Yes, all licensed Chicago taxicabs are legally required to accept credit and debit cards for payment. Under city regulations enforced by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), taxis must be equipped with a functional, rear-seat mounted credit card processing system. This system allows passengers to swipe their own cards without ever having to hand them over to the driver. There is no minimum fare required to use a credit card, and drivers are strictly prohibited from charging a surcharge for card payments, although a small "technology fee" (currently around $0.50) is often automatically added to the fare. If a driver claims their credit card machine is "broken," they are technically in violation of city rules and should not be operating. In such cases, you are encouraged to call 3-1-1 or use the CHI 311 app to report the vehicle number. To avoid any issues, it's always a good idea to confirm "credit card?" with the driver before the trip begins, but rest assured that the law is firmly on the side of the passenger.