business
Why Morocco’s Merchants Still Reject Card Payments — And How to Fix It
Despite national reforms and global ambitions, many Moroccan businesses still reject bank card payments — undermining efforts toward financial inclusion and digital readiness. Experts call for urgent enforcement, education, and incentives.
Casablanca – August 5, 2025
As Morocco embraces its digital transformation and global responsibilities — from hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup — a stubborn local issue risks derailing its progress: many businesses are still refusing to accept electronic payments, demanding cash even when point-of-sale (POS) infrastructure is available
From coffee shops and retail outlets to full-service restaurants in Casablanca, Rabat, and Agadir, citizens continue to be denied card transactions, often under the guise of “technical issues,” “system incompatibility,” or outright refusal.
“It feels like we’re trapped in the past,” said Amina H., a Rabat resident. “They invest in décor and branding but won’t accept a debit card — how is that modern?”
A Growing Disconnect Between Policy and Practice
Despite Morocco’s advances in fintech and public investment in payment infrastructure, the circulation of physical cash increased by 8% in 2024, according to Bank Al-Maghrib — a paradox in a country publicly promoting financial modernization.
Experts attribute this regression to merchant resistance, with some businesses preferring cash to avoid taxation, while others cite lack of training or outdated systems.
Consequences for Financial Inclusion and Tourism
This behavior undermines Morocco’s financial inclusion strategy, especially for:
- Youth and digital-only customers, who depend on mobile wallets.
- International visitors, who expect contactless or card options.
- Small businesses, which are excluded from formal credit and growth tools due to cash-based opacity.
For a country aiming to present a world-class image during global sporting events, the lack of consistent digital payment acceptance could damage its reputation and frustrate tourists expecting modern financial convenience.
What Can Be Done: Solutions to Close the Digital Gap
Policymakers, economists, and civil society leaders have proposed a multi-pronged approach to solve Morocco’s digital payment impasse:
1. Mandatory Enforcement of POS Acceptance
The Ministry of Finance and the Tax Directorate should enforce existing laws requiring registered businesses to accept card payments. A tiered fine system could be introduced for repeat violations, while also offering a grace period for compliance.
2. Merchant Training & Technical Support
Launch a nationwide campaign to educate businesses on:
- How POS systems work.
- How to reduce transaction fees.
- The long-term benefits of formalization.
Partnering with banks and fintech providers can ensure on-site installation and tech support for reluctant merchants.
3. Incentives for Digital Compliance
Offer tax credits, POS subsidies, or reduced transaction fees for small businesses that adopt digital payments — especially in rural or informal sectors. This will shift the equation from penalty-based to opportunity-based compliance.
4. Expand Mobile Payment Ecosystems
Encourage the expansion of QR code-based solutions, mobile wallet apps (like Inwi Money, CIHPay, and MT Cash), and interoperability between bank and telco-based platforms, allowing even micro-merchants to transact digitally without expensive equipment.
5. Public Transparency and Ratings
Introduce a public registry or rating system listing vendors that comply with digital acceptance norms — giving visibility to modern businesses and helping consumers make informed choices.
Government and Civil Society Pushback Begins
Responding to the backlash, the Ministry of Digital Transition has already proposed stricter guidelines for tourism-dependent businesses in urban zones, with plans to make electronic payment capability mandatory by early 2026 for companies operating in regulated sectors.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations like “Morocco Without Cash” have launched awareness campaigns encouraging citizens to boycott cash-only businesses and report violators through social platforms.
Conclusion
As Morocco strides into a future shaped by digital transformation and global visibility, it cannot afford to let a fragmented payment culture stall its progress. Bridging the divide between national ambition and local practice will require firm enforcement, inclusive incentives, and a mindset shift — one that embraces transparency, modernization, and inclusion at all levels of the economy.