Contactless payments have become the norm in Spain’s supermarkets, but shoppers should be aware of the latest advice from the Bank of Spain about receipts and card security.
Credit : Dusan Petkovic, Shutterstock

Since the pandemic, paying by card in Spain has become second nature. Most of us simply tap and go- often using our phones, with the physical card rarely seeing daylight. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s everywhere, especially in supermarkets.

But this week, the Bank of Spain has stepped in with a sharp warning for shoppers who rely on their cards for everyday purchases. If you’re one of the millions who skips paper receipts and trusts your payment has sailed through, it might be time to pay a little more attention at the till.

Do you really need that receipt? The bank of Spain’s take

Most of us automatically say ‘no, thanks’ when the cashier asks if we want a copy of the card payment slip, especially for those small amounts. Who needs more paper cluttering up their wallet? Still, some people like to keep them, just in case there’s a mix-up or a refund to chase.

But according to Spain’s top banking authority, holding onto your card slip is no longer essential. The Bank of Spain says you’re better off checking the display on the payment terminal at the point of sale, especially with contactless payments under €50, where you might not even be asked for your PIN.

What’s really vital, experts say, is holding onto the main till receipt. If there’s ever a query over the transaction, that’s the bit of paper you’ll want.

Card or cash? The Bank’s warning about ATMs

The Bank of Spain hasn’t stopped at receipts. There’s another area where they’re urging consumers to be extra careful: withdrawing cash.

Many of us still like to have a few notes in our pocket just in case. But have you noticed those pesky commission charges creeping up when you use a cash machine? Spain’s banking authority says you absolutely need to pay close attention to the screen when withdrawing money.

“Always check what the ATM tells you,” the Bank warns. If there’s a fee, the machine is legally required to warn you, clearly showing the amount you’ll be charged before you collect your cash. The key detail? The fee may depend on whether your bank actually owns the cashpoint or if it’s run by a different bank.

If the warning pops up and you don’t like the look of the fee, you can always cancel the transaction—no harm done.

So, what should you do at the supermarket checkout?

  • Double-check the amount on the payment terminal before tapping your card or phone- especially for contactless payments under €50.
  • Keep the main till receipt as your proof of purchase, not the card slip.
  • Be alert for ATM commission warnings before withdrawing cash and know you can back out if you don’t agree with the fee.

The Bank of Spain’s message is clear. Tap-and-go might be convenient, but a little extra vigilance can save you headaches later. Don’t get caught out by assuming everything’s gone through perfectly, take those few extra seconds to make sure.

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