While the push for cashless payments grows across the United States, the CASH Act represents a counter-movement to ensure that cash remains an accessible and fair method of payment. If passed, it would require major retailers and grocery chains to offer a cash payment option, ensuring that Ohioans are not left behind by digital-first payment systems.
The Rise of Cashless Transactions and the Need for Legislative Protection
Cashless payments have become the norm in many businesses, particularly in urban areas and larger chains. According to a 2022 report from the Pew Research Center, 41 percent of Americans reported never using cash for transactions. Meanwhile, a growing number of businesses, from large retailers to local cafes, have moved to digital-only payment systems, citing efficiency and convenience as their driving forces.
However, this shift towards a cashless economy has left a segment of the population, particularly the elderly and those without access to banking services, struggling to make purchases. According to David Thomas, the Republican state representative behind the bill, many constituents in Ohio have voiced concerns about the growing exclusion of cash as a payment method. Thomas, speaking to local news outlet NBC4i, argued that “cash is more than king; it is the basis on which our economy moves.” He contends that the right to pay with cash should be protected, emphasising the importance of physical currency in the daily lives of many.
The CASH Act, introduced in October 2025, seeks to address this issue directly. It would require businesses and government entities in Ohio to offer at least one point-of-sale location capable of processing cash payments for transactions up to $500. This includes both staffed and automated registers, such as self-checkouts. Moreover, the bill prohibits businesses from charging higher prices to customers who pay with cash compared to those using credit or debit cards, ensuring that cash users are not financially disadvantaged.
Other States Take Action, But Enforcement Challenges Persist
Ohio is not the first state to introduce cash payment legislation. States like Colorado, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have already passed similar laws. In Colorado, businesses face fines for operating cashless establishments, but as the Payments Journal notes, enforcing this rule has proven difficult, with some businesses circumventing the regulation by creating ambiguous payment policies.
Enforcement is a concern that some experts have raised regarding Ohio’s proposed bill. Critics worry about the practical challenges of ensuring compliance, particularly in larger stores or areas where businesses heavily rely on digital transactions. Despite these concerns, other states, including Oregon and Rhode Island, have moved forward with similar regulations, and advocates argue that the benefits far outweigh the potential hurdles.
David Thomas’s bill could help address the inequities that arise when businesses move to cashless payment systems. According to NBC4i, Thomas has highlighted the importance of maintaining cash accessibility, especially for those who may be distrustful of digital payment systems or who lack the financial means to use them.
While digital payments continue to grow, there remains a significant portion of the population that depends on cash for everyday transactions. If passed, Ohio would join the growing number of states striving to strike a balance between modern payment systems and the needs of all consumers, particularly those who are at risk of being excluded from the digital economy.
