Can a merchant refuse payment by check?

Received Idea

“SMS Conversation”

- So what was that restaurant like?

- I couldn't go... Bank card forgotten at work and no cash on me (emoji not happy).

- Oh my God, but you could have paid by check! The traders are obliged to accept them.

“Received Idea”

“A merchant may not refuse payment by check”

FALSE (tablet)

SP Response

It's a common misconception!

A merchant has every right to refuse payment by check. It may also require a minimum or maximum amount to accept them.

To do this, he must inform his customers by clearly displaying in the store a statement such as: "checks are not accepted".

And if the purchase is made via the Internet, the information must appear in the general conditions of sale.

On the other hand, the regulations are somewhat different if the trader has chosen to entrust the accounting and fiscal management of his company to an authorized management center (CGA).

In this case, the merchant is obliged to accept one of the two means of payment: either the bank card or the check.

He can thus refuse you payment by check provided that he authorizes payment by card.

This member merchant can also refuse payment by check in 3 specific cases:

· First, for small sales that are usually paid in cash, such as the sale of a loaf of bread.

· Second, where professional regulations require cash payments. This is the case for the sale of gambling in tobacco offices.

· Finally, where the cost of cashing the check is very high in relation to the amount of the transaction. We can imagine here a small check from a foreign bank.

Be aware that you can easily find out if your merchant is a member of an authorized management center. This information must be displayed in-store and on the company's business documents such as quotes and invoices...

Finally, note that to accept your check, a merchant may ask you to show your ID