I disagree, except for the single case of paying your friend, it's more convenient everywhere else.
Here in New Zealand, the only places that don't take cards are small stalls at farmers markets (most of them take cards now), and some taxis (which is more to do with them trying to avoid tax and being generally dodgy, any good taxis take card).
I have the bank account details of all my friends saved, and I can just open up my banks app and send them money, and it arrives within an hour into their account for all but 1 bank.
Here in New Zealand, the only places that don't take cards are small stalls at farmers markets (most of them take cards now), and some taxis (which is more to do with them trying to avoid tax and being generally dodgy, any good taxis take card).
I have the bank account details of all my friends saved, and I can just open up my banks app and send them money, and it arrives within an hour into their account for all but 1 bank.