Mercadona clarifies the limit for paying with cash and how many coins it accepts per purchase

Following a 9% increase in sales to €38.8 billion, Mercadona achieved a record turnover of €1.384 billion in 2024, which is 37% higher than the previous year. The company is now on the path to another record year. These figures are not the outcome of coincidence; rather, they are the result of causality. Juan Roig’s Valencian organisation is fully committed to the pursuit of excellence, with the objective of enhancing the customer experience of its “bosses,” as the organisation refers to its clients.

This is demonstrated by the fact that Mercadona has implemented a number of new features throughout 2025, including the establishment of a new parking lot at the entrance to its supermarkets and the affirmation of an alternative fishmonger system. Furthermore, the food chain has implemented a new QR code to enhance the traceability of certain products and, most recently, has installed a small area with a portable coffee machine.

These are merely a few of the enhancements that a company can accomplish by relying on three fundamental pillars: a strong distribution model, an understanding of the company’s future, and effective decision-making. All of this is complemented by the highest-quality products it provides and transparency with its top managers throughout all distribution and purchasing processes.

To facilitate the work of its employees and to enlighten customers, Mercadona addresses certain enquiries on its official website. The utmost cash payment permitted is one of these persistent enquiries. The company emphasises in its Customer Service section that it is legally prohibited from accepting cash payments exceeding €999.99.

Consequently, the entire purchase price at their supermarkets must be paid by bank card if it exceeds one thousand euros. Additionally, “we accept any bank card that bears the Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro symbol.” Nevertheless, American Express cards are not recognised as a form of payment.

Conversely, Mercadona stipulates that “we only accept up to 50 coins per payment.” The coins may be of comparable or dissimilar value. The company prohibits the use of coupons, discount vouchers, Restaurant Ticket cards, and Gourmet Checks, as they are exclusively permitted in hospitality establishments.

In the midst of the summer season, the food chain also clarifies that customers who desire to be eligible for a VAT refund for travellers (Tax Free) can register through our Customer Invoice Portal with their foreign document (passport or residence document). The “manager” must present their document number in the store prior to making a payment if they have already enrolled. Upon receipt of the invoice, they will be able to verify it at the DIVA devices.

Author: Derek Appleton