As of October 1, retailers in DC can no longer refuse to accept cash for goods or services.

A bill, which was passed by the DC Council in 2021 and is now being enforced, also bans businesses from charging a higher price for cash payments and prohibits retailers from posting signs indicating that cash is not accepted. Businesses can offer cash-to-card services for in-store purchases but are barred from charging extra fees. Exceptions include transactions made online, by mail or by phone. Cashless policies have been banned in several states and cities to protect the unbanked and underbanked who don’t have access to credit.