Overview

• The coalition agreement finalized on April 13 mandates that all retailers, including small shops, must offer at least one digital payment option in addition to cash.
• A viral restaurant notice highlighting the high costs of card payment fees has fueled public discussions about the economic viability of cash-only policies.
• A Deutsche Bundesbank study revealed cash payments cost €0.38 per transaction, while debit cards cost €0.74 and credit cards €1.34, sparking debate about payment efficiency.
• A YouGov survey shows 57% of Germans support mandatory digital payment options, with only 23% opposing the measure.
• Officials have confirmed that there are no plans to abolish cash, as EU law guarantees the existence of euro banknotes, with new designs currently in development by the ECB.