Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj has announced that from January 1, 2027, the changes envisaged in the new Payments Law will enter into force, aimed at reducing card payment costs for businesses and citizens.
According to the minister, the new law provides for limiting the interchange fee to 0.2% for debit cards and 0.3% for credit cards, in line with European Union standards. These changes are expected to reduce transaction costs for merchants and boost the use of electronic payments.
“Card payments are becoming cheaper for businesses and easier for citizens! From January 1, 2027, under the new Payments Law, the interchange fee is capped at 0.2% for debit cards and 0.3% for credit cards, in line with European Union standards, reducing transaction costs by up to 1.3%,” Ibrahimaj declared.
Another initiative being implemented is the “Cashless Albania” program, through which the aim is to expand the use of POS terminals at points of sale. The goal is that by December 2026, all merchants serving consumers will be equipped with these devices, enabling card payments. “Through the Cashless Albania program, we are expanding the use of POS terminals, with the aim that all merchants serving consumers will be equipped with these devices by December 2026,” Ibrahimaj emphasized.
