Bizum, the instant payment system that has won over Spaniards, continues to expand its reach. With over 31,5 million active users and a solid presence in virtually every bank in the country, it is now making the definitive leap into brick-and-mortar stores with its new tool, Bizum Pay . This feature, announced in early May and available from mid-July 2026, allows users to replace their physical card with their mobile phone at point-of-sale (POS) terminals.
Meanwhile, major banks are feeling the pull. CaixaBank, for example, has reached a 30% market share in Bizum, with 9,52 million registered customers and a daily transaction volume exceeding one million, including transfers and online purchases. It's not just a local phenomenon: cross-border payments with Portugal and Italy are already a reality, and the National Police have had to issue warnings about new scams exploiting the popularity of this system.
What is Bizum Pay and how does it work?
Bizum Pay is a digital wallet integrated into its own iOS and Android app , though it can also be activated through the apps of participating banks. The idea is simple: instead of taking out your card, you tap your mobile phone against the payment terminal, just like with Google Pay or Apple Pay . However, unlike these solutions, Bizum Pay doesn't rely on Visa or Mastercard; instead, it operates on instant account-to-account transfers , reducing costs for merchants and offering Spanish banks a unique alternative.
To start using it, you need to download the free app (although some banks already integrate it into their apps) and follow three steps: enter the phone number linked to Bizum, accept the activation through your bank's app, and start paying. According to the creators, the process is free for individuals and allows you to add multiple cards from different banks participating in the service. In addition to payments, the app can be used to store boarding passes, tickets, and loyalty cards, making it a comprehensive digital wallet.
Where can I pay with Bizum Pay?
Merchant acceptance is key to success. According to the company's own data, 60% of card payment terminals in Spain are already compatible with Bizum Pay. But a modern terminal isn't enough: each store must activate the service through its partner bank, a process that is currently underway. It is expected that throughout this month, most establishments that accept cards will also allow mobile payments via Bizum. In the meantime, it is recommended to look for the Bizum logo at the entrance or checkout and ask the staff.
Experts point out that the main advantage over traditional cards is the reduction in fees , since Bizum Pay uses instant transfers and doesn't go through the networks of major card brands. This factor could boost its adoption among small businesses and freelancers, who currently pay fees of between 1% and 2% per transaction.
CaixaBank leads in Bizum usage and its figures soar.
The bank chaired by CaixaBank has released its figures for the first half of 2026, and they are compelling. It registered 9,52 million active Bizum users, almost 6% more than the previous year. This gives it a market share of 30%, the highest percentage among all Spanish banks. In peer-to-peer transfers alone, CaixaBank customers made 171,78 million transactions in six months, equivalent to approximately 950.000 per day. If online payments (17,67 million) are included, the figure exceeds one million transactions daily.
The report also reveals a significant fact: 91,32% of these users have made a transaction at least once in the last three months. This demonstrates that Bizum is not a passing fad, but rather a tool integrated into the financial habits of Spaniards. Furthermore, the company has recently incorporated recurring payments for subscriptions, such as those from Amazon, consolidating its position in the digital payments ecosystem.
International expansion is progressing, with Portugal leading the way.
Bizum is no longer just a national phenomenon. Thanks to agreements with payment systems in other countries, Spanish users can send and receive money instantly from Andorra, Italy, and Portugal . In the first half of 2026, over 106.000 international transactions were processed, with CaixaBank involved in one out of every four. Among its customers, Portugal accounts for 87% of cross-border transfers, due to the use of MBWay (the Portuguese equivalent) and the close cultural and economic ties. This European integration lays the groundwork for creating an instant payments network that will benefit more than 380 million citizens across the continent.
Fraud under scrutiny: Police warn of 'reverse Bizum'
Despite its success, Bizum's popularity has also attracted the attention of criminals. The National Police have issued a warning about two common scams: the so-called 'reverse Bizum' and fake emails that mimic online marketplaces. In the first case, the scammer requests a small amount of money from the seller, leading them to believe it's a pending payment. The confused victim authorizes the transaction and loses the money. In the second, the buyer sends a fake email stating that the payment has been made but requires an additional fee for shipping.
The agents' recommendation is clear: never accept a money request via Bizum if you're expecting a payment . Always verify the sender's identity, keep conversations within the official sales platform, and be wary of any email asking for money to release a supposed payment. If you have any doubts, contact your bank directly. Prevention is the best way to ensure this technological revolution doesn't turn into a headache.
With all these new features, Bizum is consolidating its position as a key player in the financial digitalization of Spain and Europe. The arrival of Bizum Pay, the impressive usage rate reflected in CaixaBank's figures, and its international expansion are clear signs that mobile money is here to stay. Although there is still work to be done in adapting businesses and educating users to prevent fraud, this service has undoubtedly changed the way we understand transfers and everyday payments. The ball remains in the court of consumers and financial institutions to continue building a secure, fast, and universal payment system.
