Beware! Did You Know Some New York Restaurants Charge More For Credit Card?

Did you know that less than 5% of American consumers will use cash for all of their purchases in 2024? Less than 20% of American consumers, according to Capital One Shopping, will use cash for half of their purchases in 2024. Fewer and fewer Americans continue to use cash in their every day lives but there is some benefit to cash vs. card.

Did you know that some New York restaurants offer a slightly smaller bill should you choose to pay in cash. Is a cash discount legal in New York State?

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Recently I enjoyed a nice dinner at a hibachi and sushi restaurant in the Capital Region of New York. Everything from the service, food and atmosphere were very good. When the bill arrived I was surprised to see 2 different totals. One total for credit card payment and a different total for cash payment.

I don't have cash on me! I never have cash on me so I have to pay slightly more? Is this legal in New York State?

According to the New York Times, more and more restaurants in New York and around the country are adding a credit card fee for a customer using any electronic payments and it's perfectly legal in New York State.

Global Legal Law Firm states that New York businesses MUST, before checkout, either always list the highest price clearly or list prices for both credit cards and cash ensuring that the card price is listed first alongside the lower cash discounted price.