Strange Check Acceptance Policy

[denmarks]

I was puzzled by the following personal check policy.

"Amtrak does not accept personal checks in California, except from customers aged 62 and older. In all other states, Amtrak accepts personal checks of $25 or more from customers..."

Any idea why? It must be due to some strange California law.

 

[railman]

Because California state law prohibits any merchant from requesting a customer to display a credit card as a second form of identification.

Amtrak requires customers (except seniors) who are making personal check purchases to present a government-issued photo ID and a valid major credit card (presumably to indicate a worthy credit risk). Otherwise, Amtrak will not accept the personal check.