Can I pay in cash without a limit?
It depends who pays whom. In France, a cash payment to a professional (or between professionals) is capped at €1,000 if you're a French tax resident. Between individuals, for a private-life expense (buying furniture, a used car…), there's no limit — though a written receipt is advised above €1,500. Non-residents can pay in cash up to €15,000 (to a professional subject to anti-money-laundering rules). Salary in cash is capped at €1,500/month, and payments at the public-finance counter at €300.
📋 The rules
- Individual → professional: €1,000 max (FR tax resident)
- Between individuals (private life): no limit
- Non-resident → professional: up to €15,000
- Salary in cash: €1,500/month maximum
- Public-finance counter: €300
🔓 Exceptions
- Between individuals, a written receipt is advised above €1,500
- People without a bank account: special rules
- A trader can refuse payment in more than 50 coins
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Exceeding the €1,000 cap in cash with a professional brings a fine of up to 5% of the sums paid illegally, shared between the payer and the professional who accepted the payment. Conversely, refusing payment in legal-tender cash within the legal limit can be sanctioned on the trader's side. Large cash transactions may also trigger an anti-money-laundering check.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Cash payment →
- Les clés de la banque · Cash payment > €1,000 →
- Légifrance · Ban on cash payment (art. D112-3) →
❓ Frequently asked
What's the cash-payment cap?
€1,000 for a payment from an individual to a professional (or between professionals), if you're a French tax resident. Between individuals, for a private expense, there's no amount limit.
Can I buy a used car in cash?
Yes, between individuals, with no amount limit, as the deal is private. Above €1,500 a written record (receipt, statement) is advised for proof. Buying from a professional stays capped at €1,000.
How much salary can be paid in cash?
Up to €1,500 per month. Above that, the employer must pay by crossed cheque or bank transfer. This rule ensures traceability of significant pay.
What's the risk of exceeding the cap?
A fine of up to 5% of the sums paid illegally in cash, shared between the payer and the professional. Both parties are concerned, not only the one who pays.
Can a trader refuse cash?
Refusing legal-tender cash is in principle banned, within the legal cap and practical rules (e.g. refusal possible above 50 coins, or for a big note without change). Above €1,000 with a professional, the cash payment itself is banned.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “cash payment cap 1000 euros”
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- “buy used car cash”
- “salary cash cap”
- “cash payment individuals unlimited”
- “cash cap exceeded fine”