PENNY SHORTAGE POLICY (1)
Background
As of summer 2025, the U.S. Mint is no longer making new pennies. That means businesses and consumers are now starting to notice the effects of the penny shortage. Because we still process cash transactions at all locations, we need a policy and procedure for how to handle transactions if there are no pennies available. This document provides the details for the Mast policy regarding cash transactions.
Policy
Due to a nationwide penny shortage, all change due to guests during cash transactions will be rounded up to the nearest $0.05 increment.
Procedure
- Once you have accepted a cash payment and have entered the tendered amount, the register will indicate “Change Due” and amount.
- Discreetly round up change to the nearest $0.05 increment and provide the appropriate amount of change due without initiating a conversation about the adjustment. If a guest inquires about the change, simply respond: “We are out of pennies.”
Examples of rounding up to the nearest $0.05 increment
- $0.22 rounds up to $0.25
- $3.14 rounds up to $3.15
- $7.68 rounds up to $7.70
- $8.96 rounds up to $9.00
See Table below for how to round up all change amounts.
Important Notes
- Electronic payments are not affected - only cash transactions.
- All item prices and transaction totals will remain the same regardless of tender type.
- No signage or public notices will be posted at the register regarding the penny shortage process. This helps keep the focus on a smooth guest experience.
- Please ask a manager if you have any questions or need clarification.
Register Shows | You Give |
.01 - .04 | 0.05 |
.06 - .09 | 0.10 |
.11 - .14 | 0.15 |
.16 - .19 | 0.20 |
.21 -.24 | 0.25 |
.26 - .29 | 0.30 |
.31 - .34 | 0.35 |
.36 - .39 | 0.40 |
.41 - .44 | 0.45 |
.46 - .49 | 0.50 |
.51 - .54 | 0.55 |
.56 - .59 | 0.60 |
.61 - .64 | 0.65 |
.66 - .69 | 0.70 |
.71 - .74 | 0.75 |
.76 - .79 | 0.80 |
.81 - .84 | 0.85 |
.86 - .89 | 0.90 |
.91 - .94 | 0.95 |
.96 - .99 | 1.00 |