Cash Transaction Rounding in register #

With the U.S. Penny retired, the team at register by ability business has added functionality to ensure register POS checkout continues to support cash payments accurately and consistently.  

This update allows organizations to apply rounding rules to cash transactions only, helping retailers manage situations where exact change is no longer available.

Check out our blog, How register Is Preparing Retailers for the End of the Penny.

Learn more in our blog: How register Is Preparing Retailers for the End of the Penny

View release details.

What Is Cash Transaction Rounding? #

Cash transaction rounding adjusts the final cash total to the nearest specified amount when the smallest currency denomination is no longer used.

This feature is commonly used in regions where low-value coins (such as the penny) have been eliminated from circulation.

Example #

If your organization rounds to the nearest $0.05, a transaction total may be rounded up or down based on your selected rounding rules.

How to Enable Cash Transaction Rounding #

Before rounding can be applied at checkout, confirm that the feature is enabled for your organization.  

1. Log in to your register dashboard
2. Select View Organization
3. On the Organization Settings tab, locate the Cash Transaction Rounding section
4. Select Manage Cash Rounding

Cash Transaction Rounding Settings #

Enable Rounding #

• Toggle Cash Rounding ON

Round to the Nearest Amount* #

Select the increment you want to round to:

• $0.05
• $0.10
• $0.25
• $0.50
• $1.00

Rounding Breakpoint #

The rounding breakpoint determines when an amount rounds up versus down within the selected interval.

Example:

• Round to nearest: $0.05
  
• Rounding breakpoint: $0.03
  

Results:

• $16.21 → rounds to $16.20
  
• $16.23 → rounds to $16.25
  

Amounts with a remainder greater than or equal to the breakpoint round up; amounts below the breakpoint round down.

Cash Rounding Adjustment Account #

• Select the account used to record rounding differences in your financial service.
  
• When required, register will create a linked service item to ensure adjustments are tracked properly.
  
• Updating this account will also update the linked item in your financial service.

Save & Test #

• Save your settings
  
• Use the Test Rounding tool to preview how transactions will be rounded

*disclaimer: Cash rounding laws vary by location. Before enabling rounding, verify that your settings comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. register by ability business does not provide legal or tax advice.

Cash Rounding at checkout #

Cash transaction rounding applies only when Cash is selected as the payment method.

checkout Flow #

1. Add items to the checkout screen
   
2. Select Pay
   
3. Choose Cash as the payment type
   

Once cash is selected, a payment popup appears.

Cash Payment Screen – Field Definitions #

Field / Function	Description
Payment Amount	Enter the cash amount received from the customer
Exact Rounded Change	Select if the exact cash amount is received. This field automatically fills the payment amount with the rounded total
Exact Change Remaining	Displays the change before rounding
Rounded Change Remaining	Displays the change after rounding is applied

Adjustments, Receipts & Reporting #

• An Adjustment line appears under the Payments section for any rounding difference
  
• This adjustment is tied to the selected cash rounding account
  
• Receipts will include the adjustment line
  
  • You may need to update your receipt template
    
  • See this article for instructions

Under the payments section, an Adjustment line displays the amount being adjusted for the transaction.  This Adjustment line is tied to the account that has been selected in the settings. 

Follow-Up: Reviewing in QuickBooks Online #

After completing a transaction:

• Head over to QuickBooks Online
  
• Review the transaction details
  
• Confirm that rounding adjustments are recorded in the selected account

Be Sure to Create a Sign for Your Customers #

Posting a simple sign at checkout helps set expectations and reduces questions during payment. Customers are more comfortable with rounding when they understand why it’s happening and that it applies only to cash.

What to Include on Your Sign #

• A short explanation that cash totals may be rounded
  
• A reminder that card and digital payments are not affected
  
• Clear, friendly language

Example Sign Text #

Cash Payments & Rounding Notice
Due to changes in coin availability, cash payments may be rounded to the nearest amount.
Item prices and card payments are not affected. Thank you for your understanding.

Short Version (for small counters or registers) #

Cash payments may be rounded due to changes in coin availability. Card payments are not affected.

Best Placement #

• At the register or payment terminal
  
• Near cash drawers
  
• At store entrances for high-volume cash locations

Customer FAQ: Cash Payments & Rounding #

Why does my cash total look slightly different?
Due to changes in coin availability, cash totals may be rounded to the nearest amount (such as $0.05). This only applies to cash payments.

Are prices increasing because of rounding?
No. Item prices and taxes are still calculated to the cent. Rounding only affects the final cash total.

Are card or digital payments affected?
No. Credit cards, debit cards, and other digital payments are processed to the exact cent.

Does the store keep the difference?
No. Rounding may go up or down and is applied consistently based on standard rounding rules.

Why is this happening now?
Pennies are being phased out, making exact change harder to provide. Rounding helps ensure smooth and fair cash transactions.

Clear signage helps transactions move faster and keeps checkout conversations positive and transparent.