Imagine reaching the checkout only to find your cash is suddenly unwelcome… and your change is now “store credit”. Can stores really do this?
It’s a scenario that’s still playing out in stores across the country: You hand over a $20 bill for a $14.76 purchase and the cashier tells you there’s “no change available.” Worse, some stores are refusing to accept cash altogether, citing a lingering “coin shortage.” It feels shady, but is it legal?
Let’s clear the air.
What the Law Says About Refusing Cash
Contrary to what many people believe, businesses can refuse cash under certain conditions. According to the Federal Reserve, there is no federal law that requires private businesses to accept cash. While U.S. currency is labeled “legal tender,” that doesn’t force every retailer to take it.
That means if a business wants to operate on card-only or contactless payments, they can, unless a state or local law explicitly requires them to accept cash. For example, cities like New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia have already passed legislation banning cashless retail policies to protect unbanked consumers. Georgia, however, currently has no such law.
But here’s the kicker: stores must clearly communicate their payment policies upfront. If a business plans to reject cash or avoid giving change in coins, that information needs to be visible before you even begin shopping – not mumbled at the register.
The Coin Shortage Claim: Still Valid?
The so-called “coin shortage” that took hold during the early months of the pandemic has eased considerably. The Federal Reserve has since confirmed that coin production and circulation have largely stabilized. So when a store still blames a shortage years later, it’s more often a matter of preference, not necessity.
Some stores offer alternative solutions for leftover change, including:
- Applying it to a gift card
- Rounding down or up to the nearest dollar
- Offering to donate the excess to a designated charity
Again, these approaches are legally sound, but only if the customer is informed ahead of time and not blindsided at checkout.
Your Rights and What to Do If a Store Crosses the Line
If a store hides its payment or change policy until you're already swiping your card or standing at the register with no options, that’s a red flag. Transparency is legally required. As a shopper, you have the right to:
- Ask about the store’s payment and change policy before making a purchase
- Refuse the transaction and walk away
- Report unclear or deceptive practices to your state attorney general’s office
In Georgia, where TrustDALE is based, the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handles these types of complaints. And if a business continues to violate fair consumer practices? Let our investigative team know.
Final Takeaways: Stay Sharp at Checkout
The bottom line? Stores can refuse cash or coins, but not without warning. Don’t be caught off guard:
- Always check the storefront or counter for posted policies.
- Speak up if the policy isn’t clearly displayed.
- If something feels off, trust your instincts—and take your business elsewhere.
And if you're not getting the answers you deserve? Head to TrustDALE.com and submit a help request. We are here to hold businesses accountable so you don’t have to go it alone.
