Merchants unaffected as Morocco moves to multi-acquirer payment model
Merchants unaffected as Morocco moves to multi-acquirer payment model

Despite a major overhaul of Morocco’s digital payments ecosystem that began in November 2024, day-to-day operations have remained completely unchanged for merchants connected to the Interbank Electronic Banking Center. Payment terminals continue to run without a hitch, services are fully operational, and transactions remain just as secure and reliable as before.

The shift to a multi-acquirer model—now officially in place—was executed seamlessly, without any service disruption. Technical infrastructure has been upgraded to handle increased traffic, oversight of transaction flows has been strengthened, and security protocols have been enhanced. Every step of the transition has been managed around the clock, ensuring uninterrupted service for merchants and consumers alike.

From a merchant’s perspective, the process has been virtually invisible. The only noticeable difference is the new acquirer’s logo printed on payment receipts. Whether in-store or online, the payment process remains exactly the same, using the same devices, user interfaces, and security standards.

While the commercial side and financial flow management have shifted to the new acquirers, the Interbank Electronic Banking Center continues to oversee all technical components, including transaction platforms, system monitoring, maintenance, support, and data processing. The transition of merchant contracts is being carried out in stages, with deadlines set for early 2026 for businesses, and late April for public sector entities. The first wave of notifications has already been issued, and throughout the transition, all services remain fully functional.

Under this new framework, merchants will eventually gain access to a wider range of offers tailored to the approach of each new acquirer. The Interbank Center continues to support the entire system, providing guidance to new entrants and leveraging its expertise to assist critical sectors like retail, tourism, and education, ensuring a smooth and efficient migration.

Looking ahead to 2026, priorities have been clearly outlined: maintaining the reliability of payments, reinforcing platform stability, optimizing current services, and rolling out next-generation tools. These include SoftPOS solutions and advanced payment devices, all part of a broader push to accelerate digital transformation and financial inclusion. This strategy aligns with Morocco’s national goals for 2030, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a modern, resilient, and inclusive payment ecosystem.