U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have introduced the Payment Choice Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting Americans’ ability to pay with cash and preventing businesses from charging extra for doing so.

“It’s simple: if you’re open for business in America, you should take U.S. dollars,” said Fetterman. “We have millions of people in this country who don’t have access to bank accounts, and they must be able to go shopping with their hard-earned dollars.”

Cramer added, “Cash is still legal tender in the United States… Americans should have the option of using cards or cash, but they should be the ones who make that choice.”

The legislation comes amid growing concerns that cashless payment systems exclude consumers who are unbanked or underbanked. According to recent federal data, 4.5% of U.S. households lack a checking or savings account, disproportionately affecting lower-income families, minority communities, and those with limited education.

Supporters of the bill say it protects not only vulnerable populations but also small businesses and the integrity of the U.S. dollar. Advocacy groups like the National ATM Council and the Amusement & Music Operators Association praised the move, citing the importance of preserving “financial freedom of choice and purchasing privacy.”

Despite the rise in digital transactions, cash still accounts for roughly 20% of all payments in the U.S. economy. The Payment Choice Act seeks to ensure that this option remains available and affordable.