A study released by the Deutsche Bundesbank on Wednesday showed that in 2025, people in Germany paid for their daily purchases without cash more frequently than they did with physical currency for the first time. According to the findings, 55 percent of all recorded purchases were made non-cash.
Burkhard Balz, a board member of the Bundesbank, stated that the trend towards cashless payments continues, although cash remained the most frequently used payment method, utilized for 45 percent of all transactions. This represents a decrease of six percentage points compared to 2023. The debit card was the second most used payment method, accounted for by 26 percent, with the Girocard being the dominant type of debit card.
Mobile payment methods, such as payments made using a smartphone, ranked third among the most used payment tools. These were used in 10 percent of all transactions, marking an increase of four percentage points since 2023. Furthermore, online payment methods doubled their share, reaching 6 percent.
When measured by the total value of payments made, the debit card held the largest share, although this figure dropped by four percentage points to 28 percent. Cash and bank transfers each accounted for 23 percent of the total turnover. Balz noted that the variety of payment methods has steadily grown in recent years, with digital wallets and internet-based payment methods becoming established alongside classic methods.
The study also highlighted that not all demographic groups participate equally in the digitalization of payments. Older people, individuals with health impairments, those with low incomes, or those with limited digital experience were more likely to use cash frequently. Despite personal preferences, 80 percent of respondents maintained that the option to pay in cash should continue to be available.
Balz emphasized that a key concern of the Bundesbank is ensuring that cash remains a cost-effective, efficient, and inclusive payment method. While the acceptance of cashless methods is increasing, approximately one quarter of respondents reported having been unable to pay digitally at least once last month, contrary to their preference.
