Bizum, Paypal, transfer? The ultimate guide to paying (and getting paid) in Spain

If you’ve spent any time in Spain – whether as a visitor, new resident, or business owner – you’ve probably noticed something about the way money moves here: it’s in transition. Cash still has a place, especially in older communities and rural areas, but a wave of digital options is taking over fast.
From Bizum to contactless cards, PayPal to Klarna, people in Spain are choosing convenience more and more. So how do you keep up – or better yet, stay ahead? Whether you’re looking to get paid or pay others, this guide walks you through what really works, what’s on its way out, and what’s just getting started.
Cash in Spain – still used, but not what it used to be
Let’s start with the classic: cash. Spain has long had a strong cash culture. Walk into a local bakery in a small town and you’ll still see people handing over coins with a smile. For older generations and in places with less tech infrastructure, cash feels simple and trustworthy.
But things are changing. The Spanish government has introduced tighter rules on how much cash you can use in a single transaction, largely to fight tax evasion. And during the pandemic, people got used to not handling money. That’s stuck.
So yes, if you run a small café in a mountain village, keep a till full of change. But if you’re launching a shop in central Madrid, you’ll probably find that most of your customers prefer a card or phone tap.
Paying by card in Spain – the everyday norm
Debit and credit cards are the everyday choice for most people across Spain. Visa and Mastercard dominate, and you’ll find card readers even at market stalls and beach kiosks these days.
Most people use debit over credit. It’s cultural – folks prefer spending what they actually have, rather than racking up debt. And contactless? It’s absolutely the norm now. Under €50, you usually don’t even need a PIN.
Be aware that American Express isn’t accepted everywhere. The fees are higher for businesses, and some places simply don’t want the hassle.
In cities, especially, if your business doesn’t accept cards, you’re going to lose customers.
Mobile payments in Spain – why Bizum leads the pack
Now here’s where Spain really stands out: Bizum. If you ask around, most Spaniards will tell you they use it. Why? It’s super easy. It links directly to your bank account, and all you need is someone’s mobile number to send or receive money. No app downloads. No logins. Just instant transfers.
You’ll see people using it to split bills at dinner, buy second-hand furniture, or pay for yoga classes. More and more small businesses even offer it as a payment method. It’s practically expected.
Alongside Bizum, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are gaining ground – especially in cities and among younger users. If your terminal accepts contactless, these services just work. And customers love that they don’t have to carry a wallet.
Bank transfers in Spain – the reliable choice for large payments
When it comes to rent, invoices, or anything more official, bank transfers are still the norm. Spain uses the SEPA system, so sending money within the EU is quick, easy and inexpensive.
It’s the go-to method for:
Paying landlords
Freelance or consultant payments
Transferring money between businesses
Most people do it from their mobile banking app, and it’s rare to find a serious transaction over €500 that isn’t handled this way.
Cryptocurrency in Spain – gaining ground, but still niche
Crypto might not be part of daily life in Spain yet, but it’s no longer a fringe thing either. In tourist hubs and the tech world, you’ll find businesses accepting Bitcoin or Ethereum, and the Spanish government has started rolling out basic crypto regulations.
For now, crypto in Spain is mostly used by tech-savvy individuals and forward-thinking businesses. If your customers are mostly locals shopping for groceries – it’s probably not urgent. But if you’re in fintech, travel, or international commerce, it’s worth exploring.
PayPal – still a strong choice for online and international
Whether you’re a freelancer working with overseas clients, or running an online store that ships abroad, PayPal remains a top choice.
It’s trusted, widely recognised, and lets customers pay in various currencies without stress. Setup is quick, and integration with online platforms is simple.
That said, fees can be a drawback, especially for small transactions or non-EU payments. Still, if your audience is international, having PayPal as an option is often expected.
Buy now, Pay later in Spain – making online shopping more flexible
In Spain, more and more people are warming to the idea of splitting payments into chunks. That’s where platforms like Klarna, Aplazame and Cetelem come in.
These services let buyers pay in instalments – often with no interest for short terms. It’s a game-changer for e-commerce. People are more likely to buy if they don’t have to pay everything upfront.
Clothing shops, electronics, even travel companies are adding “pay later” buttons at checkout. If you run an online business, it’s a great way to boost conversions and appeal to budget-conscious shoppers.
Most-used payment tools in Spain – what people rely on daily
So, what are the tools you should know? Here’s what people across Spain are using right now:
Bizum – For quick transfers between people and increasingly, businesses.
Google Pay / Apple Pay – Especially in cities, this is how people tap to pay.
PayPal – Still the standard for freelancers and cross-border shops.
Redsys – A Spanish payment gateway tied to local banks, great for traditional businesses.
Adyen and TransFi – Ideal for bigger operations handling lots of payment channels.
If you’re just starting out, think about who your customers are. Tourists? Locals? Young city shoppers or rural retirees? Choose what fits.
Getting started with digital payments in Spain
So how do you actually start with digital payments?
First, pick the right platform. If you’re a small local shop, Bizum and cards might be enough. If you sell online, PayPal or a proper gateway like Redsys or Adyen is better.
Then, sign up. Most platforms will need some ID and business info. You’ll link your bank account and possibly verify a few details.
Once you’re in, set up your system. That could mean plugging a POS terminal into your counter, or installing payment modules on your website. Most modern systems are pretty user-friendly.
Make sure your customers know what you accept. Put up signs, add icons to your checkout pages, and don’t be afraid to say “yes, we take Bizum.”
Finally, keep an eye on what’s working. Are people using one method more than others? Is anyone asking about new options? Payment trends change – stay flexible.
What it all means – paying in Spain without the stress
Spain might still be fond of cash, but its payment landscape is evolving quickly. If you want to do business here – or just make sure you can pay for anything smoothly – it pays to understand how things work.
From card machines to mobile wallets, digital finance is becoming second nature in everyday life. Pick the right tools, stay visible with your payment options, and make it easy for people to pay you.
Because when paying feels simple, people come back.
And in Spain – where loyalty, trust, and good service matter – that makes all the difference.
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