Greece Expands IRIS Mobile Payment System for Retailers, Tourists

Thursday, 28 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Greece's IRIS instant payment system is expanding its capabilities for everyday transactions, with new features rolling out from late June 2026. IRIS allows payments directly between bank accounts using a mobile phone number, without needing card details. The service is already widely used across Europe and is now being upgraded to handle a broader range of daily purchases in Greece, including potentially at retail points and small businesses. For tourists visiting Crete, this means cashless payments may become more accessible at local shops, tavernas, and markets that previously preferred cash. If you have a Greek bank account or a compatible European bank, you may be able to use IRIS for splitting bills or paying vendors. However, carrying some cash remains advisable, as adoption at tourist-facing businesses across the island is still uneven.