In the state where I live, there are still a few remote gas stations that do not accept credit cards.

I also had the experience one time returning home late from a fishing trip. It was 8PM, I was really hungry, and still a hundred miles from home. All I had was a $50 bill. I went from place to place trying to buy dinner in the tiny towns I went through and no one would accept the $50. I don't carry credit cards with me as a matter of principle, so I might as well have been broke.

In recent years I have relented and I now carry a debit card when I travel. I also keep $500 in 5,10,and 20 denomination in my BOB for emergencies, but no $50's.