Top payment methods in Mexico: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Mexico? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Mexico, with a population of around 133.37 million people, has a GDP of approximately 1.69 trillion making it the 15th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN,MXV)
The economy is driven by a large manufacturing sector (automotive, electronics), oil exports, and services. Its economy is deeply integrated with the United States and Canada through the USMCA trade agreement.
| Country | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Population | 133.37 million |
| GDP (USD) | 1.69 trillion |
| Global Ranking | 15th |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN,MXV) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Mexico?
Physical cash, the Mexican Peso, remains the dominant payment method, especially within the vast informal economy and for daily expenses. A hugely popular method for e-commerce is OXXO Pay, a voucher system where customers pay in cash at an OXXO convenience store to complete an online purchase. In formal retail and online, debit and credit cards are widely used, with credit cards being popular for their installment plans.
How to pay in Mexico
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 Mexico.
| 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 |
| Cards (Credit/Debit) | Credit and debit cards are a very popular payment method for both online and in-person retail. Paying in installments with credit cards is common. | Online/In-person |
| Cash & Vouchers (OXXO Pay) | Cash is widely used. OXXO is a massive chain of convenience stores where customers can pay for online purchases with cash via the OXXO Pay voucher system. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers (SPEI) | SPEI is the real-time interbank electronic payment system. It is a very popular and trusted method for making online payments directly from a bank account. | Online |
| Digital Wallets (Mercado Pago, PayPal) | Digital wallets are very popular for e-commerce and P2P transfers. Mercado Pago and PayPal are leading providers. | Online |
Traveling beyond Mexico? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Mexico?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Mexico.
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.