Portuguese Phrase
Pago com cartão, por favor.
Meaning
A courteous way to tell a waiter, cashier, or service staff that you intend to settle the bill using a credit or debit card. The present tense *pago* conveys an immediate action, and the phrase ends with *por favor* to keep the tone polite.
When to use
Use this sentence in restaurants, cafés, taxis, shops, or any place where you need to indicate your preferred method of payment. It works both in Brazil and Portugal, though in some rural areas cash may still be preferred.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pagocomcartãoporfavor
Pago
First‑person singular present of the verb *pagar* (to pay). In Portuguese the present can express a near‑future action, like “I’ll pay”.
com
Preposition meaning “with”. It links the verb to the means of payment.
cartão
Masculine noun meaning “card”. Usually understood as a credit or debit card unless specified.
por favor
Polite phrase meaning “please”. Placed at the end of the request, separated by a comma in writing.
🗨In Conversation
A conta, por favor.
The bill, please.
Pago com cartão, por favor.
I’ll pay with card, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu pago com cartão, por favor.
The subject pronoun *eu* is unnecessary because Portuguese verbs already indicate the subject.
Pago com cartão por favor
Missing the comma before *por favor* makes the sentence look rushed; the pause is important for politeness.
Pago com cartão, por favor?
Using a question mark changes the tone to a request for confirmation; the statement is usually sufficient.
Pago com cartão de crédito, por favor
While not wrong, specifying *de crédito* can be redundant unless you need to differentiate from a debit card.
↔Alternatives
Vou pagar com cartão, por favor.
I’m going to pay with card, please.
Posso pagar com cartão?
May I pay with card?
Aceitam cartão?
Do you accept cards?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, credit cards are accepted in most urban eateries, but many small towns and street vendors still prefer cash. When you say *Pago com cartão, por favor*, the staff will usually confirm the type (de crédito or débito). In Portugal, it’s common to ask *Posso pagar com cartão?* before presenting the card, especially in smaller cafés.