The DTI has spoken: businesses must accept cash

In an age where QR codes, e-wallets, and cashless payments are everywhere, many Filipinos may have probably experienced being told, “Cashless Payments only”.

At the Land Transportation Office (LTO), for instance, several applicants recently complained that they were required to use GCash and even charged a “convenience fee” for doing so.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) have made it clear that this is not allowed.

In a recent advisory, the DTI reminded all merchants and establishments that cash remains legal tender in the Philippines and must be accepted without discrimination. While digital payments are encouraged for convenience, consumers still have the right to choose to pay in cash.

Why this matters

Even as cashless options like GCash, Maya, and QR Ph have become more common in recent times, many Filipinos still rely on physical money. Refusing cash payments excludes these consumers and goes against both consumer protection and financial inclusion goals.

The law is clear

Under BSP regulations, the Philippine peso is the country’s legal tender, which means it must be accepted as payment for goods and services. A merchant who refuses to accept cash without valid reason may be violating consumer protection laws.

Digital payments: an option, not an obligation

Cashless transactions are convenient, but they should complement, not replace, the use of cash. The DTI’s advisory helps ensure that modernization remains inclusive and that no consumer is left behind.

Final thoughts

The DTI’s reminder is timely amid public frustration over the LTO incident. As the country moves toward a digital economy, progress should not come at the expense of accessibility. The right to use cash, the simplest and most universal form of payment, must still be respected.