What is the most used payment method in Uruguay?

Debit cards for everyday purchases and transfers for value. The BCU counted 298 million debit card transactions in the second half of 2025, three times the number of credit card payments, while transfers carried 86% of retail payment value in the first half of 2026.

Payment by card in Uruguay

Cards are how Uruguayans pay in shops, and debit leads. The BCU's report for the first half of 2026 shows debit cards at 60% of card operations, with transactions up 17%, while credit card operations rose 8%. The credit card base reached 3,240,911 cards in June 2026. The VAT rebate explains the debit habit: 2 points off on debit and e-money payments, 9 points on certain services paid electronically, and a full refund for non-residents paying with foreign cards.

Payment by bank transfer in Uruguay

By value, transfers lead: 86% of retail payment value in the first half of 2026, across 133 million operations, against 8% for cheques and 4% for cards. The instant transfer service, available 24/7 with phone-number aliases, reached 42 million operations, up 90% in a year, now 71% of interbank transfers. Cash is losing ground, with ATM operations down 7% in a year.

More detail in our #PayWorldTour guide Payment methods in Uruguay.