Never and that would be normal. Prior to lockdown, it was in New Orleans during and after Mardi Gras. The casino is all cash and it’s easier to get a quick drink with exact cash plus tip at the bars.
Otherwise, in Chicago, I wouldn’t normally use cash until summer festival season starts.
Post delivered a package for which I had to pay customs fees. They only accept their own Post card (I would have to go to the post office for that as she doesn’t have a reader) or cash. So I paid cash, and was actually able to provide the exact amount. We have a stash of cash near the door just for paying customs fees, but UPS takes Visa, and won’t take cash, so I didn’t need to hit the cash stash.
I finally paid cash for something last week, for the first time in months: cannabis. They don’t take plastic (well, they may take debit, not sure). I still have like $60 in my wallet from March.
When I do pay with cash, say at a take out food place, I just round up and have them keep it. That’s maaaybe once a week. These folks are in difficult times.
I also have to and always have taken our trash to the dump/transfer station. I’ve always paid cash there, I don’t think there’s an option.
And luckily, I happened to have a large amount of cash on hand when this started, and circumstance landed me some more - A friend and I went 50/50 on a new expensive tile saw, and he paid his half to me in cash.
Other than that it’s all CC. But not too often. Most places are set up that you swipe your own card.
I’m thinking never. I think someone paid me with cash though, I vaguely remember putting a ten dollar bill in my wallet and thinking, I’m going to wash my hands now.
Half an hour ago. Stopped at a mini-mart to buy a couple of sodas.
This morning. First at the grocery store, where I used the hundred they gave me last week to fill in some pantry gaps, and to grab a breakfast burrito on the way home (carne asada, eggs, potatoes and cheese).
About an hour ago, at the grocery store.
Tip for CSA delivery today.
I paid with cash three times today. And three times yesterday. And have this whole time. I’m not a card person, I pay cash 95% of the time. Probably more.
Yesterday at the dispensary (all cannabis is cash-only across all U.S. until they get the federal legality sorted out) and quarters at the laundromat today, does that count?
I use cash sometimes while vkisiting to grocery or drug stores, however anyway try to minimize such cases.
A few days ago, for eggs from my neighbors.
I expect to be taking cash at the farmers’ market in a week or two. Current state recommendations are to pass it back and forth in a basket, instead of directly from hand to hand. I may make change from the cashbox as long as possible (covid doesn’t live very long on paper, and probably a good bit less than a week on coins) and may spray some sanitizer on what I take in.
I have been paying by card in some cases in which I’d usually pay cash; but I also haven’t been shopping very often – though even ordinarily I shop less often than most people.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans. That’s all cash is good for these days, buying things during very busy times, such as drinks during Mardi Gras.
About a week ago, when I picked up some stuff from the pharmacy drive-in window and paid with a twenty. Neither of us came in direct contact with each other. The sales clerk put my change in the bag and I didn’t touch it for another 48 hours.
I got a bunch of cash out of the bank yesterday, since I was in the lobby for other reasons. I used a $20 for a fast food lunch on the way home. I haven’t put any effort into avoiding cash transactions because of the pandemic, but I have less opportunities. Last week, I paid the gardener with cash, and paid for my Rx at Walgreens. (My prescriptions are only about $5 and I don’t like using the card for small transactions)
I use my credit card whenever possible (security, points), my debit card if the credit card machine doesn’t work or there’s a credit card-specific fee, and cash if there’s no other alternative.
The only place I regularly use cash is at the barbershop, and due to COVID-19, that place is closed. I am shaggier than I’d like, especially above the facial hair.
Even small purchases go on cards, if possible. I just use the tap function (very handy during the pandemic).