Survey shows
Digital payment continues to advance
Around two out of three Germans regularly pay with their smartphone or smartwatch.
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Paying electronically instead of with cash is becoming more and more popular in Germany, as a recent survey shows.
In Germany, contactless payment has become firmly established in recent years. More and more people are using their smartphones or smartwatches for everyday payments. A recent A survey by the digital association Bitkom shows that almost all Germans occasionally pay contactless, and the desire for legal regulations to make electronic payment methods mandatory is growing. Where Germany currently stands.
Contactless payment is increasingly becoming the norm in Germany. According to a representative survey by the digital association Bitkom, 59 percent of Germans regularly use their smartphone or smartwatch to make payments at the checkout. Including the classic debit or credit card, 98 percent of respondents occasionally use contactless payment methods.
Acceptance of electronic payment is growing steadily. Around 76 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction when contactless payment is not possible. In addition, 73 percent are in favor of a legal requirement that would encourage shops to offer electronic payment methods in addition to cash.
Electronic payment methods: The older generation is open-minded
It is noteworthy that even among the older generation, demand for electronic payment options is high. In the over-65s group, 72 percent believe that they should also be able to pay contactless. 70 percent of this age group support such legal regulation.
The frequency of contactless payment varies. 12 percent of respondents pay contactless several times a day, 29 percent daily and 30 percent several times a week. When using smartphones or smartwatches, 10 percent pay several times a day, 15 percent daily and 19 percent several times a week.
Almost everyone pays for something electronically over the course of a year
The trend is evident across all age groups. Among 16 to 29 year olds, 99 percent have made contactless payments in the last twelve months, while among 30 to 49 year olds, the figure is 100 percent. Among 50 to 64 year olds, 98 percent use contactless payment methods, and among those over 65, the figure is also 93 percent.
The Corona pandemic has accelerated the use of electronic payments. 80 percent of Germans report that they have used less cash in recent years. In addition, 62 percent expect to use cash even less in the future. However, 50 percent say that they spend more money on electronic payments.
Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst emphasizes the advantages of electronic payment: “It is fast, convenient, secure and efficient for businesses. Freedom of choice when paying should be a matter of course everywhere.”