A new Maryland law taking effect October 1 will require many retailers to accept cash for in-person purchases of essential consumer goods.
Under House Bill 191, merchants generally may not refuse a cash payment, require a customer to use a credit or debit card, or charge a customer more for paying with cash for covered transactions between 6am and 10pm. The law applies to in-person retail transactions totaling less than $300 involving essential consumer goods, including:
- Food for people and animals
- Water, ice and other beverages
- Toiletries, cleaning supplies and other personal hygiene products
- Medicine, medical supplies, equipment and personal protective equipment
- Fuel
The requirement does not apply to online, telephone or mail transactions, vending machines or kiosks. Restaurants and other businesses that primarily sell food or beverages for on-site consumption are also exempt, along with retailers specializing in a limited selection of gourmet or specialty foods. Fuel retailers that require a paid membership are not required to accept cash for fuel purchases.
Businesses may decline bills larger than $20. They may also remain cashless if they provide an on-site machine that converts cash to a prepaid card without charging a fee or requiring a deposit.
The measure was sponsored by Montgomery County Delegate Greg Wims and signed by Gov. Wes Moore as Chapter 714. Violations will be considered unfair, abusive or deceptive trade practices. Businesses must be given at least two opportunities to comply before facing fines of up to $500 per violation and up to $1,000 for subsequent violations.
The law takes effect October 1, 2026. More information is available through the Maryland General Assembly.
