Financial cards and payments in 2024: The big picture
The German payment landscape is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the increasing popularity of digital payment methods, shifting consumer preferences, and the emergence of new technologies. While cash remained prevalent in bricks-and-mortar stores in 2024, especially for smaller transactions, the trend towards cashless payments is clear.
2024 key trends
While online banking remains a preferred choice, the uptake of fintech services, specifically holding accounts with internet platforms, remains low in Germany. General scepticism towards internet-based financial platforms persists across all age groups, particularly among older generations.
Competitive landscape
The girocard, operated by Die Deutsche Kreditwirtschaft (DK), remains the most popular option in debit cards, despite declining ownership. The growth of direct banks offering international debit cards, such as ING, to their customers could explain the increasing adoption of these cards among younger demographics.
What next for financial cards and payments?
Although major internet platforms had yet to introduce banking models in Germany at the end of the review period, they had already made attempts in other countries, such as the US. This trend could soon extend to Germany, potentially altering the competitive landscape if these companies decide to open bank subsidiaries and obtain banking licences.
Delivery:
Files are delivered directly into your account soon after payment is received and any tax certification is verified (where applicable).
This report comes in PDF.
Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Financial Cards and Payments industry in Germany with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Financial Cards and Payments industry in Germany, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Financial Cards and Payments in Germany report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Financial Cards and Payments in Germany?
- What are the major trends key to understanding Financial Cards and Payments in Germany?
- How has COVID-19, recession and macroeconomic volatility impacted the market?
- How long will the market take to recover? What are the opportunities now?
- How will political context and shifting cultural values shape future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Financial Cards and Payments in Germany - Industry Overview
Financial cards and payments in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
What next for financial cards and payments?
DISCLAIMER
Charge Cards in Germany - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Steady value and transaction growth for charge cards in Germany
Digital integration and mobile payment advancements
Visa and Mastercard compete for dominance
Digital integration and enhanced customer experiences
Navigating competition and maintaining exclusivity
The future of payments in Germany: A digital and evolving market
Credit Cards in Germany - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
A shift in spending, as Buy Now Pay Later gains ground
The rise of digital payment tech giants challenges traditional credit cards
Mobile payment platforms challenge credit cards
Buy Now Pay Later services to further transform consumer behaviour
Strong credit card growth, but debit cards will maintain dominance
Evolving landscape of payments: Mobile wallets, sustainability, and reimagined credit
Debit Cards in Germany - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
New challenges for debit cards in Germany
The evolution of payment systems from Maestro to integrated solutions
A rapidly changing competitive landscape in debit cards
Growth of mobile payments to slow uptake of new debit cards
The future of German payments beyond debit cards
Retail’s role in payment innovation
Pre-Paid Cards in Germany - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
The rise of virtual pre-paid cards in Germany
Enhanced features and personalised experiences in pre-paid cards
Sustainability and ethical considerations in pre-paid cards
The impact of retail apps on pre-paid card usage
Importance of the E-Geld exemption for pre-paid viability
The competitive landscape and operational hurdles for pre-paid cards
Store Cards in Germany - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Rise of digital loyalty: App-based programmes replace traditional store cards
Dual landscape of grocery retail: Store cards in physical stores and the e-commerce challenge
Store-based retailers adopt digital loyalty programmes
The transition from physical to digital loyalty programmes
Revitalising customer engagement through app-based reward schemes
Integration of store cards into digital wallets
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Financial Cards and Payments
-
- ATM Cards
-
- Commercial Charge Cards
- Personal Charge Cards
-
- Commercial Credit Cards
- Personal Credit Cards
-
- Commercial Debit Cards
- Personal Debit Cards
-
- Closed Loop Pre-Paid Cards
- Open Loop Pre-Paid Cards
- Store Cards
-
-
- ATM Transactions
-
-
- Commercial Charge Card Transactions
- Personal Charge Card Transactions
-
- Commercial Credit Card Transactions
-
- Average Personal Credit Card Balance
- Average Personal Credit Card Limit
- Personal Credit Card Utilisation
-
- Commercial Debit Card Transactions
- Personal Debit Card Transactions
-
- Closed Loop Pre-Paid Card Transactions
- Open Loop Pre-Paid Card Transactions
- Store Card Transactions
-
-
- Commercial Card Payment Transactions
- Commercial Electronic Direct/ACH Transactions
- Commercial Paper Payment Transactions
-
- Personal Card Payment Transactions
- Personal Electronic Direct/ACH Transactions
- Personal Paper Payment Transactions
-
-
- Commercial Electronic Direct/ACH Transactions
- Personal Electronic Direct/ACH Transactions
-
-
- Commercial Cash Transactions
- Commercial Other Paper Transactions
-
- Personal Cash Transactions
- Personal Other Paper Transactions
-
-
-
-
-
- Mobile Proximity Payments
- Mobile Remote Payments
-
Financial Cards and Payments
Payments are tracked based on the country of residence / account issuance and include outbound spend while excluding inbound spend.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Financial Cards and Payments research and analysis database.
NEW REPORT GUARANTEE
If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!