Byron Mühlberg
Guide
Jun 28, 2023
Advertiser disclosure
Are you planning a trip to Spain and wondering if your credit card will be accepted there? Indeed, whether or not your credit card will be accepted overseas can be a central concern for many travellers about to embark on an international trip. After all, not all countries have the same level of credit card acceptance, so it's very helpful to understand credit card acceptance policies and trends before you travel.
But what about Spain? Can you use your credit card there? The short answer is yes, you can use your credit card in Spain. Credit cards are widely-used across Spain and are a popular means of payment in shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments.
Revolut is a great alternative to credit cards when travelling to Spain, offering competitive exchange rates, low fees, and real-time spending notifications.
Whether you're planning a trip to Spain or simply curious about credit card acceptance policies in different parts of the world, this article is for you. We'll look at credit card acceptance in Spain and cover the payment methods that are commonly accepted, as well as any fees that you may incur for each.
Key Facts About Credit Cards in Spain
| Are they accepted? | Yes, almost everywhere |
|---|---|
| Population with credit card | 56.61% |
| Currency in Spain | euro |
| Currency symbol | € |
| Avg. foreign exchange fee | 2.5%-5% |
| Best alternative | Revolut |
Does Spain Accept Credit Cards?
- 01. Does Spain accept credit cards? scroll down
- 02. How to use credit cards in Spain scroll down
- 03. Cost to use credit cards in Spain scroll down
- 04. Best alternatives to credit cards in Spain scroll down
- 05. FAQ about credit cards in Spain scroll down
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Does Spain Accept Credit Cards?
Yes, pretty much all shops, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments in Spain will readily accept credit card payments — making it a great way to spend your money in Spain.
Although cash is also very common in Spain, credit and debit cards issued by major global providers like VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted thoughout the country. If your card is issued by American Express, Diner's Club, Discovery, or another card company, there's a good chance they'll also be accepted in Spain, but we recommend checking with your bank or card provider directly to make sure that euro currency conversion is indeed supported, and that card machines and ATMs in Spain commonly support cards of this type.
How to Use Credit Cards in Spain
Using your credit card in Spain works just like it does in your home country. In general, you'll simply need to do the following to use your card to make a payment:
- Confirm your transaction amount,
- Tap (or insert or swipe) your credit card,
- Enter your PIN if prompted,
- Wait for the payment to be authorised and for the receipt to print.
In general, we recommend keeping your receipt for your records and reconciling your credit card statement. It can sometimes be interesting to see how much you paid in a foreign currency versus the amount that was debited in your home currency. As we'll see in the next section, the percentage difference can sometimes be very high!
Cost of Using Credit Cards in Spain
Every time you pay with your credit card in a foreign currency like the euro, you'll be charged several fees before the final amount is reflected on your card statement. These fees are charged by the following parties:
- Your credit card company (VISA, Mastercard, etc.),
- Your bank or credit card provider,
- The ATM network (if you're withdrawing cash).
Here are the average ranges of these various fees when making euro credit card payments in Spain:
FX Margin (Credit Card) | 0.1% - 0.3% |
|---|---|
FX Margin (Bank/Provider) | 1.5% - 2.5% |
Foreign Exchange Fee | 1% - 3% |
Foreign ATM Fee | 3% - 6% |
Overall, unless your credit card is specially geared towards international spending and doesn't charge foreign currency exchange fees, using credit cards to pay in Spain is normally rather pricey due to the multiple fees and charges racked up along the way. As always, though, we recommend checking with your individual card provider or bank to see for yourself which fees you'll be charged for spending in Spain.
Alternatives to Credit Cards in Spain
A cheaper alternative to using a credit card for travelling to Spain is a prepaid travel debit card.
Just like credit cards, prepaid debit cards (which are also normally issued by VISA or Mastercard) provide an excellent way to pay while visiting Spain, the main difference being that you normally pay lower fees and exchange rates. Depending on where you live, you'll probably have options from your bank or a third-party provider to use a commission-free debit card or a multi-currency card which can help you dodge high euro conversion costs, including DCCs.
According to our analysis of dozens of providers, the top two options for travelling to Spain, in general, are the following:
Revolut
Revolut is an excellent option for paying in Spain. Its mobile banking app and debit card give you competitive exchange rates to the euro and low fees, all while you can easily manage your money through Revolut's user-friendly app.
8.6
Monito Score
- Customer Satisfaction 9.4
Go to Revolut
- Monthly fee: $0
- Card type: Mastercard debit
- Card payment cost in euro: 0.5% - 1.5%
- Cash withdrawal fee: 0% - 2%
- euro balance: Yes
- euro bank details: No
- More info: See our Revolut review or visit the website.
Wise Account
The Wise Account is another great option for paying in euro. It gives you the lowest possible currency exchange rates with complete transparency and no hidden fees. It also allows you to hold and manage over 50 currencies in one account and provides fast and secure cross-border money transfers at a fraction of the cost of traditional banks.
8.9
Monito Score
- Customer Satisfaction 9.6
Go to Wise
- Monthly fee: $0
- Card type: VISA debit
- Card payment cost in euro: 0.5% - 1.5%
- Cash withdrawal fee: 0% - 2%
- euro balance: Yes
- euro bank details: No
- More info: See our Wise Account review or visit the website.
FAQ About Credit Cards in Spain
Can I use my credit card in Spain?
Yes, pretty much all shops, restaurants, businesses, and commercial establishments in Spain do accept credit cards. However, we recommend checking with the vendor beforehand to ensure that they accept your specific type of credit card.
Which credit cards are accepted in Spain?
Credit cards from major card companies like VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are generally always accepted in Spain. However, it's important to remember that acceptance may vary depending on the individual business, so checking in advance is a good idea.
What are the fees to use my credit card in Spain?
Unless your credit card is designed for international spending, it's likely that you'll incur exchange rate margins and currency conversion fees when using your credit card in Spain. In general, these fees range from 2.5% to 5% per transaction, so it's not negligible! To save money, we recommend using a travel debit card like Revolut to avoid hidden fees altogether.
Should I use credit cards or cash in Spain?
Both are commonly-accepted forms of payment in Spain, so it depends on your preference and the specific circ*mstances. Credit cards can be a convenient and safe way to make purchases, but having cash on hand is always a good idea, especially if you plan to visit less touristy areas. Moreover, some businesses prefer that customers pay with cash to avoid the processing fees of card transactions.
What if my credit card is lost or stolen in Spain?
You must report your lost or stolen credit card to your bank or credit card provider immediately. They can help you cancel the card and issue a replacement. Additionally, having a backup credit card or cash in emergencies is also a good idea for moments like these.
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