Yes, in 2026, it is mandatory for all official taxis in Madrid to accept credit and debit cards. By municipal law, every vehicle in the official white-and-red-stripe fleet must be equipped with a functional card terminal (TPV). They accept all major international cards, including Visa and Mastercard, and most now support contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay. While American Express is widely accepted, it is always wise to double-check with the driver before the trip begins. Taxis in Madrid operate on a regulated meter system, and for trips to and from Barajas Airport (MAD) to the "Calle 30" central zone, there is a fixed flat rate of €33 (as of early 2026). If a driver claims their machine is "broken," they are technically in violation of city regulations, and you have the right to ask them to stop at a nearby ATM or call their central dispatch. For additional convenience, you can use apps like FreeNow or Cabify to book an official taxi and pay automatically through the app.