Top payment methods in Spain: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Spain? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Spain, with a population of around 49.72 million people, has a GDP of approximately 1.80 trillion making it the 12nd largest economy in the world. The official currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR)
A large, diversified economy with main drivers in tourism, manufacturing (automotive), and financial services. As a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, it is highly integrated with the EU market, especially with France and Germany.
| Country | Spain |
|---|---|
| Population | 49.72 million |
| GDP (USD) | 1.80 trillion |
| Global Ranking | 12nd |
| 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 Spain?
The most popular payment method in Spain for both online and in-store purchases is the debit or credit card. Bizum, a dominant instant mobile payment service integrated into Spanish banking apps, is the standard for peer-to-peer transfers and is increasingly used for e-commerce. Physical cash in Euros is still widely used for smaller purchases, especially for tapas and by older demographics.
How to pay in Spain
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 Spain.
| 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 (Visa, Mastercard) | Cards are a leading and universally accepted payment method for all types of transactions, both online and in-person. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Euro) | Cash remains a very popular payment method in Spain, widely used for smaller purchases, tapas, and by older demographics. | In-person |
| Bizum | Bizum is a massively popular instant payment service integrated into Spanish banking apps. It is the standard for P2P transfers and is increasingly used for e-commerce and retail payments. | Online |
| SEPA Bank Transfers | SEPA Direct Debits are standard for paying recurring bills, while credit transfers are used for larger one-off payments. | Online |
Is PayPal available in Spain?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Spain.
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.