July 21, 2021
Can businesses refuse to accept cash payments?
Dear Consumer Ed:
Is it legal in Georgia for a business to refuse cash for payment of goods or services? Can businesses legally force consumers to pay with a debit or credit card?
Consumer Ed says:
Under federal law, cash is a legal, valid form of payment. However, federal law does not require a business to accept cash as a form of payment. Private businesses are free to develop their own policies on whether or not to accept cash, unless there is a State law which says otherwise. While certain states have enacted statutes that require the acceptance of cash payments, Georgia has no such statutes. So, it is legal in Georgia for a business to refuse cash for payment of goods or services.
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