Bizum initiates its phased introduction for payments at physical stores and bars starting today, 18 May. This gradual rollout targets users and businesses based on their banking institutions, marking a significant step in extending Bizum's presence beyond person-to-person transfers in Spain.
The platform's expansion enables in-person payments via two primary channels: banks' own mobile applications and the Bizum Pay wallet. However, the availability of these channels is subject to each bank's discretion, determining whether customers access one or both options.
According to the launch plan, the feature will initially be accessible to "small groups of users" from this Monday, reflecting a controlled and incremental deployment. Not all users or merchants will gain immediate access, as participation varies according to individual banks' schedules.
Each participating financial institution will decide how to offer Bizum's in-store payment functionality within their services. The platform aims to broaden accessibility to the general public soon, although an exact timetable has yet to be announced.
This approach aligns with Bizum's steady growth in user numbers and its ongoing efforts to become a widely accepted payment method across retail and hospitality venues.