Meaning
To use a credit or debit card for a transaction.
Cultural Background
In Spain, it is very common to pay even small amounts (like a coffee) with a card or phone. The phrase '¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta?' is heard dozens of times a day. In Mexico, while cards are accepted in big stores, 'efectivo' is preferred in 'tianguis' (street markets). If you pay with a card, they might ask '¿Es débito o crédito?' because credit cards sometimes have extra fees for the merchant. Due to inflation, paying with a credit card in 'cuotas' (installments) is extremely common. You will often be asked '¿En cuántas cuotas?' after you say you want to pay with a card.
The 'Con' Rule
Always use 'con'. If you use 'por', people will understand you, but you'll sound like a tourist.
Minimums
Some small shops in Spain have a 'mínimo para tarjeta' (usually 5 or 10 euros).
Meaning
To use a credit or debit card for a transaction.
The 'Con' Rule
Always use 'con'. If you use 'por', people will understand you, but you'll sound like a tourist.
Minimums
Some small shops in Spain have a 'mínimo para tarjeta' (usually 5 or 10 euros).
ID Check
In some countries, you might be asked for your 'DNI' or 'cédula' (ID) when paying with a card for security.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Quiero pagar ___ tarjeta.
In Spanish, we use 'con' to indicate the instrument used for payment.
Which sentence is correct for a restaurant setting?
How do you ask to pay by card?
This is the standard, grammatically correct question.
Match the Spanish to the English.
Payment methods
Matching common financial terms.
Complete the dialogue.
Camarero: ¿Cómo quiere pagar? Cliente: ________.
Directly answers the question about payment method.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formas de Pagar
Digital
- • Tarjeta
- • Móvil
- • Reloj
Físico
- • Billetes
- • Monedas
- • Efectivo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQuiero pagar ___ tarjeta.
In Spanish, we use 'con' to indicate the instrument used for payment.
How do you ask to pay by card?
This is the standard, grammatically correct question.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching common financial terms.
Camarero: ¿Cómo quiere pagar? Cliente: ________.
Directly answers the question about payment method.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsBoth are correct. 'Con tarjeta' is more general (by card), while 'con la tarjeta' implies a specific one in your hand.
Yes, although you can also say 'pagar con el móvil'.
They will say 'No aceptamos tarjeta' or 'Solo efectivo'.
Related Phrases
Pagar en efectivo
contrastTo pay in cash
Pasar la tarjeta
similarTo swipe/dip the card
Tarjeta de débito
specialized formDebit card
