The Federal Reserve’s 2025 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice shows Americans made an average of 7 cash payments monthly in 2024 — rock-steady for five years — accounting for 14% of all transactions. Nearly 80% carried cash at least one day during the survey. This stability proves cash is the ultimate backup and budgeting tool, especially for low-income households (24% of payments) and those over 55 (19%). It delivers true freedom, privacy, and control that apps cannot match, making it the most democratic payment in daily American life.