Euro banknotes and coins are the only means of payment that cannot be refused at a merchant. However, since the beginning of the health crisis, some retailers have wrongly not accepted this type of payment. The State services have also been informed of these actions on several occasions. This is why the prefecture of Finistère recalls that “the refusal of cash payment in shops is not part of the measures envisaged under the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus, as detailed in the law of March 23. 2020 relating to the state of health emergency and the implementing orders”. The Defender of Rights has also indicated that this situation is likely to fall under texts which prohibit discrimination.

Not accepting payment in cash (coins or banknotes that are legal tender in France) is punishable by law. The fine can be up to €150 (article R.642-3 of the penal code). Remember, however, that a cash payment limit must not be exceeded. It is set at €1,000 when the consumer is domiciled in France for tax purposes or is acting for the purposes of a professional activity.

Payments by check or credit card may be refused to you, on the one and only condition that you are informed beforehand “and in an apparent way by way of marking, labeling, display or any appropriate process”, details the prefecture.

Signs at the entrance to a shop or on the tills are thus accepted, as soon as they are visible. Note that when these means of payment are accepted, they must sometimes respect certain conditions: minimum purchase amount, presentation of ‘an ID…

While cash payments cannot be prohibited, a merchant may nevertheless refuse to be paid in this way in certain cases. Discover them in our slideshow.