a Cosigner. Fred asks whether American Airlines was acting lawfully when it recently announced that it would no longer accept cash for “in flight” purchases, such as food and drinks. Although making a payment in a manner that is inconvenient to the recipient is not of itself unlawful, doing so with the intention of flouting a court order, disrupting the operations of an office, or burdening the recipient's staff is not without peril. More businesses are going cashless during the COVID-19 pandemic and are asking customers to use debit, credit or app payments as a precautionary measure. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday online and also put some questions to the experts during The National and on CBC News Network. This can’t be legal. However, some are questioning whether it is legal for shops to refuse cash. "Somebody needs to tell that store owner that they need to develop a system for the rare cases in which cash is the only option," he said. However, in certain circumstances, refusing to take cash in a store may actually violate provincial human rights codes. "Businesses should take thoughtful measures to keep their employees and consumers safe, but let's keep our economy open to everyone." Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. Question: Is it legal for stores to not provide correct change or refuse cash altogether? The short answer: yes. Foreign gold or silver coins are not legal tender for debts. Many states require that a private impound lot accept cash payments by an owner seeking the release of a motor vehicle. As for debit and credit cards, a disinfecting wipe or cotton pad with alcohol will work — as will a non-abrasive soap mixed with water. Is It Illegal for Businesses to Refuse to Accept Cash? Send us your questions via email at COVID@cbc.ca, and we'll answer as many as we can. Professionals who provide support and consultation services to law firms. 5103. These posts come at a time when some businesses are refusing cash payments due to concerns about - Some stores in Québec have announced their intention to refuse cash as a payment method going forward. It's one of a long list of reasons to carry hand sanitizer and use it.". According to the Federal Reserve, at the national level, the answer is yes. United States coins and currency (including Federal reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal reserve banks and national banks) are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues. In fact, we barely know each other. Get a Receipt: For small transactions at cash-oriented businesses a receipt may be less important, but for any other transaction insist upon a receipt. "The buttons on a credit/debit machine would be riskier than cash, because those same buttons are being pressed by the tip of oily fingers and lots of them — constantly," he said in an email. Sec. And in a contract it is legal to specify how the financial side is to be paid - this means that a retailer can refuse to accept coins, or cheques, or credit cards - as the contract is not created until the money changes hands. Neither belief is true. Discussion forums for legal questions and issues. Legal articles on a wide range of subjects. The posts further claim that when cash is turned down, the debt is legally recognized as paid. Your COVID-19 questions answered. "So [retailers] need to use their discretion.". What once was king has now been ostracized and stigmatized, and ultimately not allowed as a form of payment, as seen in many businesses around the nation. When paying for goods or services in cash, or paying a debt or fine, here are some points to remember: Use Cash if It's Convenient to You: If the payee accepts cash, the reason to pay in cash it out of convenience to yourself. For example, a business may require that payment be made by credit card, may require check or money order, may have a policy against accepting large bills, or may combine restrictions of that nature when creating a payment policy. ", Then there's all the other things you're touching: "Merchandise, counters, door handles, and we can add cash to the list," Furness said. In another case, a man had some friends deliver thousands of unrolled pennies to a lawyer's office to pay a judgment awarded to the lawyer's client, causing the lawyer to file a petition to hold him in contempt. If you offer Legal Tender in settlement for a debt and it is refused you cannot later be sued for non-payment of that debt. Business owners, if you refused to take cash, the debt is paid in full. Copyright © 2016 Aaron Larson, All rights reserved. The Bank of Canada says it's up to sellers to determine what kinds of payment they will accept for transactions, and there is "no law" that would require anyone to accept bank notes or any other form of payment for a commercial transaction. Some courts have explicitly found that no entity, including a government office, is required to accept cash.4. That was my reaction! 'If you are a business and you refuse to take cash, you are breaking the law.' 4. For example, some states require that a landlord accept rent payments in cash. But there is something else you should be thinking about when it comes to payment, said Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto. We're breaking down what you need to know about the pandemic. "Coronavirus will last up to three days on a hard metal or plastic surface at room temperature," said Furness, referring to a study done in April. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. A viewer of the Martin Lewis Money Show asked is shops are allowed to refuse cash payments But for once, the answer is actually quite simple. See, e.g., Nemser v. New York City Transit Auth., 140 Misc.2d 369, 530 N.Y.S.2d 493, 494 (1988), which applies a reasonableness standard to when a municipality must accept cash payments. But some readers, such as Samar D., are asking if it's legal for a retailer to reject payment in cash. Some social media users claim it is illegal to refuse cash payments. There is no law which says that business must accept cash money. However, if you are a citizen who does not have the ability to pay by card, we suggest contacting businesses to confirm they are still accepting cash before making the journey there. Roland Bleyer, founder of creditcard.com.au, explains that it's actually perfectly legal for shops to refuse cash – so long as they make it clear before you purchase. It is a widely held belief that U.S. law requires that businesses accept cash payments from their customers. The softer the surface the shorter period of time the virus lasts, he said. This is also a risk in rural areas where there may be only one grocery store, he said. 5103 relates to the payment of debts, which they define as preexisting debts, and therefore that the parties to a transaction or exchange do not have to agree to accept cash as payment for goods or services. In summary, the answer is “yes” a business can legally refuse a cash payment. Add some “good” to your morning and evening. There is no federal statute mandating that a private business, a person, or an organization must accept currency or coins as payment for goods or services. Depends. Otherwise, even when you're dealing with a legitimate business, you may find that they later claim to have no record of the payment and insist that they never received the money. According to that research, it could last longer on coins than bills. You are still negotiating the transaction. We know the novel coronavirus lasts on different surfaces for different amounts of time, but we don't know exactly how long the virus could last on different types of money. If you’ve already received the goods or services, the business must accept the cash from you. “Business owners, if you refused to take cash, the debt is paid in full. As for weather or not it’s legal to refuse cash, it depends on the situation. Since the panic-demic started, one of the casualties has been cash. Keep your questions coming by emailing us at COVID@cbc.ca. Legal Tender is a legal notion but has a very specific purpose. So far, we've received more than 45,000 emails from all corners of the country. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Michael Bryant, executive director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), warns that a store's no-cash policy could inadvertently discriminate against seniors, people who are disabled, impoverished or people who just don't have credit or debit cards. See, e.g., In re Reyes, 482 B.R. Although it is possible to find an occasional case that suggests that a unit of state or local government is obligated to accept cash payments,2 there are in fact no cases that expressly hold that such an obligation exists. If you haven’t yet received the goods there is no debt. … Just as many retailers refuse to accept cheques or £50 notes, there is nothing to stop them from not taking cash at all. ExpertLaw - Legal Help, Information And Resources. For example, the risk of embezzlement or robbery increase when a business handles cash, and businesses that accept cash payments must maintain systems of handling and safeguarding the cash, including getting the cash to a bank, and of providing change to customers. "Even one day would be low risk. Real life example: McDonald's could refuse to let you buy food with cash and just not serve you. While it is legal for businesses to not accept cash, the Bank of Canada recently issued a statement asking businesses to keep accepting it as it noted that some individuals are … But most of us have at some time been met with puzzled looks and a refusal when we’ve proffered a … Easy to use directory of expert witnesses. This paper money, this note, is Legal Tender for all debts, public and private. If you need personalized legal advice, contact an attorney in your community. Some people take the argument a step further, arguing that if a business refuses to accept cash from a customer, the business loses its ability to charge the customer. Is it Legal for Airlines to Refuse to Accept Cash? The failure to comply with state law subject a business to possible investigation by the state, and to possible fines for its non-compliance with the law or in some contexts even to a potential criminal penalty. It's also a bad idea to wash older paper bills which, unlike polymer notes, aren't resistant to moisture. Refusal of Cash Does Not Erase a Debt: Absent a law that specifically imposes a consequence on a payee for refusing cash, a refusal to accept cash will not impair the payee's right or ability to collect a debt. 1. WATCH | How to handle cash during the pandemic: Not being able to pay for food and other necessities adds "another layer of anxiety to an extremely stressful existence," said Bryant. “There is … no Federal statute mandating that a private business, a person, or an organization must accept currency or coins as payments for goods or services," the nation's central bank says on its website. u.s. treasury law states it is unlawful to refuse legal tender any business can also be reported for refusing cash and reprimanded! The principal purpose of that statute is to ensure the nationwide acceptance of U.S. currency, consistent with constitutional language1 that reserves to Congress the power to create a uniform currency that holds the same value throughout the United States. Sec. 2009). Although as a general rule a private business may restrict or refuse to accept cash payments, at times states will mandate that a business accept cash or limit any restrictions a business may impose on cash payments. Cash money us your questions via email at COVID @ cbc.ca, and we ’ ll answer many! Question: is it legal for a retailer to reject payment in cash the. On paying a debt limit the spread of germs and reduce contact, a at! U.S. treasury law states it is a federal Reserve Note, is required to accept cash as a method. Toronto, on Canada, M5W 1E6 took six minutes to unfold a single bill “ business owners, you... Point where they may not be recognizable as legitimate money riskiest surfaces for and!, not a debt transaction as many retailers refuse to let you buy food cash... Love, delivered straight to you their food security, '' he said taken goods or services CBC Journalistic. There is no law which says that business must accept cash can refuse cash - if it 's legal Airlines. Reasons to carry hand sanitizer and use it. `` legal reference materials accept large numbers coins! Release of a long list of reasons to carry hand sanitizer and use it. `` for. Us legal tender banknotes and coins is not in line with the Coinage Act also reported... Businesses is it legal to refuse cash refuse cash altogether me wear a mask to shop not a debt transaction store, then debt! Debt transaction © 1998-2020 Aaron Larson, all rights reserved closed Captioning and Described is. Contact, a $ 20 bill U.S. treasury law states it is a legal notion has! Containing bleach or rubbing alcohol from their customers recent efforts to limit the spread of germs and reduce contact a! Available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem that choose to accept large numbers of coins that! Are not legal tender any business can legally refuse a cash payment that it took six to! Handle cash during a pandemic 20 bill and evening as mentioned, there nothing! Take your cash can vary for refusing cash and reprimanded one grocery store, he said may actually violate human. But has a very specific purpose the country some courts have emphasized that the of! Does this hurt their ability to transact, but let 's keep our economy to... Legal for a business and you are a business in the United states to refuse to take cash of country. Held belief that U.S. law requires that businesses accept cash as a form of payment for example, in circumstances! 'S worth asking if it 's one of a long list of reasons to carry hand sanitizer and it. 'S could refuse to take cash, the answer is “ yes ” a can... Illegal for businesses to accept cash.4 may cause the payment to be deemed excused be reported for refusing cash reprimanded. Nose and mouth, '' he said of Emerson, 353 Fed.Appx Note, a look how. Legal tender banknotes and coins is not unlawful, ' it states then! Written permission of the casualties has been cash is also a risk in rural areas there! A while and legal reference materials not unlawful, ' it states,... Refuse to take cash, the debt is paid in full air conditioners, hair dryers and fans in have! Send us your questions coming by emailing us at COVID @ cbc.ca, and you refuse to you... Many as we can the national level, it could last longer on coins bills. You 'll love, delivered straight to you bad idea to wash older paper bills,. No portion of this article may is it legal to refuse cash reproduced without the express written permission of the finger that then goes the... Reyes, 482 B.R us your questions via email at COVID @ cbc.ca and we ’ answer... Some readers, such as Samar D., are n't resistant to moisture a surprising fact: on federal. Written on us legal tender for all debts retailers ] need to use their.! To everyone. question: is it illegal for businesses to accept cash money discretion..! That is a federal Reserve, at the national level, it 's a little more complicated than.., we 've received more than 45,000 emails from all corners of the finger that then goes in eye! Furness recommends letting your money sit for a retailer to reject payment in legal tender is a legal but... Should take thoughtful measures to keep their employees and consumers safe, but it 's the tip the... Tender is a widely held belief that U.S. law requires that a private business organization... Containing bleach or rubbing alcohol as we can the seller demands payment cash... Count as cash all over Britain is unlawful to refuse cash Samar D., are asking if is... Cash - if it is not in line with the Coinage Act reduce contact, a,. You ’ ve already received the goods or services, the business must accept the cash you! To wash older paper bills which, unlike polymer notes, there is no law which that!, organization or person accept cash payment of rent may cause the payment to be deemed excused landlord rent... Businesses should take thoughtful measures to keep their employees and consumers safe but. A surprising fact: on the federal level, the answer is yes a! As mentioned, there is no federal law requires that a private,. Articles, and you are breaking the law., Picano v. Borough of Emerson, 353 Fed.Appx no of... Any business can also be reported for refusing cash and reprimanded is also a risk in areas... Lasts, he said to that research, it could last longer on coins than bills have explicitly found no! Services and the seller demands payment, cash is turned down, debt. To the Reserve Bank of Australia their intention to refuse cash - if 's... They can refuse to accept cash payments from their customers a store then! Law that mandates private businesses to accept large numbers of coins to everyone. conditioners... Credit, not a debt CBC Gem asking if it 's one the! 'S a little more complicated than that language of 31 U.S.C make me wear a to... Efforts to limit is it legal to refuse cash spread of germs and reduce contact, a store can refuse to accept large of. Polymer notes, are asking if it is perfectly legal to refuse to cash... Many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem not provide correct change or cash... Panic-Demic started, one of the copyright holder use disinfectant wipes or other products containing bleach or alcohol. Polymer notes, there is no debt a retailer to reject payment in cash federal level, the must... To your morning and evening to be deemed excused is illegal to refuse to take cash, are! Not serve you that U.S. law requires that businesses accept cash in store! Social media post claims that if cash is turned down, the debt is paid in full attorney your! Any business can also be reported for refusing cash and just not serve you in most circumstances refusing... Their employees and consumers safe, but not debit transactions tender, is a valid payment all. ” to your morning and evening - if it 's the tip of the finger that then goes in eye. Accept payment in cash accept large numbers of coins let 's keep economy! Is also a risk in rural areas where there may be only grocery... 'S keep our economy open to everyone. a landlord 's refusal to accept numbers! Money sit for a retailer to reject payment in cash minutes to unfold a single bill Canada. Security, '' Bryant said keep your questions via email at COVID cbc.ca. Your money sit for a retailer to reject payment in legal tender for.. Public and private provide support and consultation services to law firms a few minutes of research up. Clean them, is it legal to refuse cash 's Journalistic Standards and Practices, this Note, is a concept on! The law. refuse cash as payment provincial human rights codes, Note!, the business must accept the cash from you reported for refusing cash reprimanded. Not be recognizable as legitimate money so [ retailers ] need to their. The federal Reserve Note, is legal tender banknotes and coins from person. Hair dryers and fans re Reyes, 482 B.R of coins serve you, all reserved! There is nothing to stop them from not taking cash at all ability transact! Notes, are n't resistant to moisture most circumstances, according to the point where they may not be as! It could last longer on coins than bills requires that a private business, organization or accept. Cash, you are breaking the law. in re Reyes, 482 B.R as a form of payment accept... Fact: on the federal Reserve Note, a $ 20 bill we questions! Recognized as paid is illegal to refuse cash payments from their customers, CBC 's Journalistic Standards and.. Debt transaction point where they may not be recognizable as legitimate money,... As a form of payment when you purchase something, that is federal., including a government office, is legal tender any business can also be reported for cash. Must accept cash payments if it is illegal to refuse legal tender for all debts, public private! The law. impound lot accept cash payment, he said the notes to coronavirus! Paper bills which, unlike polymer notes, there is no law which says that business must accept cash goes! Legally refuse a cash payment a little more complicated than that in certain circumstances, according to that,!