BBVA has enabled in-store payments with Bizum Pay directly from its banking app, offering Android users a new way to pay without cards or cash. The rollout is limited to compatible payment terminals and does not yet support iOS devices.
BBVA has introduced a new payment option for its customers: in-store purchases using Bizum Pay, now accessible directly through the bank’s mobile app. This move allows Android users to pay at physical shops without needing a debit or credit card, provided the merchant’s payment terminal supports Bizum Pay transactions.
The feature is currently exclusive to Android devices and requires that the customer’s BBVA account is linked to the same phone number registered with Bizum. Once activated, Bizum Pay appears in the BBVA app as an additional payment method, functioning much like a digital card but processing payments as instant bank transfers between institutions.
How to Activate Bizum Pay in BBVA
To enable this service, users must log into the BBVA app on an Android device, select the account associated with their Bizum number, and navigate to the Bizum section. From there, they choose “Pago en comercios” (Pay in shops), then “Pago en comercio físico” (Pay in physical stores), access the settings, and activate the service. The process is completed by confirming the request using the app’s standard security method.
After setup, Bizum Pay is linked to BBVA Pay, allowing customers to select it as their preferred payment method. However, this functionality is not yet available on iOS, limiting access to Android users for now.
Paying in Shops: What to Expect
When making a purchase, customers can open the BBVA app and bring their phone close to the payment terminal, or set BBVA Pay as their default wallet for quicker transactions. It’s important to note that not all merchants are equipped to accept Bizum Pay; the shop’s terminal must specifically support this system. If it does not, customers will need to use another payment method.
Unlike traditional mobile wallets that rely on linked debit or credit cards, Bizum Pay connects payments directly to the user’s bank account via their registered phone number. This approach distinguishes it from other digital wallets and may appeal to those seeking alternatives to card-based payments.
Looking Ahead: Wider Compatibility Expected
Currently, BBVA’s integration is separate from the standalone Bizum Pay app, which aims to provide a universal solution for banks that do not offer in-app Bizum payments. While Banco Sabadell already supports the independent Bizum Pay app, BBVA customers must use the bank’s own app for now. Bizum has indicated that broader compatibility is expected by the end of 2026, at which point BBVA clients should be able to register their phone numbers in the common Bizum Pay app as well.
For now, BBVA’s move gives Android users early access to in-store Bizum payments, but the service’s reach depends on both device compatibility and the adoption of Bizum Pay by merchants. As digital payment options continue to expand in Spain, the integration of Bizum Pay into major banking apps marks a notable step toward more flexible, card-free transactions.
