Morocco Electronic Payments 2026: Merchants Demand Free Terminals

Morocco wants to reduce cash usage, but neighborhood merchants don’t want to advance alone in this transition. Following Bank Al-Maghrib and the Competition Council’s decision to cap and reduce electronic payment fees from October 1, 2026, merchant representatives are demanding guarantees.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Card Payment Fees Drop 23% in 2026

The main demand concerns payment terminals. The National Federation of Merchants and Professionals is calling for free devices and electronic payment methods to encourage small businesses to accept more card payments.

Its representative believes merchants also need training, support, and awareness to adapt to new digital tools, according to Hespress. In his view, banks and concerned institutions must cover part of the cost of this transition, since reducing cash primarily serves the national economy.

Small businesses fear the fees

Merchants especially point out the weight of commissions, sometimes ranging between 1% and 3%. In sectors with very low margins, like tobacco, these fees can absorb a significant portion of profit. Another difficulty raised: settlement time, which can reach three days with certain international cards.

Fear of tax audits also remains present. However, professionals acknowledge that generalizing electronic payment is becoming difficult to avoid, particularly with the major international events Morocco is about to host, including the 2030 World Cup.

For economist Omar Bako, opening the market to new players is positive, but it won’t be enough. Changing payment habits takes time, incentives, and a transition phase. He advocates for a gradual approach: initial facilities, then fees adapted to cover the real costs of the service.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Pushes Digital Payment Revolution for Small Shops Ahead of Major Sporting Events

For merchants, the message is clear: they don’t refuse bank cards, but demand that the State, banks, and Bank Al-Maghrib support the movement. Without accessible terminals, training, and an adaptation period, reducing cash risks remaining slower than expected.