Payment methods in Bahamas

Sand Dollar is the digital version of the Bahamian dollar, issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas through authorised financial institutions (AFIs). Users access Sand Dollar via iOS and Android mobile apps or a physical payment card linked to a digital wallet. The CBDC operates 24/7, enables instant P2P and P2B payments, and is designed to reach underserved island communities without traditional bank branches. Over 100,000 wallet accounts are active, with 1,500+ businesses enrolled in merchant services.

Visa is the world's largest card network, enabling credit, debit and prepaid card payments online, in-store and at ATMs across virtually every market. In the listed countries Visa is a core internationally accepted scheme alongside local methods.

Mastercard is a leading global card network supporting credit, debit and prepaid card payments online, in-store and at ATMs worldwide. In the listed countries it is a core internationally accepted scheme.

American Express is widely accepted in Panama, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and the business services sector concentrated in Panama City. Panama's role as a regional business hub and the Colón Free Zone drives above-average AmEx acceptance compared to other Central American countries.

Discover (Discover Global Network) is a US-based card network with broad international acceptance via alliances. It is most relevant in US-affiliated markets and tourism destinations.

BCB eSolutions (Bahamas Cooperative Credit Union eSolutions) and major commercial bank online banking platforms facilitate electronic fund transfers. ACH-based transfers are used for bill payments, payroll, and larger transactions, forming a significant layer of the payments infrastructure alongside card schemes.