[chrizel]

In Europe contactless payment is nearly everywhere - nearly every store supports it. Even in Germany (which is historically very pro-cash), since Covid more and more people pay with card and many of whom pay contactless.

In the EU we have some rules that even contactless payments with card sometimes, but not always, need to have some kind of additional authentication in the form of entering your PIN. Contactless payment methods via phone or watch don't have this need because they already have their own authentication methods. That's why so many people pay with their phone or watch. Its just more convenient and always contactless. (no PIN needed)

How is it in the US? Are things like Apple Pay still limited to certain stores?

[unethical_ban]

Apple pay is supported in a lot of places, but it depends on the point of sales system. Contactless cards are nearly universal, but some gas stations require chip.

We do not use pins with credit cards here, so that isn't a distinguishing feature of phone pay.

[Markoff]

I live in Europe, I experienced many people paying with the phone/watches, it was never faster than tapping the bank card. Anyway PIN is required only for purchases over 20EUR.

[Flameancer]

Not really. Outside of Walmart and maybe a smaller store ran by an older mom and pop shop, you can use NFC payments practically anywhere even at a drive thru. Only reason I still have my wallet is mainly for drivers license, but even that’s on the horizon.

[unethical_ban]

I like having cash for tipping and dining, particularly bars where closing out can take a long time and I don't deal with coins. I also keep a copy of my emergency 2FA backup for my password safe in case my phone breaks or gets lost when I'm traveling.