Payment Behaviour in Germany in 2025 (Deutsche Bundesbank)

Summary

• For the first time, more than half (55%) of everyday payments were made cashless, compared with 49% in 2023.p.7
• Cashless payments make up 77% of total expenditure, while cash was used in 45% of transactions and accounted for 23% of turnover.p.7
• Mobile payments account for 10% of all recorded payment transactions.p.7
• 98% of respondents have their own current account and 90% possess a girocard.p.8
• 36% of respondents have paid with a smartphone or wearable, with Apple Pay the market leader at 41% of mobile payment users.p.8
• 63% consider enhanced European autonomy in payments as necessary, and 46% have heard of the planned digital euro.p.9
• 80% believe it is important for Germany to retain the option of paying with cash.p.9

Key insights

1. In 71% of cases, payments between individuals are made using cash, while 17% are made by mobile payment methods.p.7
2. E-payment methods, notably PayPal, account for 50% of online payment transactions and 32% of turnover generated online.p.7
3. Cash payments were possible in 94% of cases for in-store purchases.p.8
4. 29% say it has become more difficult to get to an ATM over the past two years.p.8
5. One-third of respondents use instant credit transfers on a regular basis.p.8