A new law poised to be enacted in Ohio could require major retailers like Walmart and Costco to change their self-checkout systems by ensuring that customers can still pay with cash. The legislation, known as the Currency Access to Spend Here (CASH) Act or House Bill 554, mandates that all businesses provide at least one cash-accepting point-of-sale (POS) for transactions up to $500. This law challenges the growing trend of cashless retail setups, especially within self-checkout systems widely used by these retailers.
Details of the CASH Act and Its Requirements
The CASH Act aims to preserve consumers’ right to use cash in everyday transactions, recognizing that many Americans either distrust virtual payment systems or simply prefer the physical currency. The key provisions require retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Target to:
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Maintain at least one POS location per store that accepts cash payments.
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Prohibit charging customers more for paying with cash than for debit or credit card payments.
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Allow the cash-accepting POS to be either automated (e.g., through a modified self-checkout) or staffed by an employee.
This law counters the increasing elimination of staffed cashiers and the preference for cashless self-checkout lanes that sometimes do not accept cash. The mandate seeks to balance modern payment efficiency with inclusiveness for cash users.
Impact on Walmart and Costco Self-Checkout Systems
Walmart and Costco, which have heavily adopted self-checkout technologies to improve convenience and reduce staffing costs, may face operational changes under this law. Key anticipated effects include:
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Retrofitting existing self-checkout terminals to accept cash payments alongside cards and mobile wallets.
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Potentially adding dedicated cash-accepting kiosks within stores if existing systems cannot be easily adapted.
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Training staff or deploying attendants to assist with cash payments at self-checkout lanes, depending on store policy.
| Impact Area | Potential Changes | Retailer Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Self-checkout terminals | Hardware/software upgrades to handle cash payments | Increased upfront tech costs |
| Staffing | Possible designated cash checkout attendants | May affect labor expenses |
| Customer experience | Enhanced payment options while preserving checkout speed | Balances convenience and accessibility |
| Compliance risks | Avoid fines for non-compliance | Keeps retailer compliant with new regulations |
Consumer and Retailer Perspectives
Consumers who rely on cash welcome the proposed legislation. They often face barriers when stores push fully cashless systems, which can exclude unbanked or underbanked populations and those worried about online payment privacy. Ohio Representatives emphasize that cash is fundamental to commerce and essential for equitable access.
Retailers express caution about the cost and logistical complexity of reintroducing cash options at self-checkouts. However, the legislation offers flexibility by allowing automated systems to satisfy the cash acceptance requirement rather than mandating fully staffed registers, potentially lowering compliance burdens.
Broader Legislative Context and Similar Proposals
Ohio’s CASH Act mirrors a federal bill called the Payment Choice Act of 2025, introduced by Senators John Fetterman and Kevin Cramer, which also seeks to prevent retailers from going cashless and to ban surcharges on cash payments nationwide.
The Ohio bill exempts certain transactions, such as those at airports, but broadly applies to retail stores and government agencies. It reinforces consumer protections amid rapid adoption of digital payments, ensuring no one is forced to abandon cash against their preference.
Current Status and Outlook
As of November 2025, House Bill 554 is under review in the Ohio House General Government Committee. If passed, retailers like Walmart and Costco will have to swiftly adapt their checkout systems to comply. Retail experts estimate Walmart alone may incur millions in upgrading equipment across its thousands of U.S. stores.
Both retailers have received inquiries regarding the bill but have yet to issue detailed public statements on how they will respond. Compliance plans will likely balance technology upgrades with operational adjustments to avoid major disruption.
This law indicates a growing legislative trend to preserve payment choice in an increasingly cashless retail environment, ensuring inclusivity for all consumers regardless of payment method preference.
FAQs
Q1 What does the new Ohio CASH Act require retailers to do?
It mandates stores like Walmart and Costco to maintain at least one checkout point per location that accepts cash for purchases up to $500 and bans charging cash users higher fees.
Q2 Will Walmart and Costco have to bring back staffed cash registers?
Not necessarily; cash acceptance can be via automated systems or staffed lanes, giving retailers flexibility in compliance.
Q3 Why is this law important for consumers?
It protects consumers who rely on cash by ensuring equal access to payment options and preventing discrimination through higher fees for cash payments.
This legislation could reshape the landscape of self-checkout systems at Walmart, Costco, and other large retailers by reinforcing the ongoing need for cash payment acceptance amid growing digital payment trends.
