Do you accept credit cards?
in Spanish¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito?
/ah-SEHP-tahn tahr-HEH-tahs deh KREH-dee-toh/
This is the most standard, universally understood way to ask if a business takes credit cards. It uses 'aceptan' (plural 'you') because you are addressing the business as a whole, not just the individual person.
Asking '¿Aceptan tarjeta?' is the clearest way to find out if you can pay without cash.
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta?
/seh PWEH-deh pah-GAHR kohn tahr-HEH-tah/
Literally 'Can one pay with card?', this is extremely common and sounds very natural. It focuses on the action (paying) rather than the policy.
¿Aceptas tarjeta?
/ah-SEHP-tahs tahr-HEH-tah/
This uses the singular 'tú' form. It implies a casual interaction with the specific person helping you.
¿Cobran con tarjeta?
/KOH-brahn kohn tahr-HEH-tah/
Means 'Do you charge with card?'. In some regions, the verb 'cobrar' (to charge/collect payment) is used from the merchant's perspective.
¿Reciben tarjetas?
/reh-SEE-behn tahr-HEH-tahs/
Uses 'recibir' (to receive) instead of 'aceptar'. Very common in Colombia and neighboring countries.
¿Tienen terminal?
/TYEH-nehn tehr-mee-NAHL/
Refers specifically to the card machine (la terminal). It's a shorthand way of asking if they have the equipment.
¿Tenéis pago con tarjeta?
/teh-NAYS PAH-goh kohn tahr-HEH-tah/
Uses the 'vosotros' form standard in Spain for 'do you guys have'.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here is a quick guide to the most common ways to ask about card payments and when to use them.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Aceptan tarjeta? | Neutral | Any situation (Standard) | Never - it's always safe |
| ¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta? | Neutral/Polite | Restaurants/Hotels | You want to be very brief |
| ¿Tienen terminal? | Casual | Mexico/Street vendors | In very formal dining (Spain) |
📈Difficulty Level
The 'j' in 'tarjeta' is a guttural 'h' sound (like in 'hot' but stronger) which can be tricky. Rolling the 'r' in 'crédito' is also a minor hurdle.
The grammar is very simple present tense. No complex conjugations are needed for the basic question.
Knowing when it's appropriate to try to use a card vs. having cash ready is the main challenge.
Key Challenges:
- Pronouncing the 'j' in tarjeta
- Remembering to say 'de crédito' not just 'crédito'
💡Examples in Action
Perdón, ¿aceptan tarjetas de crédito o solo efectivo?
Excuse me, do you accept credit cards or only cash?
La cuenta, por favor. ¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta?
The check, please. Is it possible to pay with card?
¿Tienen terminal para pagar?
Do you have a terminal to pay?
Lo siento, no traigo efectivo. ¿Aceptas tarjeta?
I'm sorry, I don't bring/have cash. Do you accept card?
🌍Cultural Context
Cash is Still King in Many Places
While major cities in Spain and Latin America are very card-friendly, smaller towns, street markets (tianguis), and family-run fondas often only accept cash (efectivo). It is always polite and practical to ask *before* you order or consume anything.
ID Checks are Common
Don't be surprised if a cashier asks to see your identification (ID, passport, or driver's license) when you pay with a card, even for small amounts. This is a standard security measure in many Latin American countries to prevent fraud.
The Machine Has Many Names
The credit card machine itself goes by different names depending on where you are. In Spain, it's often called a 'datáfono'. In Mexico, it's a 'terminal'. In other parts of Latin America, it might simply be called 'la máquina' or 'el punto'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Carta' instead of 'Tarjeta'
Mistake: "Asking '¿Aceptan cartas?'"
Correction: ¿Aceptan tarjetas?
Translating 'Do you take' literally
Mistake: "Asking '¿Tomas tarjeta?'"
Correction: ¿Aceptan tarjeta?
Forgetting the 'de'
Mistake: "Saying 'tarjeta crédito'"
Correction: Tarjeta DE crédito
💡Pro Tips
Visual Cues Help
If you're nervous about your pronunciation, simply holding up your card while asking '¿Tarjeta?' is universally understood and perfectly acceptable in casual contexts.
Checking for Minimums
Some smaller shops have a minimum purchase amount for card payments. If you're buying something small, listen for 'mínimo de compra' (minimum purchase).
Debit vs. Credit
Often, you can just say 'tarjeta' without specifying credit or debit. If they need to know, they will ask '¿Crédito o débito?' or sometimes '¿Corriente o ahorros?' (Checking or savings) in countries like Colombia.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Contactless payment (pagar 'sin contacto') is extremely common everywhere, even for a 1€ coffee. The machine is often called a 'datáfono'.
Mexico
The machine is almost always called 'la terminal'. American Express is accepted less frequently than Visa/Mastercard in smaller spots.
Colombia
It is very common to be asked '¿A cuántas cuotas?' (How many installments?) for credit card purchases. Usually, you just say 'a una' (one installment).
💬What Comes Next?
The merchant tells you they don't accept cards
No, solo efectivo / Solo 'cash'
No, cash only
Ah, vale. Voy al cajero y vuelvo.
Oh, okay. I'll go to the ATM and come back.
They accept the card and need you to enter your code
¿Me regala su NIP / PIN?
Can you give me/enter your PIN?
Claro (while typing it)
Sure
They ask which type of card it is
¿Crédito o débito?
Credit or debit?
Crédito, por favor.
Credit, please.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, we often ask 'Do you take...?' whereas Spanish prefers 'Do you accept...?' (aceptar) or 'Can one pay with...?' (se puede pagar). Also, Spanish requires the preposition 'de' between 'tarjeta' and 'crédito', unlike the English compound noun 'credit card'.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Translating 'take' as 'tomar' sounds like you're asking if they physically grab or drink cards.
Use instead: ¿Aceptan tarjetas?
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say ATM in Spanish
Essential if the answer is 'no' and you need cash.
How to say how much does it cost
The logical question before asking how to pay.
How to say keep the change
Useful when paying with cash if cards aren't accepted.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Do you accept credit cards?
Question 1 of 3
You are at a street market in Mexico City. What is the most natural way to ask if they take cards?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just say 'tarjeta'?
Yes! In a busy interaction, simply holding up your card and asking '¿Tarjeta?' with a questioning tone is perfectly acceptable and understood everywhere.
Do I need to say 'de crédito' every time?
No. Most people just say 'tarjeta'. You only need to specify 'crédito' or 'débito' if the cashier asks you directly, as the processing fee or machine setting might differ.
Is Apple Pay or Google Pay common in Spanish-speaking countries?
It varies. In Spain, 'pagar con el móvil' (paying with mobile) is very common. In Latin America, it is growing in major cities and chains, but less common in small shops. You can ask: '¿Aceptan Apple Pay?'
What if I don't speak Spanish well and they ask me a question back?
They are likely asking '¿Quiere copia?' (Do you want a copy/receipt?) or '¿NIP?' (PIN number). A simple 'Sí' or 'No' usually suffices.
📚Continue Learning Spanish Phrases
Explore More Phrases in These Categories
Find similar phrases to expand your Spanish vocabulary:
Want to Learn More Spanish Phrases?
Browse our complete collection of Spanish phrases organized by situation, from basic greetings to advanced conversations. Perfect for travelers, students, and anyone learning Spanish.
View All Spanish Phrases →