Scottsdale has become one of Arizona’s premier retail destinations, with thousands of shops stretched across dozens of malls and outdoor centers. While you’re planning your next shopping trip to Fashion Square or Kierland Commons, you might wonder which payment methods work best in this desert city. The answer depends on where you shop and what you buy, but most places give you plenty of options.
Digital Wallets Make Shopping Faster
Digital wallets allow you to shop faster wherever you are, including many of Scottsdale’s shopping malls. Peak digital wallet search interest occurred in August 2025, as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are simple to use and save you the hassle of digging through your purse or wallet.
The simplicity here is that you can quickly tap and pay with your phone while carrying multiple bags, regardless of which Scottsdale Quarter stores you are in. Checkout will be done in seconds. Many major retailers have updated their point-of-sale (POS) systems to accept contactless payments, and this usage continues to grow steadily, with NFC-based wallets leading in cashless transactions.
In addition to the convenience offered by digital wallets, they also provide additional security. Since your actual credit card information is not visible to merchants, your credit card information will be safe even if a merchant experiences a data breach. The encryption and tokenization used in these mobile payment applications provide greater security than a traditional card swipe.
Emerging Payment Options and Digital Assets
The retail payment environment continues to evolve, as do the retailers in Scottsdale. As a result, more and more retailers indicate they want to offer additional payment options, such as buy now, pay later, to remain competitive in the marketplace. Examples of services allowing consumers to make smaller payments on purchases include Afterpay and Klarna. These services allow consumers to break down larger purchases, such as a sofa from Restoration Hardware or a complete wardrobe from Anthropologie, into smaller payments.
Cryptocurrency acceptance is growing, too, though it’s still rare to find it in physical stores. Bitcoin commands about 42% of all merchant crypto transactions in 2025, while stablecoins are gaining ground for their price stability. The digital asset space has expanded beyond just the major cryptocurrencies, with community-driven tokens such as memecoins gaining attention from younger shoppers who appreciate their cultural appeal. Various online resources, such as this list, include both established cryptocurrencies and newer options that appeal to different customer segments.
Some forward-thinking retailers across America have started accepting digital currencies. Surveys show 39% of U.S. crypto holders have shopped with crypto, and that number keeps climbing. While you won’t find many Scottsdale shops accepting crypto at the register today, the number of businesses accepting crypto payments is growing, with more than 15,000 worldwide. The infrastructure is improving fast.
Credit and Debit Cards Still Rule the Desert
You can’t go wrong with a credit or debit card when you visit Scottsdale Fashion Square, which features stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and Macy’s. Cards remain the most accepted payment method across the city. Credit card spending is expected to exceed $6.3 trillion by 2026, cementing its position as America’s top retail payment choice.
Most shoppers prefer credit cards for the rewards and buyer protection they offer. When you’re dropping hundreds at one of the luxury boutiques in Fashion Square’s nearly 200 retailers, those cash-back percentages add up fast. Debit cards work just as smoothly if you prefer to spend what you have. Every major retailer in Scottsdale accepts both Visa and Mastercard, while American Express and Discover work almost everywhere, too.
BNPL Transactions Grow Rapidly
People making large purchases are increasingly interested in BNPL (buy now, pay later) financing. In fact, 56% of all customers surveyed report using a BNPL service in the last year, and this number is continuing to grow. When you shop at The Pavilions at Talking Stick, home to many high-end retailers and restaurants, consider using an installment plan to ease the financial impact.
You get to buy what you want today and pay for it over time in small amounts if you pay on time, as long as you meet the agreed-upon terms of the BNPL service agreement. BNPL transaction volume is expected to reach $911 million globally by 2027, underscoring how much customers value the ability to avoid cashing out large sums. Many retailers now offer BNPL financing options at checkout, either in-store or online.
Be aware that, even though BNPL allows you to purchase now and pay later, you are still required to make timely payments. If you miss a payment, additional fees or interest may be added to your account. However, if you can make your payments on time, BNPL can help you manage your purchases over time instead of maxing out your credit cards.
Cash and Gift Cards Still Going Strong
While many consumers use digital payment methods, cash remains an option, with 14% of consumers using it to make U.S. payments. All stores in Scottsdale still accept cash. Some consumers enjoy good old physical currency, while others appreciate not worrying about losing money and carrying a large number of bills when purchasing something expensive.
Cash is convenient for smaller purchases, i.e., at the local farmer’s market in downtown Scottsdale, which is open Saturdays from October to June. Vendors and artists who sell at the market appreciate customers paying with cash. However, using cash also means consumers miss out on cashback opportunities.
Gift cards are also used as a form of payment by nearly all of the larger retail stores. They may be purchased online or in-store. Stores such as Anthropologie, Michael Kors, Crate & Barrel, and Banana Republic are located at Kierland Commons, and each has its own gift card program. Each store-specific gift card typically offers a benefit, such as additional loyalty points or exclusive discounts.
