In response to customer complaints and growing concerns about retail theft, several states, including Ohio and California, are introducing or enacting new laws that would require major retailers like Costco and Walmart to change the rules governing self-checkout lanes. Proposed “cash laws” and local ordinances aim to ensure that consumers have more payment options and that self-checkout processes are more closely supervised for safety and security.
Cash Acceptance and Lane Availability
Some states are moving to mandate that retailers maintain at least one staffed checkout lane accepting cash at all times—even in stores primarily using self-checkout. Self-service registers, popular with both Costco and Walmart , have often excluded cash payments in favor of cards or digital wallets. New laws would force locations to equip at least one self-checkout with the ability to take cash and provide customers with coin and bill change if needed. This is a direct response to consumer advocacy for payment inclusivity and accessibility for people who do not use credit cards.
Stricter Membership and Item Limits
Costco has already made internal policy changes, such as requiring both a membership card and a photo ID at self-checkout registers, aiming to prevent non-members from making purchases. Many locations are now posting item limits—often 15 to 20 items—at self-checkout, with employees present to enforce rules and check identification. Other cities, like Long Beach, California, have passed ordinances requiring one staff member for every three self-checkout stations and manual enforcement of a 15-item limit. These moves are designed to reduce the risk of theft and ensure transactions are legitimate.
Data Table: Key Proposed and Enacted Self-Checkout Rule Changes
| Rule/Requirement | Detail/Enforcement | Retailers Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Accepting cash at checkout | One lane or self-checkout must handle cash | Costco, Walmart, Target |
| Staffed lanes at all times | At least one, regardless of store size | Costco, Walmart, Target |
| Membership card and photo ID | Required at Costco self-checkout | Costco only |
| Item limits at self-checkout | Most locations 15–20 items; some flexibility | Costco, Walmart, others |
| Increased staff oversight | 1 staff per 3 kiosks (CA law) | Costco, Walmart, pharmacies |
Technology Upgrades and Scan & Go Experiments
In response to both regulation and customer demand for faster, more convenient service, Costco and Walmart are also piloting Scan & Go or Scan & Pay programs, where customers use their smartphones to scan items as they shop, pay via app, and present a QR code before leaving the store. These systems aim to reduce wait times and streamline the exit process, but officials note that new regulations may still require human oversight, cash payment support, and stricter membership or ID verification.
Why Retailers—and Shoppers—Should Care
The reforms seek a balance between efficiency, consumer rights, and theft prevention. While many shoppers appreciate the speed and autonomy of self-checkout, new rules will provide greater payment flexibility and oversight, making the shopping experience more equitable. For retailers, these changes mean investing in technology and staff training, but they may also reduce shrinkage and improve compliance with new consumer protection regulations.
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FAQs
Q1. Will stores remove self-checkout altogether?
No, but more locations are adding staffed lanes, cash capability, and staff oversight to comply with new laws.
Q2. Can I pay with cash at Walmart or Costco self-checkout?
Soon you’ll be able to at most locations—laws will require at least one self-checkout (or staffed lane) to accept cash.
Q3. Why are item limits and staff oversight being implemented?
To reduce theft, improve traffic flow, and make sure only authorized members use member-based services like those at Costco .
