Top payment methods in Austria: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Austria? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Austria, with a population of around 9.18 million people, has a GDP of approximately 534.30 billion making it the 31st largest economy in the world. The official currency of Austria is the Euro (EUR)
A highly developed social market economy, its main drivers are the services sector, high-tech industry, and tourism. Austria is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, with Germany being its most significant trading partner.
| Country | Austria |
|---|---|
| Population | 9.18 million |
| GDP (USD) | 534.30 billion |
| Global Ranking | 31st |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Austria?
The Girocard debit card is the most common payment card in Austria, frequently used with its contactless function for everyday purchases. For recurring expenses such as rent and utilities, the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) credit transfer is the standard and most trusted method. Despite the high adoption of cards, Austrians maintain a strong cultural preference for cash, valuing it for privacy and using it frequently for smaller transactions.
How to pay in Austria
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Austria.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Euro) | Austrians have a strong cultural preference for cash, which remains a very popular and widely used payment method for daily expenses, dining, and retail. | In-person |
| Cards (Bankomatkarte, Visa/Mastercard) | The local 'Bankomatkarte' debit card is ubiquitous. Credit cards are also widely accepted, especially online and in cities. | Online/In-person |
| SEPA Bank Transfers | As a member of the Eurozone, SEPA bank transfers are a standard, secure method for paying bills and making recurring or large-value payments. | Online |
| Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are available and their usage is growing, alongside QR-based payment solutions from local banks. | Online/In-person |
Traveling beyond Austria? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Austria?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Austria.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.