Payne, Smith bill would require stores to accept cash payments

Reps. Donald Payne Jr. (D-Newark) and Christopher Smith (R-Hamilton)  introduced a bill that would make it illegal for retail stores to refuse to take in-person payments made in cash.

“There are too many stores and businesses that want to reject American cash in favor of digital payments,” Payne said. “But cash is the only option available for millions of Americans to pay for food, housing and other essentials.  In addition, I have serious concerns about the safety and privacy of the data that companies are collecting from consumers during routine purchases.”

As many as 55 million Americans do not have a bank account or credit card, Payne said.

Such electronic systems are also reliant on infrastructure. Put another way, credit cards don’t work when the power’s out.

“Besides,” Payne said, “there are few things more American than cash.  A few years ago, we were fighting over who should be represented on our bills.  Now, it seems companies are more than ready to get rid of them entirely.”