As America accelerates toward a cashless future, new data reveals the cities leading the digital payment revolution and those falling behind.
A new nationwide study by mBit Casino analyzed 40 of the largest U.S. cities to determine how prepared businesses are for a cashless economy, based on their adoption of Apple Pay and cryptocurrency payments.
The results reveal a clear divide between America’s cashless leaders and laggards.
America’s most cashless-ready cities
1. Philadelphia, PA – Ranked 1st Overall
- 84% of businesses accept Apple Pay (10% above the national average).
- 45 businesses accept cryptocurrency payments.
- 100% of surveyed restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and fast-food outlets accept Apple Pay.
Philadelphia secured the top overall position thanks to its strong Apple Pay infrastructure and high number of crypto-accepting businesses, particularly in the financial sector.
2. New York City, NY – America’s Crypto Capital
- 94 businesses accept cryptocurrency payments (the highest in the U.S.).
- 76.4% of establishments accept Apple Pay.
- More than 60% of crypto-accepting businesses are finance-related.
While ranking second overall, NYC dominates when it comes to crypto adoption, making it America’s top city for digital currency payments.
3. Chicago, IL – Digital Payments Powerhouse
- Over 90% of businesses accept Apple Pay.
- 34 businesses accept cryptocurrency.
- 100% of fast-food restaurants accept Apple Pay.
Chicago placed third overall, showing strong performance across both mobile and crypto payments.
America’s least cashless-ready cities
39. San Antonio, TX
- Just 54.5% of businesses accept Apple Pay.
- Only 12 businesses accept cryptocurrency.
- Only 30% of gas stations accept Apple Pay.
San Antonio ranked 39th out of 40 cities, showing significantly lower adoption of both mobile and crypto payments compared to the national average.
40. Fort Worth, TX – Ranked Last
- Only 49.1% of businesses accept Apple Pay.
- Just 10 businesses accept cryptocurrency.
- Only 28% of gas stations accept Apple Pay.
Fort Worth ranked last overall, with fewer than half of businesses offering Apple Pay and minimal crypto integration.
Key takeaways
- Across the 40 cities studied, an average of 74% of businesses now accept Apple Pay.
- Cryptocurrency adoption remains concentrated in major metros like New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
- Even lower-ranking cities now report more than half of businesses accepting mobile payments, highlighting a nationwide shift.
“The U.S. is moving toward a cashless future faster than many expect. While major cities are leading in both Apple Pay and cryptocurrency adoption, even lower-ranked cities are showing steady growth. Tapping to pay is becoming the new normal,” mBit Casino said in a statement. “The bigger cities like New York, Chicago and Philadelphia are already using Apple Pay almost everywhere, and now crypto is starting to become present in everyday businesses. Even cities near the bottom of the rankings still have more than half of their businesses accepting Apple Pay, which is a percentage that has increased over the years. This demonstrates that cashless habits aren’t just happening in tech-focused areas, but they are spreading across the country as people look for an easier, faster and more secure way to pay in every area of their day to day lives.”
Photo credit: Toucan Studios/iStock
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