Only 6% of small merchants accept digital payments in the DR

Only 6% of small Dominican merchants accept digital payments, according to a Mastercard study, even though those who already adopt them report growing sales.

The eye-catching figure

Among the SMEs that do accept digital payments, 81% report a significant increase in sales, and 65% say they could no longer operate sustainably without them. In addition, 83% say they reduced operating and cash handling costs. In other words: the tool that leaves the most businesses out is the one that gives the best results to those who use it.

Why the leap is hard

Small Dominican commerce still runs largely on cash, due to a combination of lack of terminals, perceived costs and formalization barriers. The tipping point, according to the study, lies in making access to simple solutions easier: a QR code or a transfer can be the first step toward the digital wallet.

The practical takeaway

For the corner store or neighborhood shop owner, accepting digital payments stopped being a future option: it is the gateway to more customers and more sales. Starting small — one simple, well-visible payment option — is the recommendation repeated by both the study and the merchants who already took the step.