Are you one of those people who still carries cash to pay for gas, a bill, or just “just in case”? You should know that there’s a new proposal that could gradually change the way we pay in Mexico: the Digital Economy Law for Digital and Electronic Payments.
The first thing you should know is that the bill was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on October 6, 2026. It first received 330 votes in favor and 122 against in the general vote; it was subsequently approved on its individual provisions with 327 votes in favor and 122 against. It must now go to the Senate to continue its legislative process.
Note: This means it is not yet a law in effect.
Will we no longer be able to pay with cash?
Not exactly. The bill aims to increase the use of electronic payment methods such as debit and credit cards, transfers, QR codes, and NFC technology.
One of its most significant provisions is that the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit could designate strategic sectors or activities where digital and electronic payment methods are the only accepted form of payment.
This does not mean that cash will disappear from all stores, restaurants, or businesses. Nor have all the sectors where this measure could apply been determined yet.
Toll booths and gas stations have been the first sectors identified as targets for accelerating the transition to digital payments.
Digital payments would also be extended to administrative procedures and services
The bill stipulates that federal, state, and municipal authorities must take steps to accept electronic and digital payments for administrative procedures and services.
It also provides for the Digital CURP to be used as a means of identification when contracting financial services digitally and proposes a Digital Citizen Record for accessing and using documents and information.
For now, nothing changes when it comes to making payments: the bill still needs to be reviewed and voted on by the Senate before completing the legislative process.
