Preparing for Millions of Additional Visitors
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico is driving the digital transformation of small businesses, as they aim to capitalize on the economic impact generated by millions of additional visitors.
Current Digital Payment Landscape
Despite the growing trend of digital payments, only 54% of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mexico currently accept card payments, according to the National Survey of Business Financing. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity, especially as tourists are accustomed to cashless transactions.
Government and Visa’s Collaborative Effort
In response to this scenario, the Mexican Secretariat of Economy and Visa are working together to promote digital payment adoption among SMEs. The goal is for the 3.2 million currently un-digitized businesses to start accepting electronic payments by 2030, as digital payment methods have been shown to increase sales by 30% and provide access to formal financial services.
Visa aims to digitize at least one million SMEs through strategic partnerships with companies like BBVA, Getnet, and Global Payments. These partners offer various point-of-sale terminal options, ranging from no-cost initial devices to preferential commission schemes tailored to each business’s needs and capabilities.
World Cup 2026 as a Key Incentive
The current context also favors digitalization. The federal government has set clear policy objectives for financial inclusion and SME digital transformation, aligned with the “Mexico Plan.”
Moreover, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring an estimated five to six million additional visitors, making it crucial for SMEs to maximize sales opportunities, especially as foreign tourists are accustomed to digital payments.
Lower Costs and New Technologies
One major obstacle to digital payment adoption has been the perception of high costs. However, Arturo Luna explained that technology has evolved, making more affordable options available for SMEs.
Previously, point-of-sale terminals involved monthly rentals, minimum sales amounts, and transaction fees. Nowadays, many options no longer charge for terminal use but instead take a percentage of each transaction.
“With this model, you pay only when you use the terminal,” Arturo Luna emphasized.
Visa also promotes technologies like Tap to Phone, which turn a smartphone into a point-of-sale terminal using an app, eliminating the need for additional hardware. Transactions are made by swiping a card on the phone’s back.
SMEs Boost Sales with Digital Payments
Leticia Rosales, founder of Ceimayá (gourmet honey brand), and Shunashi Escobar, creator of Biulu (artisanal bags made from recycled plastic), exemplify how digital payments drive sales in businesses.
Both entrepreneurs agree that incorporating this technology has been crucial for strengthening their commercial operations. For Shunashi Escobal, accepting electronic payments allows her to stay competitive and avoid lost sales, as customers are more likely to purchase more when digital payment options are available.
Leticia Rosales highlights that this method also enhances business security by reducing cash handling, which poses risks to daily operations and the establishment’s integrity.
Breaking Myths and Accessing Financial Systems
One prevalent myth among small businesses is the fear of taxation. Arturo Luna clarified that being registered with Mexico’s tax authority is not a requirement for accepting card payments, so this should not be a barrier.
“Digital payments do not automatically include you in the financial system, but they are the gateway to accessing formal financial services,” Luna explained.
With sales records, financial institutions can better assess SMEs and offer products such as their first credit, financing, insurance, or working capital.
As a recommendation, Arturo Luna advised opening a separate business bank account from personal accounts to manage business income, with Visa partners providing swift assistance and ensuring financial separation for stronger business formalization.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is driving the digital payment adoption among SMEs? The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico is a significant catalyst, as SMEs aim to capitalize on the economic impact generated by millions of additional visitors.
- What percentage of SMEs currently accept card payments in Mexico? Only 54% of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mexico currently accept card payments, according to the National Survey of Business Financing.
- What partnerships are being formed to promote digital payment adoption? Visa is collaborating with companies like BBVA, Getnet, and Global Payments to offer various point-of-sale terminal options tailored to each business’s needs and capabilities.
- How do digital payments benefit SMEs? Digital payment methods increase sales by 30% and provide access to formal financial services, helping SMEs stay competitive and secure.
- What new technologies are being promoted for SMEs? Visa is introducing technologies like Tap to Phone, which turn smartphones into point-of-sale terminals using an app.
- What are the advantages of digital payments for SMEs? Digital payments reduce cash handling risks, enhance business security, and provide access to formal financial services.
- What is the recommended approach for managing business income? Open a separate bank account for business transactions to maintain financial separation and strengthen business formalization.
