Across preferred online payment methods by age group in Spain, debit cards emerge as the dominant choice among younger adults, peaking at among 25–34 year olds and remaining strong at for the 35–44 group. Credit cards lead among the youngest cohort, with of 18–24 year olds selecting them as their top method — a notably higher share than any other age group.
PayPal or similar digital wallets show a clear generational divide. Older Spaniards favour them significantly more, with of both the 45–54 and 55–64 groups preferring them, rising to among those 65 and over. By contrast, only 15– of the two youngest cohorts share this preference, suggesting that digital-native consumers gravitate toward card-based payments rather than intermediary platforms.
Alternative methods such as bank transfers, cash on delivery, Buy Now Pay Later services, and e-wallets remain marginal across all age groups, none exceeding in any segment. The Spanish online payment landscape is therefore defined almost entirely by the competition between cards and PayPal-type services, with the balance shifting meaningfully by generation.
