Do you accept credit cards?
at-chet-TAH-teh — five syllables, stress on third. 'cc' before 'e' = 'ch' sound. KAR-teh dee KREH-dee-to.
Ask before sitting down in smaller restaurants or trattorias, as card acceptance is not universal in Italy. Many smaller establishments still prefer or require cash.
'Accettate' is the second person plural of 'accettare' (to accept). 'Carte di credito' = credit cards. In Italy, contactless payment and POS terminals are widespread in cities but less reliable in rural areas, smaller trattorias, and markets.
Posso pagare con la carta?
Can I pay by card?
Simpler question — the most natural way to ask.
Accettate Visa e Mastercard?
Do you accept Visa and Mastercard?
Specifying card types — both are widely accepted.
Avete il POS?
Do you have a card terminal?
Very direct Italian way to ask — 'POS' is the common term.
Since 2022, Italian law requires all businesses to accept card payments. However, some small restaurants still discourage cards by claiming 'il POS è rotto' (the terminal is broken). Carrying some cash is always wise when exploring smaller Italian towns or local trattorias.