Payment methods in Luxembourg: trends in 2026

Since the European Regulation EU 2024/886 came into force, instant payments have become the standard throughout the euro area. Banks must offer this service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at the same price as a standard transfer. An ideal solution for both individuals and businesses alike, allowing transfers to be completed in less than 10 seconds.

To strengthen payment security, the regulation also provides for the implementation of the Verification of Payee (VoP). Before each transfer, the bank automatically checks that the recipient's name matches the IBAN provided. This step helps reduce the risk of errors and fraud.

Today, contactless payment is a widely adopted habit. Whether by card, smartphone or smartwatch, it allows purchases to be paid for quickly, without inserting a card or entering a PIN code. 

Why is it so popular? 

• Speed: a simple tap is enough to validate the transaction. 
• Accessibility: this payment method is now accepted at most points of sale, from small shops to large retail stores. 

For a contactless card purchase exceeding EUR 50, you must insert your bank card into the terminal and enter your PIN code. If the same purchase is made using mobile payment, it is not subject to the EUR 50 limit, and only the limits associated with your card or bank account apply.

Digital wallets, such as Apple Pay, allow users to store their bank cards on a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. No need to take out a physical card: payments are made directly from the device. 

These solutions are designed to ensure transaction security. Thanks to tokenisation, sensitive banking information is replaced by unique identifiers. Sensitive information is therefore not transmitted directly during payment. 

With Apple Pay, the iPhone replaces the card at the checkout. Garmin and Fitbit smartwatches allow you to pay for purchases with a simple movement of your wrist, even during a running session. 

Following contactless payments, mobile payments and instant transfers, a new option emerging with the arrival of Wero in Luxembourg. 
Wero is a European payment solution that will enable users to send and receive money instantly and easily using a phone number, email address, or a QR code. 

Wero will gradually replace Payconiq, which is well known in Luxembourg, while enabling new uses on a European scale.

Its goal is to simplify everyday payments in Luxembourg and across Europe. Reimbursing a friend, sharing an expense, settling a bill or paying for a purchase becomes straightforward, without having to enter an IBAN.  

With Wero, payments become more seamless: a mobile, instant and European solution designed to support new customer habits. 

Payment methods continue to evolve to make everyday life simpler. Following the rise of contactless payments, digital wallets and instant transfers, Wero is arriving with a clear promise: to make mobile payments easier in Luxembourg and throughout Europe.  

Need to reimburse someone? Share an expense? Pay a bill? Wero will soon offer new possibilities to pay and get paid more easily. 

Wero is coming to BGL BNP Paribas. Stay connected to discover this new European payment solution.