Electronic payment trends and consumer rights in Mexico

In Mexico, electronic payments are seeing increased adoption despite the continued prevalence of cash. According to the 2024 National Financial Inclusion Survey by INEGI and the National Banking and Securities Commission, while cash remains the most frequent payment method for transactions above and below 500 pesos, its relative weight has decreased since 2021. Conversely, the use of debit cards, credit cards, and mobile transfers has risen, with electronic transfers for purchases exceeding 500 pesos seeing a 4.8 percentage point increase compared to 2021.

Mobile banking usage has also grown significantly, with 69.1% of formal account holders using mobile apps for financial movements in 2024, up from 54.3% in 2021. This shift has led to a decline in the use of physical bank branches and ATMs.

Regarding consumer protection, individuals facing duplicate card charges should first verify if the transactions are definitive or merely pending authorizations. If both are confirmed as final charges, consumers are advised to contact the merchant directly with transaction details, such as date, amount, and proof of payment, to request a refund. Obtaining written confirmation of the refund request is recommended.