More than 500 complaints and queries have been lodged by people who were refused the right to pay in cash in Spain over the past three years.

The cases have been collected by Denaria, an association which campaigns to protect the use of physical cash and has established a dedicated reporting system for people who encounter problems when attempting to use notes and coins.

Since the system was launched three years ago, the organisation has received 504 reports from members of the public.

Of those, 74 have subsequently been pursued as formal complaints by Denaria after receiving permission from those affected.

The organisation says the figures show that refusals to accept cash remain an issue in both the private sector and parts of the public administration.

What to do if a business refuses your cash

Denaria’s reporting channel is designed specifically for people who encounter difficulties using cash during everyday transactions.

‘This complaints channel is aimed at anyone who has any kind of problem with the use of cash in their daily activities,’ said Denaria president Javier Ruperez.

Reports can be made anonymously and free of charge.

According to Ruperez, the aim is to ensure that people’s rights are respected and that legislation requiring the acceptance of cash as a means of payment in economic activities is followed.

Denaria also publishes details on its website of establishments around Spain which have allegedly refused cash payments.

‘Three years after its launch, the channel has established itself as an effective tool at the service of citizens,’ the organisation said.

‘Every communication we receive confirms that incidents involving the rejection of cash continue to occur both in public administration and in the private sector, so we will continue working to guarantee everyone’s right to pay in cash.’

Complaints can be submitted through Denaria’s online reporting form.

The association also operates the freephone number 900 20 44 20, while complaints can be emailed to denuncias@plataformadenaria.com.

Can shops legally refuse cash in Spain?

For consumers, Spanish legislation provides significant protection for cash payments.

Under consumer protection rules, refusing cash as a means of payment within the limits established by tax and anti-fraud legislation constitutes an infringement of consumers’ rights.

However, that does not mean there is an unlimited right to pay any amount whatsoever in banknotes and coins.

Spain maintains strict restrictions on large cash transactions. In particular, where one of the parties is acting as a business or professional, cash generally cannot be used for transactions of €1,000 or more.

For ordinary everyday purchases below the applicable limits, however, businesses imposing blanket ‘card only’ or ‘no cash’ policies can fall foul of Spanish consumer rules.