Even without the physical infrastructure it might be cheaper to use credit cards. How much cash is lost in loose change after small transactions every year? I'd bet more than 2%

Of cash used in every day transactions? Maybe.

Of cash used in bigger transactions that are replaced by credit cards? No way

This is actually a benefit because it subtly counteracts inflation.

Those two aren't the only options, though. Many other electronic payment methods exist that are better than credit cards in almost every way.

Which payment methods are readily available to consumers and business owners that is 'better than credit cards in almost every way'?

That depends on where you are. In Europe, electronic payments directly from bank accounts or using various types of card that debit directly are much more reliable and have much lower fees, for example.

Can you imagine the queue forming in the morning at the coffee place, where someone is trying to pay them with a bank transfer... ? Just typing in the IBAN Takes ages.. Card/Phone Contactless payments are super fast and efficient.

But you don't make a bank transfer in that environment. I can make a contactless payment with my bank's debit card, and it comes straight from my bank account. Many people here in the UK do this routinely for minor purchases, and the technology has been available for several years now. As you say, it's fast and efficient.