# Mexico digital economy and electronic payment trends > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-digital-economy-and-electronic-payment-trends > Updated: 2026-11-09T15:20:30.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 3. The Mexican Senate approved the Digital Economy Law for Digital and Electronic Payments to encourage electronic transactions for government procedures and commercial purchases. The legislation aims to reduce cash usage by integrating technologies such as QR codes, NFC, and bank transfers. Under this law, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit is authorized to designate strategic sectors where digital-only payments may be required, while the Bank of Mexico is tasked with improving financial infrastructure and software standardization. The Digital Economy Law entered into force on November 5, 2026. President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that the law does not aim to prohibit cash for general everyday purchases in shops and stores, but rather to aggressively promote digital transactions in strategic sectors. For instance, the administration plans to eliminate cash payments at gas stations to improve the traceability of the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) and combat fuel theft, known as “huachicol”. A gradual transition toward digital payments is also planned for highway toll booths. To facilitate this transition, the government is introducing new digital identification mechanisms, including the Digital CURP and the Digital Citizen File, for financial services. Additionally, Banco del Bienestar is launching a mobile application to allow social program beneficiaries to make direct payments via smartphone, reducing the need to withdraw cash from ATMs or physical branches. Despite these efforts, business leaders from Canaco and Concanaco Servytur have noted that the transition may face challenges due to varying levels of digital literacy, particularly among the elderly, and the potential for increased informality. Experts have further noted that while the move could improve tax collection and reduce money laundering, it necessitates strict adherence to data protection laws to secure sensitive financial information. ## Claims - The Digital Economy Law for Digital and Electronic Payments entered into force on November 5, 2026. (reported by 6 sources) - The transition to digital payments at highway toll booths will be gradual. (reported by 6 sources) - The government intends to eliminate cash use specifically in gas stations to combat fuel theft and illegal imports. (reported by 5 sources) - Cash will not be prohibited for use in general retail stores. (reported by 5 sources) - The Banco del Bienestar is launching a new application that allows direct payments from mobile phones. (reported by 3 sources) - The law recognizes the Digital CURP and Digital Citizen File as valid identifications for financial services. (reported by 2 sources) - During 2025, a fuel imbalance of 8,824 million liters was recorded in Mexico. (reported by 1 source) - Canaco president Alejandro Lazzarotto Rodríguez expressed concern that the law could impact sales due to lack of familiarity with card payments. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-09: Mexico implements Digital Economy Law to promote electronic payments Mexico's new Digital Economy Law promotes electronic payments in strategic sectors like gas stations to combat fuel theft, while maintaining cash use for general retail. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-digital-economy-law-aims-to-reduce-cash-usage ### 2026-11-08: Electronic payment trends and consumer rights in Mexico Mexico is seeing a rise in electronic payments and mobile banking usage, though cash remains common. Consumers are advised to contact merchants directly to resolve duplicate card charges. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electronic-payment-trends-and-consumer-rights-in-mexico ### 2026-10-23: Mexico Senate approves Digital Economy Law to promote electronic payments Mexico's Senate approved a Digital Economy Law to promote electronic payments and gradually phase out cash in specific sectors through technologies like QR codes and NFC. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-senate-approves-digital-economy-law-to-promote-electronic-payments --- Cite as: Mexico digital economy and electronic payment trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-digital-economy-and-electronic-payment-trends