Most common payment methods in Germany

Cheryl Moderator

17211POSTS

last month

Hello everyone,

Moving to Germany, even simple things like paying for groceries or a coffee can feel different. In order to help fellow expats and soon-to-be expats better prepare for their daily transactions, we invite you to share your insights and experience:

What are the most common payment methods today in Germany: cash, debit/credit cards, bank transfers, mobile apps or digital wallets?

Is contactless payment (card, phone, smartwatch or via QR code) common and widely accepted?

Is there a popular local payment app that everyone uses?

How safe and secure do you feel using digital payments in Germany?

Do you still need to carry cash for small shops, markets, taxis or administrative services?

Are there any particularities in payment habits or methods in Germany that surprised you?

Thank you for your contribution,

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15687POSTS

last month

Perhaps surprizingly for a highly developed country, cash is still the method of choice for most payments in Germany.

That said, EC Card payment is available in many commercial places (and the next most common method). You will get an EC Card with every bank account here!

Credit or debit cards are less common. Most such cards must be applied for separately and cost a yearly fee.

A growing trend for private person-to-person purchases (e.g. at flea markets) is Paypal Friends. If that and cash are not possible, bank transfers are often used.