Bills · S 2326
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2326Finance and Financial Sector
Payment Choice Act of 2025
INTRO JUL 17· LAST ACTION JUL 17
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses a growing trend of some businesses, particularly restaurants and shops in urban areas, moving towards cashless operations. For many people, cash remains an essential payment method due to a lack of access to traditional banking services, a preference for privacy, or a desire to manage spending more easily. If this bill becomes law, it ensures that these individuals are not excluded from participating in the economy simply because they choose or need to pay with cash, promoting financial inclusion and consumer choice.
Without this bill, the trend towards cashless businesses could continue, potentially creating barriers for vulnerable populations or those who rely on cash for daily expenses. It would also solidify the role of physical U.S. currency as a universally accepted form of payment, as it is legally designated. The bill's passage would affirm the government's stance on the importance of cash in the modern economy, while its failure would allow businesses to continue setting their own payment acceptance policies, potentially further marginalizing cash users.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires retail businesses that accept in-person payments to accept cash for sales up to $500 per transaction.
This ensures that consumers can use cash for most everyday purchases at physical stores.
PROVISION 02
Prohibits businesses from charging cash-paying customers a higher price than non-cash customers.
This prevents discrimination against cash users and ensures equal pricing regardless of payment method.
PROVISION 03
Provides exceptions for temporary system failures, insufficient change, or if a business offers a free, non-expiring, no-personal-info cash-to-prepaid card conversion device.
These exceptions offer flexibility for businesses in specific situations while maintaining the overall intent of the bill.
PROVISION 04
Allows businesses for 5 years to refuse $50 bills or larger, with the Treasury Secretary to issue a rule on large bills thereafter, but always requiring acceptance of $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills.
This addresses security and change-management concerns for businesses regarding large denominations while preserving acceptance of common bills.
PROVISION 05
Establishes an enforcement mechanism allowing aggrieved customers to sue businesses for violations, seeking actual or liquidated damages and civil penalties.
This provision gives the bill teeth, enabling consumers to enforce their right to pay with cash.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· North Dakota
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
31
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 17
Introduced in Senate
JUL 17
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2326
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 17, 2025
Last actionJul 17, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 17, 2025
Senate BillS 2326Finance and Financial Sector
Payment Choice Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUL 17, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 17, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
