pay by card

Meaning

This phrase is used to state that you want to complete a transaction using a credit card, debit card, or contactless payment method rather than cash. It is extremely common in stores, restaurants, and online checkouts. The tone is completely neutral and standard.

Examples

• Do you mind if I pay by card, or do you only accept cash?

  Do you mind if I pay by card, or do you only accept cash?

• It's much safer to pay by card when traveling abroad so you don't carry too much cash.

  It's much safer to pay by card when traveling abroad so you don't carry too much cash.

• I usually pay by card because it helps me track my monthly spending automatically.

  I usually pay by card because it helps me track my monthly spending automatically.

• At this coffee shop, you can only pay by card; they don't have a cash register.

  At this coffee shop, you can only pay by card; they don't have a cash register.

• Can I pay by card, or is there a minimum spending limit for card transactions?

  Can I pay by card, or is there a minimum spending limit for card transactions?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Can I pay with card?

  ✓ Can I pay by card?

  While 'pay with a card' (with an article) is sometimes used, the standard, most natural idiomatic expression is 'pay by card' (without an article).

• ✗ I paid on card for the dinner.

  ✓ I paid by card for the dinner.

  The correct preposition to indicate the method of payment is 'by', not 'on'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I don't have any cash on me, so I'll have to ___.

  💡 Use a plastic credit or debit card for the transaction.

  Show answer

  pay by card

• Is it possible to ___ at this market stall?

  💡 Ask if they accept credit or debit cards.

  Show answer

  pay by card