To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes.

2/8/2025, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1138

Bill 119 hr 1138, also known as the Payment Choice Act, aims to ensure that United States currency is accepted as legal tender for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses across the country. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining the use of physical currency in transactions, despite the increasing popularity of digital payment methods.

The legislation seeks to protect consumers who prefer to use cash for their purchases, as well as individuals who may not have access to or prefer not to use electronic forms of payment. By requiring businesses to accept cash as a form of payment, the bill aims to prevent discrimination against individuals who rely on physical currency for their transactions.

In addition to ensuring that cash remains a viable payment option, the bill also includes provisions to protect the privacy and security of consumers who choose to use cash. This includes prohibiting businesses from refusing to accept cash or charging additional fees for cash transactions. Overall, the Payment Choice Act is designed to uphold the importance of physical currency as legal tender and ensure that all individuals have the option to use cash for their purchases at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 1138

Payment Choice Act of 2025

This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location.

The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1.

The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

Current Status of Bill HR 1138

Bill HR 1138 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 7, 2025. Bill HR 1138 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 7, 2025. Bill HR 1138's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. as of February 7, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1138

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1138

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1138

To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes.