Payment options at Formula 1 races: cash or card

If you've ever thought about whether you ought to carry cash or just depend on your card for a Formula 1 weekend, the answer is: it depends on the circuit. Some races have gone completely cashless, others accept both, and a few use special top-up systems you must prep for. Knowing the rules before you go can save you long queues, missed laps, and undue stress.

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Fully cashless circuits

At some F1 venues, cash is not accepted anywhere inside the circuit. You’ll need a debit/credit card or mobile payment app (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Examples include:

• British GP – Silverstone: All food, drink, and merchandise vendors are cashless.
• Miami GP: No cash accepted for parking, tickets, food, or merch. You can exchange cash for a prepaid Visa card at Guest Experience HQ.
• United States GP – COTA: Cashless venue; all payments must be made by card.
• Dutch GP – Zandvoort: Only card or contactless payments accepted.

If your home bank charges high fees for foreign card use, consider a travel money card to avoid extra costs.

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Circuits where both cash and card work

Many tracks still take both, but card payments are more common and faster. A few stalls might only take one or the other, so having both is safest.

• Singapore GP: Most vendors take card; some accept cash.
• Italian GP – Monza: Now accepts cash or card (the old token system is gone).
• Las Vegas GP: Cash and cards accepted throughout the venue.
• Abu Dhabi GP – Yas Marina: Cards widely accepted; some fan zones may be fully cashless.
• Japanese GP – Suzuka: Many food stalls are cash-only, so carrying yen is essential.

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Closed-loop cashless systems

A few races use a top-up payment system inside the track. You load money onto a special card, wristband, or app, and use that for food and drinks.

• Mexico City GP – Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez: Food and drink purchases are made through the Citibanamex/MyCashless system. You can top up online in advance, at on-site stations with card or cash, or via the mobile app. Fans recommend topping up on Friday to avoid queues later.

Merchandise stalls and some partner areas may still take regular card or cash.

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Tips for smooth payments at F1 races

• Check the year’s policy: Rules can change, so always confirm on the official website or app before you travel.
• Bring a card + backup cash: Even cashless venues sometimes have a vendor or taxi outside the track that only takes cash.
• Use the official app: Many events have maps showing ATM locations, top-up points, and accepted payment types.
• Plan for currency needs: For races like Suzuka, bring local currency in small denominations.
• Top up early: For closed-loop systems like Mexico’s, load funds before peak times.

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Final word

Whether a venue is completely cashless, like many in the UK, USA, and Netherlands, or friendly to cash, like some venues in Japan and Italy, the safest approach is to know your venue's game plan and carry at least one payment card and some local currency. That way, the only surprise you get is the one Mother Nature's got in store for you.

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Find F1 tickets with Fastway1

At Fastway1.com, we help Formula 1 fans compare tickets for every race weekend—whether you’re heading to a fully cashless street race or a classic circuit where cash still works. We lay out your options for General Admission, Grandstands, and Hospitality so you can focus on enjoying the race, not worrying about the logistics.

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FAQ about Fastway1.com

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Q: How can I contact Fastway1.com for support?
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