Can a Business in Ontario Refuse Cash? What You Need to Know
You pull out a twenty-dollar bill and the cashier says “card only.” Is that legal? This post explains the difference between legal tender for deb...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a coffee shop or restaurant legally refuse cash in Ontario?
Yes. A new retail transaction is a fresh contract, and the business sets the terms — including accepted payment methods. As long as the business posts a clear notice, refusing cash for a new purchase is legal in Ontario. The Currency Act’s legal tender rules apply to existing debts, not new sales.
Can my landlord refuse to accept cash for rent?
If you owe rent arrears — an existing debt — the analysis changes. Legal tender rules under the Currency Act are designed for debts. If you make a proper tender of the full amount owed in banknotes and the landlord refuses, you may have a defence at the LTB if the landlord later claims non-payment.
Is there a limit on how many coins I can use to pay a debt?
Yes. Section 8(2) of the Currency Act sets limits: $2 coins up to $40, $1 coins up to $25, quarters and dimes up to $10, and nickels up to $5. Bank of Canada banknotes have no similar cap.
Are there any Canadian laws requiring businesses to accept cash?
As of August 2026, neither Ontario nor the federal government has passed legislation requiring businesses to accept cash for new purchases. Several U.S. cities and states have enacted such laws, but Canada has not followed suit.
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