Payments, Cards & Wallets

Georgia's modern payment infrastructure supports cards, digital wallets, contactless payments, and online transactions. This comprehensive guide covers all payment methods available in Georgia for both consumers and businesses.

Debit Cards in Georgia

Debit cards are provided automatically with most bank accounts, typically issued within 3-7 business days of account opening. Cards support both chip-and-PIN technology and contactless NFC payments, meeting international security standards while providing convenience for small purchases. Visa and Mastercard dominate the market, with both brands widely accepted throughout Georgia and internationally.

Annual fees for debit cards are typically zero or minimal ($0-5 annually) for standard accounts. Premium accounts may charge $10-20 annually for cards with additional benefits like travel insurance, purchase protection, or airport lounge access. Most users find standard free cards sufficient for daily needs, with premium cards justified only when actively using enhanced benefits.

Contactless payment limits typically range 100-150 GEL per transaction without PIN entry. Purchases exceeding limits require PIN entry for security. Daily contactless limits of 500-1,000 GEL apply at most banks, resetting at midnight. These limits balance convenience with fraud protection, allowing fast small purchases while securing larger transactions.

International usage is enabled by default on most Georgian debit cards. Cards function at ATMs and POS terminals worldwide through Visa or Mastercard networks. Foreign transaction fees typically range 0.5-2% on international purchases, with some premium accounts offering fee-free international usage. Notifying banks of international travel prevents cards from being blocked for suspected fraud.

Card controls available through mobile banking apps enable customizing security settings. Users can enable/disable international usage, contactless payments, online purchases, and ATM withdrawals individually. Geographic restrictions can limit usage to specific countries. Spending limits can be set for daily or per-transaction amounts. Real-time transaction notifications alert users immediately to all card activity, enabling quick fraud detection.

Credit Cards and Credit Building

Credit cards are available from major Georgian banks but require established credit history, employment documentation, and sometimes collateral or deposits. International credit histories generally aren't considered, requiring residents to build Georgian credit from scratch. Most expats use debit cards for 6-12 months while establishing local credit history before applying for credit products.

Secured credit cards backed by deposits provide options for immediate credit access while building history. Depositing $500-1,000 secures a credit line equal to or slightly exceeding the deposit amount. Using secured cards responsibly for several months demonstrates creditworthiness, enabling graduation to unsecured credit cards with higher limits and better terms.

Credit card interest rates in Georgia typically range 15-30% annually for purchases, with cash advances carrying higher rates (25-35%). Annual fees range $20-100 depending on card tier and benefits. Grace periods of 20-55 days for purchases enable interest-free credit when paying statements in full monthly. Understanding terms before using credit prevents unexpected interest charges.

Credit limits for new cardholders typically start at $500-2,000, increasing over time with responsible usage and demonstrated payment history. Building credit requires using cards regularly but maintaining low utilization (under 30% of limits), paying at least minimum payments on time, and ideally paying full balances monthly to avoid interest. Six to twelve months of responsible usage typically enables limit increases and qualification for premium products.

Digital Wallet Services

Apple Pay is supported by TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, Liberty Bank, and most other major Georgian banks. iPhone and Apple Watch users can add their Georgian bank cards to Apple Wallet, enabling contactless payments through devices. The same transaction limits and security features apply as physical cards. Face ID or Touch ID authentication provides additional security beyond card PINs.

Google Pay similarly supports Georgian bank cards for Android users. Samsung Pay provides additional functionality through MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technology, enabling payments at terminals without NFC capabilities. This broader compatibility makes Samsung Pay particularly useful at older payment terminals still common in some Georgian establishments.

Bank-specific wallet apps like TBC Pay and BOG Pay offer enhanced functionality beyond Apple/Google Pay. These apps often include loyalty program integration, instant peer-to-peer transfers, QR code payments, bill payment capabilities, and merchant offers or cashback programs. While requiring the bank's specific app, these wallets provide richer features than generic smartphone wallets.

QR code payments have gained popularity in Georgia, particularly for peer-to-peer transfers and small merchant payments. Users generate QR codes in banking apps containing payment information, which recipients scan to receive funds instantly. This method eliminates the need to share account numbers and enables fast payments at markets, taxis, or between individuals.

Online Payment Capabilities

E-commerce acceptance of Georgian cards is excellent for domestic and international purchases. Georgian debit and credit cards function at most online merchants globally, processing through Visa and Mastercard networks just like cards from any country. International purchases in foreign currencies are automatically converted to GEL at competitive exchange rates.

3D Secure authentication (Verified by Visa or Mastercard SecureCode) adds security for online purchases. When enabled, online transactions trigger SMS codes or app notifications requiring confirmation before completing payments. While adding a step to checkout processes, 3D Secure significantly reduces fraud risk and is increasingly required by merchants for card-not-present transactions.

Virtual cards for online shopping are offered by some Georgian banks through mobile apps. These temporary card numbers with expiration dates and CVV codes can be generated for one-time or limited-time use, protecting actual card details when shopping at unfamiliar websites. If a virtual card number is compromised, only that temporary number is affected rather than your primary card.

Subscription management through banking apps enables tracking and controlling recurring charges. Many apps display all active subscriptions and enable canceling directly through the app rather than contacting merchants. This feature provides visibility into subscription spending and simplifies cancellation of unwanted services.

Merchant Payment Processing

Businesses accepting card payments need merchant accounts with payment processing capabilities. Georgian banks provide merchant services including POS terminals, payment gateway integration for e-commerce, mobile payment acceptance through smartphones, and virtual terminal services for mail/phone orders. Setup typically requires business registration, tax compliance verification, and sometimes operating history.

Transaction fees for merchants typically range 1.5-3.5% per transaction depending on business type, transaction volumes, and card types accepted. Higher-risk businesses face higher rates. Large-volume businesses negotiate lower rates. Additional monthly fees may apply for terminal rental ($20-50), gateway access, and statement services. For small businesses, mobile acceptance solutions like TBC Swipe or BOG Mobile POS offer affordable alternatives to traditional terminals.

Settlement timing varies by agreement, with most merchants receiving funds within 1-3 business days of transactions. Same-day settlement is available from some providers for additional fees. Understanding settlement schedules is important for cash flow management, particularly for businesses with tight operating margins.

E-commerce integration options include hosted payment pages redirecting customers to bank-controlled checkout, API integration for custom payment experiences, and shopping cart plugins for platforms like WooCommerce or Shopify. Georgian payment gateways support both local and international cards, enabling businesses to serve Georgian and foreign customers seamlessly.

Cash Usage and ATMs

Cash remains common for small transactions, tipping, and informal economy purchases, though card acceptance has expanded dramatically in recent years. Most restaurants, shops, and services in major cities accept cards for any amount. Rural areas and small vendors may prefer or require cash, making ATM access important.

ATM networks are extensive throughout Georgia, with major banks maintaining hundreds of machines nationwide. Bank-owned ATMs typically offer free withdrawals for that bank's customers, while other banks' ATMs charge 1-2 GEL per withdrawal. International cards work at most ATMs, though foreign transaction fees from your home bank may apply in addition to Georgian ATM fees.

Daily ATM withdrawal limits typically range 1,000-5,000 GEL depending on account type and bank policies. Per-transaction limits of 500-1,000 GEL may require multiple withdrawals for larger cash needs. These limits protect against theft or fraud while accommodating most legitimate cash needs.

Tipping culture in Georgia traditionally favors cash tips for restaurant servers, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and service providers. While some restaurants now add tips to card payments, direct cash tips ensure service staff receives full amounts. Carrying small denominations (5, 10, 20 GEL notes) facilitates appropriate tipping.

Bill Payment Services

Utility bill payments occur easily through banking apps, eliminating the need for physical visits to utility offices. All major utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and mobile phone services can be paid through online banking. Simply select the utility, enter account number, view current balance, and confirm payment. Most banks save payment information for recurring bills, enabling one-click payments each month.

Automatic recurring payments can be set up for regular bills, deducting amounts automatically on specified dates. This autopay functionality eliminates missed payments and late fees. Users maintain control by reviewing and approving amounts before deduction or setting up automatic payment only for consistent amounts like rent.

Government fees and taxes can be paid through banking systems, including Revenue Service payments, traffic fines, vehicle taxes, and various permits or licenses. Integration between banks and government systems enables real-time payment processing and automatic receipt generation for record-keeping.

Peer-to-Peer Transfers

Instant transfers between accounts at the same bank occur in real-time at no cost. Users need only the recipient's phone number linked to their bank account or their account number. Funds transfer instantly, enabling convenient splitting of bills, repaying friends, or sending money to family. Most banking apps store frequent recipients for one-click transfers.

Interbank transfers within Georgia typically process within minutes to a few hours, with most completing same-day when initiated during business hours. These transfers may incur small fees (0-2 GEL) depending on banks involved. The National Bank of Georgia's instant payment system (NBG IPS) enables real-time interbank transfers at minimal cost.

Request money features in banking apps enable sending payment requests to others, who can approve and complete payments with one click. This functionality simplifies collecting shared expenses or requesting payments for services. Recipients receive notifications and can pay immediately through their banking apps.

Security and Fraud Protection

Card fraud protection provided by Georgian banks includes real-time transaction monitoring, automatic blocking of suspicious transactions, 24/7 fraud hotlines for reporting issues, and liability limitations protecting consumers from unauthorized charges. Zero liability policies at major banks mean cardholders aren't responsible for fraudulent transactions reported promptly.

Best practices for payment security include enabling all available app security features (biometric authentication, transaction notifications), never sharing card details, PINs, or SMS codes with anyone, regularly reviewing transactions for unauthorized charges, being cautious with public WiFi when making payments, and immediately reporting lost cards or suspicious activity.

Chip-and-PIN technology prevents many traditional card fraud methods. However, online fraud and social engineering attempts remain risks. Being skeptical of unexpected payment requests, verifying recipient details before transfers, and double-checking website authenticity before entering card details prevents most fraud attempts.

Future Payment Innovations

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is under consideration by the National Bank of Georgia. A digital lari could enable new payment capabilities while maintaining central bank backing and regulatory oversight. Implementation timelines remain uncertain, though pilot programs may emerge in coming years.

Biometric payments using fingerprints or facial recognition for authentication are expanding beyond smartphones to standalone POS terminals. This passwordless authentication could simplify payments while enhancing security. Major banks are exploring integration of biometric authentication into broader payment infrastructures.

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