In 2021, the Spanish government introduced a new Anti-Fraud Law, which establishes a limit on the amount you're allowed to pay in cash. The previous limit was €2,500, but now this has been reduced to only €1,000. This means all amounts above €1,000 will have to be paid by card.

In 2026, Spain enforces two primary rules regarding cash: a reporting requirement for large amounts and a spending limit for commercial transactions. If you are entering or leaving Spain, you must declare any amount equal to or greater than €10,000 (or its foreign equivalent) to Customs. This includes banknotes, coins, and traveler's checks. Domestically, Spain has a strict "anti-fraud" law that prohibits cash payments of €1,000 or more for any transaction where at least one party is acting in a professional capacity (e.g., buying a watch at a jewelry store or paying for a luxury hotel stay). For non-resident tourists, this limit is slightly more flexible at €10,000, but most businesses default to the lower limit for simplicity. Additionally, under the so-called "€118-a-day rule," border officials may technically ask non-EU visitors to prove they have at least €118 per day of their stay available in funds (cash or credit), though this is rarely enforced for casual tourists.