I’ll probably be embarrased how easy the answer is, but I was hoping someone here would know it.
At the FedEx office last night I noticed they refused to take cash, only credit (and I assume - debit) cards. If my dollar (Federal Reserve Note) is good for all debts, public and private, how do they do this without being sued?
Call them and ask them.
How much debt did you owe to them?
I often wondered about this too, primarily when my former university refused to accept $50 in pennies for a frivolous fine they imposed on me. But according to ustreas.gov:
"
The pertinent portion of law that applies to your question is the Coinage Act of 1965, specifically Section 31 U.S.C. 5103, entitled “Legal tender,” which states: “United States coins and currency (including Federal reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal reserve banks and national banks) are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues.”
This statute means that all United States money as identified above are a valid and legal offer of payment for debts when tendered to a creditor. There is, however, no Federal statute mandating that a private business, a person or an organization must accept currency or coins as for payment for goods and/or services. Private businesses are free to develop their own policies on whether or not to accept cash unless there is a State law which says otherwise. For example, a bus line may prohibit payment of fares in pennies or dollar bills. In addition, movie theaters, convenience stores and gas stations may refuse to accept large denomination currency (usually notes above $20) as a matter of policy."
SANTA! (bbnet) - thanks for the reply. Just one step closer to the cashless society I suppose. - Doug
If you live in the United States, this is actually illegal to do, all businesses HAVE to accept cash.