CaixaBank Becomes First Spanish Bank to Launch Apple Pay In-Store Instalments

CaixaBank has introduced in-store installment payments for Apple Pay users in Spain, marking the first time a domestic bank has integrated this functionality at the physical point of sale. The move allows credit card holders to spread the cost of purchases directly within the Apple Wallet app, bridging the gap between digital wallet convenience and traditional consumer credit.

What was announced

CaixaBank is enabling customers to pay in installments for physical store purchases made via Apple Pay on iPhone. This rollout follows the bank’s introduction of a similar service for online transactions last year. The functionality is available to users with compatible CaixaBank or imagin credit cards, providing a streamlined method for managing larger expenses at the checkout.

The process is integrated into the native Apple Pay interface. When a user double-clicks the side button to initiate a payment and selects their card, an option to pay in installments appears on the screen. Customers can choose their preferred financing terms before the transaction is finalized or, alternatively, set up an installment plan immediately after the purchase is completed. Repayment periods are flexible, allowing customers to select a duration ranging from 2 to 12 months, depending on their specific financial needs.

Once a plan is established, users can track and manage their installments through the CaixaBank mobile app, where these plans are displayed alongside other card transactions. Security and privacy remain central to the integration; as is standard with Apple Pay, Apple does not retain user information related to the specific transaction when a customer opts for financing. This expansion into physical retail environments is intended to provide a more seamless omnichannel experience, giving users consistent credit options whether they are shopping on an iPad or at a brick-and-mortar terminal.

The companies involved

CaixaBank is a major player in the Spanish financial sector, maintaining a significant presence in retail banking and insurance. The institution has focused heavily on digital transformation and payment innovation, often serving as a first mover for new financial technologies in the Iberian market. Its digital-only brand, imagin, targets a younger demographic and is fully integrated into the bank’s broader technological ecosystem. The bank has been a frequent subject of industry analysis, with its strategies often reflecting the broader shift toward digital-first banking in Southern Europe.

Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, California, has become a dominant force in the global fintech landscape through Apple Pay and the Apple Wallet. Since its launch, Apple Pay has expanded from a simple mobile payment solution into a comprehensive financial hub, incorporating features like Apple Card in specific markets and, more recently, broader support for third-party installment plans. The company’s strategy revolves around leveraging its hardware ecosystem to provide secure, contactless payment methods that utilize Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. By partnering with established financial institutions like CaixaBank, Apple is able to offer localized credit products while maintaining its signature user experience and privacy standards.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely monitored the global expansion of Apple Pay and the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding digital wallets. We recently covered the rapid adoption of the service in emerging markets, such as when Uzum Records Massive Apple Pay Surge in Uzbekistan with 142,000 Card Activations in 24 Hours. This followed a series of milestones in the region, including TBC Bank Uzbekistan Launches Apple Pay as Digital Payments Arrive in Uzbekistan and Click Becomes First Non-Bank Institution in Uzbekistan to Integrate Apple Pay for E-Commerce. Additionally, we have reported on the structural shifts in the industry, notably when UK Finance Backs CMA Move to Open Apple NFC for Digital Wallet Competition, a development that signals increased pressure on Apple to open its ecosystem to third-party providers.

What this means

This announcement signals a shift in how traditional banks view the "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) threat. By embedding installment options directly into the Apple Pay flow, CaixaBank is reclaiming the point-of-sale credit experience from fintech disruptors. This move puts pressure on other European lenders to accelerate their own digital wallet integrations or risk losing high-value credit volume to more agile competitors. It also raises questions about the future of merchant-specific financing; if a consumer can trigger a bank-backed loan with a double-click on their phone, the need for complex in-store credit applications effectively vanishes. The industry is moving toward a model where credit is a feature of the wallet, not the retailer.