Ohio lawmakers are pushing back against the trend of cashless transactions with a new proposal that aims to keep physical money in play for everyday purchases. The Currency Access to Spend Here (CASH) bill, known as House Bill 554, would mandate that businesses and government offices in the state accept cash for transactions up to $500. This means at least one checkout spot—whether run by a machine or a person—must handle bills and coins, without slapping extra fees on cash users.
Retail giants like Walmart, Costco, and Target have been rolling out self-checkout kiosks that often skip cash altogether, favoring cards and apps. If this bill passes, those stores might need to adjust their setups to include cash options, preserving a traditional payment method that’s rooted in American commerce.
“It’s simple, cash is the basis for business in America. Our taxpayers should always have the ability to use cash in their daily lives,” said Ohio state Rep. David Thomas, the Republican from Jefferson who introduced the measure.
Many Americans still rely on cash for its reliability and privacy, especially in an era where digital glitches or hacks can freeze accounts. The bill addresses concerns from folks who avoid virtual payments due to security worries or simply prefer the feel of real money. By ensuring cash remains viable, it supports economic freedom and prevents a full shift to tracked, electronic-only systems that could leave vulnerable groups behind.
“I hear from residents who may not trust virtual payment options or just prefer to use physical cash. This bill balances the needs of government and business to be efficient with the ability to still rely on physical currency,” Thomas said.
On the federal level, a similar effort is underway with the Payment Choice Act of 2025, backed by Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota. Their legislation echoes the Ohio plan, requiring businesses nationwide to accept cash and barring higher prices for those who pay with it.
If the Ohio initiative is successful, it could spark more action in other states and reinforce the need at the federal level. As globalists push us towards a cashless society, now is the time to take a stand against it.
Moves like these reinforce the value of cash in bolstering a resilient economy, where citizens aren’t forced into digital dependencies that could crumble under pressure from cyberattacks or power outages. Keeping cash alive helps maintain consumer choice and guards against overreach in how we handle our hard-earned dollars.
Cash payments are still needed but beyond the $500 limit but it’s a start.