WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4771

Prohibits businesses from charging convenience fees on cash transactions.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Diegnan and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill prohibits businesses from charging extra fees when customers pay with cash, protecting cash-payment accessibility for unbanked consumers.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
#corporations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4771

Legislative bill overview

S 4771 would prohibit New Jersey businesses from charging convenience fees when customers pay with cash. The bill treats cash payments as a standard payment method that cannot be subject to surcharges, while potentially allowing fees on other payment forms like credit cards.

Why is this important

As digital payments proliferate, some businesses charge fees to incentivize card use, which can disproportionately burden unbanked or cash-preferring consumers. This bill protects cash as a viable payment option and addresses concerns about financial inclusion and consumer choice in payment methods.

Potential points of contention

  • Business operational costs: Retailers argue cash handling has real expenses (counting, depositing, security) that card transactions don't have; restricting their ability to recoup these costs may be viewed as unfair regulation
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether "convenience fees" applies only to explicitly labeled surcharges or also to pricing structures where cash customers pay less than card customers
  • Competitive market argument: Some contend that market competition and consumer choice already discourage excessive surcharges without legislation, making this bill unnecessary

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

Sign in to ask a question.