Payments

New York legislature passes law to protect cash payments

Photo: Adobe Stock

June 4, 2025

The New York State Assembly and Senate have passed a law that bans grocers and retailers from refusing cash. The bill aims to protect senior citizens, unbanked and other individuals who primarily pay with cash, according to a press release.

The bill was co-sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr. and Assembly Member Catalina Cruz.

"Cash is still king for many New Yorkers who live paycheck to paycheck or who simply don't have access to credit or banking services," Sanders Jr., said in the release. "No one should be denied a sandwich, a bottle of water, or a loaf of bread because they don't have a debit card. This bill is about fairness and basic dignity."

Another co-sponsor, Senator Cordell Cleare, pointed out the importance of employers not using credit checks when making a decision on hiring as relevant to this bill.

"A person looking for a job should be viewed based on their qualifications to succeed in the position, not their personal finances. So yes, I wholeheartedly support the amendment of the general business law, as it relates to prohibiting the disclosure or use of a person's consumer credit history to an employer in any decision to hire, or fire, promote, demote, or set any conditions for employment," Cleare said in the release.

The bill has gone to Governor Kathy Hochul for approval.

Bruce Wayne Renard, executive director of The National ATM Council Inc. has called on the governor to sign the bill quickly.

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National ATM Council, Inc.

The National ATM Council, Inc. is a not-for-profit national trade association dedicated to ethically and effectively representing the business interests of ATM Owners, Operators and Suppliers in their efforts to provide safe, secure and convenient delivery of cash to consumers throughout the United States.

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