According to California law, businesses statewide are not required to accept cash payments. However, several cities in California, such as Newport Beach, now require brick-and-mortar businesses to accept cash, particularly in consumer-facing establishments like restaurants and retail stores.
Such inclusionary ordinances are in place to ensure unbanked and underbanked customers can also pay for goods and services. While there is no federal law requiring any business in the US to accept cash payments, states and cities are free to create their own payment policies. Businesses operating in California should carefully review all state and local cash-acceptance ordinances to ensure accessibility and to avoid sanctions, fines, and other penalties.
Ready Credit’s inclusive digital payment solutions help businesses accommodate all customers while operating efficiently in states that require cash acceptance.
