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H 4195

An Act relative to discrimination against cash buyers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Massachusetts bill banning merchants from charging extra fees or refusing service to customers who pay with cash instead of credit cards.

Accompanied a study order, see H4733
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Bill Summary · H 4195

Legislative bill overview

H 4195 prohibits discrimination against consumers who pay with cash rather than credit cards or other payment methods. The bill addresses practices where businesses charge different prices, refuse service, or impose additional fees based solely on a customer's choice to use cash as payment.

Why is this important

Cash remains a critical payment method for unbanked and underbanked populations, including elderly citizens, immigrants, and lower-income individuals who may lack access to credit systems. Allowing discrimination against cash users creates a two-tiered marketplace and can exclude vulnerable populations from essential goods and services.

Potential points of contention

  • Business operational costs: Retailers argue that cash handling involves real expenses (counting, storage, bank fees) that credit card payments don't incur, and may claim the bill prevents cost-recovery pricing structures
  • Pricing flexibility: Merchants contend that offering discounts for credit payments (rather than surcharges for cash) should remain permissible as a legitimate business practice
  • Enforcement and definition challenges: Determining what constitutes prohibited "discrimination" versus legitimate surcharges or discounts may create ambiguity and enforcement difficulties for regulators

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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