Long before the days of credit and debit cards, we used cold hard cash to pay for the things we needed. Sure, it may have been inconvenient to carry with you, but it was all we had.

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When COVID-19 threw us all into lockdown, businesses started turning away cash payments as a precaution to stay healthy. Now, Arizona wants to change that way of thinking... permanently.

Brick and Mortar Cash Requirement

Recently, House Bill 2683 passed with an overwhelming 45-15 vote. The bill would set in stone a "cash requirement" for businesses in Arizona. More specifically, businesses with a physical location would be required to accept cash for all orders under $100.

A woman tries to buy with a card, but a sign says "No Way"
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The bill also opens up a course of action for those who have been denied service or penalized for using cash. Businesses that deny customers the use of cash will be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 per person per day.

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What Good Does This Do?

There are a few reasons why Arizona politicians are in love with this bill. The largest of which, is allowing everyone to buy what they need, even if they only carry cash. There are plenty of people across the state that, for one reason or another, only carry cash. This bill would allow them to engage as part of the economic cycle, regardless of their inability to use card.

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Another major reason is to bump the cash flow in the state, which has significantly dipped since the 2020 pandemic. The bill heads to the senate, where its final fate will be decided, and if it does pass, better find an ATM.

[AZ Free News][HB 2683]

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