Last year, for the first time, more than half of all purchases in Germany were made cashless; cash was used in only 45 percent of all payment transactions. This was determined by the Deutsche Bundesbank, which also breaks down the numbers. Cash can continue to hold undisputed first place. 26 percent of all payments were made with debit cards, while mobile alternatives – such as smartphones – were registered in 10 percent of all payment transactions. Internet payment methods doubled their share to 6 percent compared to 2023. The balance sheet also states that there is no complete freedom of choice when it comes to payment options: In a survey, the lack of acceptance of cash was criticized as well as that of non-cash payment methods.
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The diversity is growing
It was foreseeable that the proportion of cash payments would fall below the 50 percent mark. Two years ago, the Bundesbank calculated a share of just 51 percent. Measured by the total amounts paid, the debit card is once again in the lead, but 28 percent is 4 percentage points less than in 2023. Cash and transfers are therefore each at 23 percent. Overall, it is once again clear that the variety of payment methods used continues to grow; digital wallets, app- and internet-based payment methods have become established alongside the classic options, explains Bundesbank board member Burkhard Balz.
In the statement, the Bundesbank also points out that “not all population groups participate equally in digitalization in payment transactions”. Older people, those with health problems, low incomes or little digital experience would use cash more often. This could lead to problems in local public transport and at self-service checkouts in retail, where cash is less often accepted. In addition, in the survey cited, an overwhelming majority (80 percent) said it was important that payments could continue to be made in cash. This is one of the reasons why it is a central concern of the Bundesbank to “preserve cash as a cost-effective, efficient and inclusive means of payment”.
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