This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On November 16, 2018, shoppers in Mexico City experienced difficulties making purchases during the 'El Buen Fin' shopping season. The issue was not limited to one store, as several major banks reported problems processing debit and credit card payments on Saturday, August 11, 2019.
According to Twitter accounts from Banorte, HSBC, and Santander, the issue was with the company processing card payments, and they were working to resolve the problem. Reuters witnesses in Mexico City reported having their cards declined at different stores and seeing signs informing customers that payment systems were down.
It was unclear whether cards from other banks were also affected. The Mexican Finance Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration has been promoting the use of cards instead of cash to combat illicit cash and increase financial inclusion.
SEE ALSO: Trump flaunts 'secret' migration deal already revealed by Mexico
