Consumers have different payment methods to choose from:

Cash

The law allows you to use legal tender – in our case, the euro – as a usual payment method. Therefore, not accepting cash would be a restriction of consumers’ rights.

The only limit is the legal prohibition on cash payments for amounts of €2,500 or more, or its equivalent in foreign currency.

Credit cards

If the commercial establishment accepts credit or debit card payments, it cannot charge fees or higher prices for using this method. The only exception to this is “tripartite” cards (American Express or Diners Club), in which case they must inform you of the applicable fee or its calculation method. 

If the commercial establishment usually accepts cards or other payment methods, it may not restrict their use during certain periods or under certain conditions, such as in the sales.

However, they are allowed to set minimum or maximum amounts for card payments provided that these terms are not abusive, and they must properly inform you about this so that you are aware before making the purchase.

Other payment methods:

• Deferred payment or payment by instalments
• Payments on account
• Advance payment
• Finance linked to the purchase of products or contracting of services