Albania’s economy remains heavily reliant on cash transactions, a pattern deeply embedded in the cultural and commercial landscape. While credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in urban centers and larger businesses, their penetration in rural areas is significantly lower. Mobile money services are emerging as a potential driver of financial inclusion, particularly for the unbanked population, but their adoption rate varies regionally. Efforts to improve payment infrastructure and digital literacy are underway, aiming to accelerate the transition to a more digitalized economy. This process is likely to be gradual, requiring significant investment and sustained effort.
Estimated Population
3 million
Currency
Euro (€)
All supported payment methods for Albania:
Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay International, Discover, Diners Club, Apple Pay, PayPal, SEPA Direct Debit, SEPA Credit, Invoice Payment, Prepayment, MaestroPopular payment methods
Google Pay
Wallets
Google Pay empowers businesses to offer a fast, secure, and convenient mobile payment experience, attracting a wide range of customers.
Mastercard
Credit/Debit Cards
Unlock a world of payment possibilities with Mastercard, a trusted global leader in secure and convenient transactions
American Express
Credit/Debit Cards
Elevate your business with American Express, a premium payment network that attracts discerning customers and drives higher-value transactions.
JCB
Credit/Debit Cards
JCB is a leading international payment network, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to reach a growing customer base, especially in Asia-Pacific.
UnionPay International
Credit/Debit Cards
UnionPay is the world’s largest payment network, offering businesses the opportunity to tap into the vast Chinese market and beyond.
Discover
Credit/Debit Cards
Discover is a leading payment network that offers a unique combination of security, rewards, and customer service, making it an attractive option for businesses.
Diners Club
Credit/Debit Cards
Diners Club is a global payment network renowned for its premium services and exclusive benefits, offering businesses access to a discerning clientele.
Apple Pay
Wallets
Apple Pay offers businesses a convenient and secure way to accept payments from iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac users, enhancing the customer experience and boosting sales.
PayPal
Wallets
PayPal is a global leader in online payments, offering businesses a secure and convenient way to accept payments from millions of customers worldwide.
SEPA Direct Debit
Direct Debit
SEPA Direct Debit is a secure and convenient payment method for businesses operating within the European Union, allowing for automated payments from customers’ bank accounts.
SEPA Credit
SEPA Credit
SEPA Credit Transfer is a secure and efficient way for businesses to make payments within the European Union, streamlining cross-border transactions and simplifying international payments.
Invoice Payment
Invoice
A document outlining the details of a purchase, including the goods or services provided, the amount due, and payment terms.
