A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Can i pay by card" in French
Politely ask if card payment is accepted in French restaurants, shops, and other establishments.
Puis-je payer par carte ?
pweezh PAY-yay par KARTneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're ready to settle the bill at a restaurant, cafe, or shop. It's a standard and polite way to inquire before pulling out your wallet.
Alternatives
- Je peux payer par carte ?Slightly more casual, common in everyday speech.
- On peut payer par carte ?Very common and informal, often used among friends or in very casual settings.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'puis-je'
The 's' in 'puis' is pronounced, and the 'je' links to it, sounding like 'pwee-zh'.
Silent 't' in 'carte'
The final 't' in 'carte' is silent, so it sounds like 'kart', not 'cart-uh'.
Incorrect article with 'carte'
Always use 'par carte' (by card), not 'par la carte' or 'avec carte'.
A small cultural note
While card payment is widespread, some very small businesses or market stalls might still prefer cash. It's always good to have a little cash on hand just in case.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
Can I pay with my foreign card in France?
Most French establishments accept major international credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less commonly accepted.
What if they say no to card payment?
If they indicate card payment isn't possible, you can then ask 'Vous acceptez les espèces ?' (Do you accept cash?).
Is it rude to ask about paying by card?
Not at all, it's a practical question. Using 'Puis-je' makes it polite and appropriate for any situation.
