According to recent data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), online banking use in Germany reached a record high in 2024. Approximately two-thirds (67 percent) of individuals aged 16 to 74 utilized online banking services, equating to 41.7 million people. This represents a significant increase from 2014 when approximately 49 percent of the same demographic engaged in digital banking.
This figure mirrors the average usage rate across the European Union. Several EU nations demonstrate considerably higher adoption rates, with Denmark leading at 98 percent, followed by the Netherlands (96 percent) and Finland (95 percent). Conversely, countries like Romania (28 percent), Bulgaria (31 percent) and Greece (54 percent) display lower levels of digital banking utilization.
The 25-34 age group exhibited the highest percentage of online banking users in 2024, with 82 percent engaging in the practice. Usage rates decreased steadily with age, falling to 79 percent among 35-44 year olds, 72 percent among 45-54 year olds and 59 percent among those aged 55-64. Less than half (44 percent) of individuals aged 65-74 utilized online banking, while 64 percent of the youngest demographic, aged 16-24, did so.
Overall, the trend indicates a substantial growth in online banking adoption across all age groups. The most significant increase occurred within the 16-24 age bracket, increasing by approximately 29 percentage points over the past decade (from 35 percent in 2014 to 64 percent in 2024). Subsequent increases were observed in older age groups, with 22-percentage-point gains among 45-54 and 55-64 year olds and 21 percentage points among 65-74 year olds. The smallest increase, at 6 percentage points, was observed within the 25-34 age group, which already exhibited the highest usage rates.
A new EU-wide regulation is set to take effect on October 9, 2025, mandating that banks and savings institutions implement recipient verification procedures for all transfers.
