The post-penny economy: How cash rounding and credit card surcharges are changing what you pay
- Posted on August 26, 2026
- By CNBC
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
The decline of penny production is reshaping consumer transactions across retail landscapes. Businesses are increasingly implementing cash rounding strategies, adjusting change to the nearest nickel to streamline operations and reduce handling costs. Simultaneously, merchants are imposing credit card surcharges to offset processing fees. These economic shifts reflect evolving payment behaviors and highlight the growing tension between cash and digital transactions. Understanding these pricing adjustments helps consumers anticipate spending patterns and make informed payment choices in today's modernizing marketplace.
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