CNBC
The post-penny economy: How cash rounding and credit card surcharges are changing what you pay
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
The U.S. Mint discontinued penny production in 2022, and merchants have responded by rounding cash purchases to the nearest nickel and implementing credit card surcharges. The practice affects the final amount customers pay at checkout. Some jurisdictions have begun regulating these fees, while others permit them without restriction.
