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New York’s state legislature has passed a new law requiring retailers throughout the Empire state to accept cash for in-person payments. Sponsored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman, James Sanders Jr. and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, the legislation (S4153-A / A7929-A) supports consumer choice in payments, reaffirms U.S. currency as ‘legal tender,’ and ensures all New Yorkers — especially low-income, elderly, and unbanked individuals — have the option to access essential goods and services using cash.

The measure now awaits Governor Hochul’s signature.

• NAC asks that all New York ATM Operators and Suppliers urge Governor Hochul to sign the new cash acceptance bill into law ASAP. [Contact NAC for assistance with this outreach: bruce@natmc.org] 

ALBANY, NY – In a major victory for economic equity and consumer rights, legislation sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr. (S4153-A) and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz (A7929-A) has officially passed both houses of the New York State Legislature. The bill prohibits food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash, ensuring that all New Yorkers—especially low-income, elderly, and unbanked individuals—can access essential goods and services.

"I'm proud to cosponsor this legislation because access and fairness should never be optional at the checkout line,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “No one should be turned away from buying food or necessities simply because they pay in cash. This bill protects everyday consumers, especially seniors, low-income individuals, and the unbanked, by ensuring that cash remains a legal and accepted form of payment.”

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., co-sponsor of the bill, added: “In an increasingly digital society, we must not forget those who rely on cash as their only means of payment. This bill is about fairness and inclusion. No one in New York should be denied a meal, service, or basic necessities simply because they don't have access to a credit card or bank account. By prohibiting businesses from refusing cash, we ensure that purchasing of goods and services are open and accessible to all – especially the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Senator Cordell Cleare, also a co-sponsor, said: “I co-sponsored this bill because I do not believe that a potential employer should be able to use someone’s credit history as a determinant for hiring or not. 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.”

"We strongly urge Governor Hochul to promptly sign this commonsense legislation into law."

With the rise of digital payment systems, many retailers have moved toward cashless models. While convenient for some, these practices disproportionately exclude the most vulnerable populations—including immigrants, seniors, and underbanked communities who rely on cash to manage their daily expenses.

This bill reaffirms that access to the marketplace is a fundamental right, not a luxury reserved for the digitally connected.

ABOUT NAC

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. https://www.natmc.org/