Coronavirus: Isn't it illegal for a merchant to refuse a cash payment?

I was in a store today and tried to pay by credit card. My card was declined. I said to the merchant, "I'll have to pay cash." The merchant said, "I'd prefer if you pay by card. Don't you have another card?" I said, "no." So he accepted my cash. But what if a merchant says, "I will not accept cash--only credit card." Isn't it illegal for a merchant to refuse cash? If you look at money it says, "This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private."

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HootyTheNightOwl

Aren't stores allowed to state their preferences???

Even the government advice recommends that businesses go with card payments where possible.

Try to keep in mind that they are trying to keep their employees safe and working so that you can get what you need without risking their health, their family's health or anyone else's health. All currency is potentially contaminated and could make them sick.

Is that bill really to die for, because that's the choice that it sounds like you are expecting them to make here???

We are in times that we've only ever seen before with the bubonic plague - and look what that did to people and lives. It's understandable that people are going to be scared right now.