New York mandates cash acceptance for retailers starting in 2026

New York will require stores to accept cash starting March 21, 2026, banning cashless policies or charging higher prices for cash transactions; violations can incur civil penalties up to $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 for each subsequent offense. There are exceptions, including denominations over $20, remote/online orders not placed in-store, and cash-to-prepaid-card devices (which may not charge fees or require minimum loads above $1). Enforcement is by the Office of the Attorney General, and complaints can be filed at 1-800-771-7755.