Payment methods in Spain in 2025: consumer trends and habits

Choosing the right payment methods can make the difference between closing a sale or losing a customer. In Spain, consumer habits are changing rapidly: mobile payments are growing, cash is declining, and digital solutions are gaining ground.

In this article, we will analyze the trends in payment methods in Spain, the country-specific systems, and the most popular ones among Spanish consumers.

The evolution of payment methods in Spain

The payment landscape in Spain has changed significantly in recent years, thanks to one decisive factor: digitalization. The rise of ecommerce and the massive use of mobile phones, along with the need for everything to be instant, have completely transformed consumer preferences.

At PaynoPain, we have tested these and other hypotheses through our survey ‘Payment Methods: The Definitive Decision’ 2025.

Growth of card and mobile payments

The card continues to be the most common payment method in Spain. Unlike cash, the trend of paying with cards both in physical stores and online is still on the rise. In our survey, more than 55% prefer to pay in physical stores with a credit or debit card, and 47% in online stores.

When talking about card payments, 70% prefer the physical card, 28% opt for the wallet format via mobile, and only 2% via smartwatch or similar devices.

Gradual decline of cash

Although digital methods are advancing strongly, cash remains one of the most used means. In our report, cash is the second most used payment method in Spain at 23%. However, 46% of users report carrying no more than €20 in their wallet.

Moreover, there is some concern about the potential disappearance of cash. 87% of respondents say it would be bad news if cash disappeared, as it would not only affect users but also small businesses.

Impact of ecommerce digitalization

Ecommerce payment platform in Spain has gained prominence in recent years, so much that 56% of respondents say they shop online at least once a week.

This has caused card transactions and other digital solutions like Apple Pay or Google Pay to grow in popularity, especially among younger audiences forcing e-commerce businesses to have an efficient online payment platform.

Bizum, key player in instant payments

Since its launch in 2016, Bizum has become the preferred way for Spaniards to make payments between individuals. Its ease of sending and receiving money instantly using only the phone number has made it massively popular, transforming the way we share expenses or transfer money daily.

Expansion of digital wallets

According to our data, digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay have gained significant market share, with 15% already adopting wallets for their convenience and speed, especially appreciated by younger users.

Maintaining direct debit payments

Direct debits continue to be the most common method for paying bills, taxes, or other recurring charges. Their reliability and automation allow users of all ages to maintain this financial routine.

Most popular payment methods in Spain

Although cards still dominate worldwide, the payment landscape in Spain is more diverse:

• Cards

Card payments remain the most common in Spain, both in physical stores and online. However, the use of physical cards in stores is at 56%, ahead of cash, according to the latest PaynoPain survey.

• Wallets

Apple Pay and Google Pay usage continues to grow, especially among young and digital users. According to our report, 15% of Spaniards already use digital wallets to pay in physical stores.

• Bizum

As previously mentioned, Bizum has reinvented payments between Spanish users. Its adoption continues to grow rapidly: over 101,000 online and physical stores already accept Bizum as a payment method.

• Bank transfers

Although Bizum handles most instant transfers, traditional bank transfers are used for higher-value payments or B2B transactions.

• Buy now, pay later

Due to high inflation in recent years, new flexible financing solutions have emerged under the “Buy now, pay later” model. This payment method allows consumers to split payments into manageable installments while enjoying the product or service immediately.

In our survey, 38% report having used deferred payments, highlighting the growing demand for flexible solutions tailored to buyers’ needs.

Local payment methods in Spain

Spanish payment solutions

Although cash and card payments occupy the largest market share in Spain, recently and thanks to accelerated digitalization, local payment methods have been developed and consolidated in the market.

Bizum

What is Bizum?

Bizum is an instant payment service that allows sending and receiving money between bank accounts using only the recipient’s phone number. Initially created for peer-to-peer payments, it can now also be used to pay in physical and online stores, with more than 30 million active users.

What is Bizum used for?

• P2P transfers: send or receive money instantly between individuals.
• Accepting payments in stores: thanks to its popularity, more people use it for online and physical store purchases.
• Donations and service payments: some public services and NGOs accept Bizum for quick payments.

How does Bizum work in online stores?

1. The user selects Bizum as the payment method at checkout.
2. They enter their phone number, and their bank app opens automatically with all transaction details.
3. Once confirmed, the transaction is processed instantly.

How does Bizum work in physical stores?

1. The customer indicates they want to use Bizum as the payment method.
2. The merchant enters the amount in the POS.
3. The customer scans a QR code provided by the store and accesses the payment page.
4. The customer’s bank app opens automatically with the purchase details, and they just confirm the operation.
5. Once confirmed, the money is transferred instantly to the merchant, without cash or a physical card.

Benefits of integrating local payment methods in your store

Generate more consumer trust

Choosing Bizum is a winning bet: widely known and used by Spaniards, it offers fast and secure payments. Its familiarity makes customers feel more comfortable when purchasing, enhancing the payment experience and fostering loyalty.

Ensure regulatory compliance and maximum security

Local payment methods like Bizum comply with Spanish and European regulations (PSD2), as well as GDPR and PCI DSS security standards, guaranteeing secure, regulated, and privacy-respecting transactions. 

Bizum is also backed by 27 Spanish banking entities, ensuring a reliable and secure payment alternative.

Improve your ecommerce conversion rate

Offering Bizum as a payment method streamlines the purchase process: customers only need to enter their phone number, without bank details or additional steps. This increases the likelihood of completing the purchase and improves conversion rates.

Access the most digital audience

Incorporating digital payment methods in your store helps attract younger customers accustomed to instant mobile payments.

Payment methods in Spain: the best solutions for businesses and merchants

Optimize your in-person and online payments with PaynoPain’s virtual POS

In today’s Spanish market, things are changing rapidly. Customers increasingly seek fast, convenient, and secure payment solutions, both in physical stores and online. Bizum, Apple Pay, Google Pay, card payments; the key is to offer them the options they prefer so they can choose what they like best.

If you sell in Spain or plan to do so soon, adapting your payment methods can make the difference between closing a sale or losing it. With our Virtual POS, you can manage your online payments securely and efficiently.

If you want more information, briefly tell us what your business does, and we will help you find the payment solution that best suits you. Just leave your details, and we will contact you very soon.