In May 2026, Bizum will launch its mobile payment service in physical retail stores across Spain.

This move signals a major evolution for the platform, which previously focused mainly on personal-to-person transfers and online transactions. Bizum is now entering direct competition with card networks and mobile wallets in the physical point-of-sale (PoS) sector, which handles the highest volume of payments.

Since its inception, Bizum has continually expanded its services from person-to-person money transfers to e-commerce and charitable donations, and now it’s set to include in-store payments as well.

Operational Details

In-store transactions will utilize Near Field Communication (NFC) technology similar to that used for standard card payments. Users can complete a transaction by opening their banking app or the Bizum Pay application and tapping their phone at a payment terminal. Depending on the amount, no PIN entry may be required, aligning with typical contactless limits.

One notable aspect of this system is its ability to process payments even during connectivity disruptions caused by network issues or broader outages. This offline functionality could prove highly relevant in high-traffic retail settings where reliability is crucial.

All transactions will be processed as instant bank transfers between the consumer and the merchant, ensuring that funds are credited to the merchant’s account immediately. This differs from certain card payment systems where settlement times can vary based on acquiring agreements.

Impact on Merchants and the Market

For merchants, particularly small independent retailers, Bizum in-store payments are expected to offer more competitive fees compared to traditional card transactions. With lower processing costs provided by Spanish banks operating the Bizum network, there could be increased adoption among businesses that consider payment acceptance costs a significant factor.

Additionally, because the system operates through existing bank applications, no separate consumer enrollment is required beyond what users have already completed. This reduces barriers to entry for both merchants and consumers.

By expanding into full-spectrum payments including person-to-person transfers, e-commerce, and physical retail, Bizum positions itself as a comprehensive payment solution. For Spanish banks, this strategy aims to retain payment traffic that might otherwise move towards international card schemes or large tech platforms operating mobile wallets in the market.