A proposed law in Ohio could change how many businesses handle payments — and offer new protections for customers who still prefer using cash.
The CASH (Currency Access to Spend Here) Act, now under consideration by state lawmakers, would require businesses to provide at least one point of sale that accepts cash for any transaction under $500.
Republican State Representative David Thomas introduced the bill after hearing from constituents who said they were unable or struggled to pay with cash at certain businesses.
Why It Matters
Even as more of the economy shifts toward digital and card-based payments, a notable share of Americans still rely heavily on paper money. In 2022, 14 percent of Americans said they used cash for almost all or most of their transactions, while 41 percent said they never used cash, according to the Pew Research Center.
The CASH Act is part of a broader national push to preserve the option to pay with cash as more retailers, venues and institutions experiment with fully cashless models. It follows similar efforts such as the bipartisan Payment Choice Act, introduced in July by Senators Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
If the CASH Act becomes law, large grocery chains and major retailers in Ohio would be required to ensure that at least one checkout lane can process cash payments.
What the Bill Would Do
Under the proposal, any business or government entity operating in Ohio would need to maintain at least one point-of-sale system that can accept cash for purchases of $500 or less.
The bill would also bar businesses from charging higher prices to customers who pay in cash than to those who use cards or digital payment methods.
These requirements would apply to both traditional staffed registers and automated systems, allowing retailers that rely heavily on self-checkout to comply without fully overhauling their setups.
What Supporters Are Saying
In an October 30 press release, Thomas said: “It’s simple, cash is the basis for business in America. Our taxpayers should always have the ability to use cash in their daily lives.
“I hear from residents who may not trust virtual payment options or just prefer to use physical cash. This bill balances the needs of government and business to be efficient with the ability to still rely on physical currency.”
At the bill’s first hearing before the Ohio House General Government Committee, Thomas added: “Cash is more than king; it is the basis on which our economy moves,” according to Ohio outlet NBC4i.
What Happens Next
House Bill 554 is currently awaiting additional hearings in the Ohio House General Government Committee, where lawmakers will continue to debate and potentially amend the proposal before deciding whether to advance it.
