The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says pennies already in circulation remain legal tender in the territory, even after the U.S. Mint ended general production for circulation in November 2025.
A business that cannot make exact change may adopt a cash-rounding policy only if it is fair, consistent, symmetrical and clearly disclosed before payment. That means a policy cannot systematically favor the retailer by rounding every cash total upward.
Card and other noncash transactions should still be charged to the exact cent. DLCA also says businesses may not use a coin shortage to refuse cash or eliminate payment options required under Virgin Islands law.
Consumers who believe a business is using an unfair rounding practice can document the price, receipt and payment method and file a complaint with DLCA. The department's district numbers are 340-713-3522 on St. Croix, 340-714-3522 on St. Thomas and 340-727-3303 on St. John.
DLCA should post a one-page retailer standard with worked examples of lawful up-and-down rounding, required checkout disclosure and a direct online complaint form so businesses and customers apply the rule consistently.
Source published September 4, 2026. Read the original reporting or release for the complete record.
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