The way Americans pay for everyday goods and services continues to evolve as digital payment methods steadily replace cash. From contactless cards to mobile wallets and cryptocurrency transactions, cashless options are becoming more widely accepted across the country.
A new data-driven study conducted by mBit Casino sheds light on how prepared major U.S. cities are for a future where physical cash plays a minimal role, ranking locations based on their adoption of Apple Pay and cryptocurrency payments.
By analyzing payment acceptance trends across 40 of the largest U.S. cities, the study offers a clear snapshot of where cashless infrastructure is already well established and where traditional payment habits remain dominant.
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Measuring Cashless Readiness in Major U.S. Cities
To determine which cities are most prepared for a cashless economy, the study focused on two core indicators: the prevalence of Apple Pay acceptance and the number of businesses allowing customers to pay with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. These metrics were chosen to represent both mainstream digital payments and emerging financial technologies.
Apple Pay adoption was assessed across seven common business categories, including restaurants, fast food outlets, supermarkets, coffee shops, bars, gas stations, and parking facilities. Cryptocurrency acceptance was measured by counting businesses that allow direct crypto payments, spanning sectors such as finance, retail, hospitality, and professional services.
Each city received a weighted score out of 100, with Apple Pay accounting for 60 percent and cryptocurrency adoption contributing the remaining 40 percent. This combined approach highlights not just digital convenience, but also openness to newer forms of decentralized payment.
Philadelphia Emerges as the Most Cashless-Ready City
According to the report, Philadelphia ranks as the most cashless-ready city in the United States, achieving a total score of 77.3 out of 100. A key factor behind its top position is the widespread acceptance of Apple Pay, which is available at 84 percent of analyzed businesses across the city.
Philadelphia also stands out for its relatively high number of businesses accepting cryptocurrency payments. Forty-five establishments currently allow transactions using digital currencies, with the majority concentrated in the financial sector.
This includes banks, ATMs, and other financial service providers, though adoption is not limited to finance alone. A range of niche businesses, from veterinary services to hospitality venues, have also embraced crypto payments, signaling a broader acceptance beyond traditional use cases.
New York and Chicago Follow Closely Behind
New York City ranks second overall, earning a score of 76 out of 100. Its high placement is largely driven by its leadership in cryptocurrency adoption. With 94 businesses accepting crypto payments, New York has more than double the number recorded in any other city included in the study.
The city’s crypto-friendly landscape spans numerous industries, including food and beverage, cleaning services, automotive businesses, and professional services. Financial institutions make up the largest share, reflecting New York’s role as a global financial hub and its long-standing engagement with digital finance innovation.
Chicago places third with a total score of 71.6 out of 100. While its cryptocurrency adoption is more moderate, the city excels in mobile payment usage. More than 90 percent of businesses analyzed in Chicago accept Apple Pay, making it one of the most mobile-payment-friendly cities in the country. This widespread acceptance contributes significantly to its strong overall ranking.
Cities Showing Rapid Adoption of Mobile Payments
Several cities outside the top three show strong cashless readiness, driven largely by Apple Pay adoption. Atlanta ranks fourth overall and leads the country in mobile wallet usage, with 94.8 percent of businesses accepting Apple Pay, particularly across restaurants and fast food outlets.
Washington, D.C., rounds out the top five, supported by solid Apple Pay usage and 26 businesses accepting cryptocurrency payments. While crypto adoption is lower than in New York or Philadelphia, it remains a contributing factor to the city’s overall score.
Detroit, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City complete the top ten, each showing steady growth in digital payment acceptance, especially in dining, transport, and retail sectors.
Where Cash Still Dominates Local Economies
While cashless payments are expanding nationwide, several cities remain heavily reliant on cash. San Antonio ranks last among the 40 cities studied, scoring 12.8 out of 100, with just over half of businesses accepting Apple Pay and only seven allowing cryptocurrency payments.
Fort Worth follows closely, alongside San Jose, Minneapolis, and Indianapolis, all of which show limited adoption of mobile and crypto-based payments. Despite lagging behind leading cities, Apple Pay acceptance still exceeds 50 percent in most of these locations, indicating that cashless options are growing, albeit at a slower pace.
Cryptocurrency Adoption Remains Concentrated in Major Hubs
When focusing exclusively on cryptocurrency acceptance, New York City leads decisively, achieving a perfect score in the crypto category. Financial services dominate this space, but the range of businesses accepting crypto continues to expand into everyday services.
Philadelphia ranks second for crypto adoption, followed by Los Angeles, which stands out for the number of medical service providers accepting digital currencies. Miami and Chicago complete the top five, with food and beverage businesses playing a key role in crypto acceptance across both cities.
Apple Pay Becomes the Standard in Urban Centers
Apple Pay adoption remains the most widespread indicator of cashless readiness. Atlanta leads all cities, followed by Detroit and Las Vegas, each demonstrating high levels of acceptance across essential business categories.
In several top-ranking cities, Apple Pay is accepted at virtually all restaurants and supermarkets, underscoring how mobile wallets have become part of everyday spending habits.
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