A survey conducted by the IT industry association Bitkom indicates that 84 percent of Germans believe that all businesses should be legally required to accept at least one electronic payment option alongside cash. This figure has increased from 70 percent in the previous year.
This preference is consistently strong across all age groups: 86 percent of those aged 16 to 29 support the measure, while 83 percent of those over 65 hold the same view. Furthermore, 78 percent of Germans are bothered by situations where cash is the only accepted form of payment.
Data also shows a shift in consumer behavior: 82 percent of Germans now report using cash less frequently than before. In fact, 57 percent of respondents only use cash “just in case” they cannot pay digitally. Regarding digital alternatives, 72 percent stated that they would not miss cash.
Despite the declining importance of banknotes and coins in daily life, they remain a fundamental payment option for many. Two-thirds (66 percent) worry that they may not be able to pay with cash anywhere in the future, even if they want to. Both younger and older demographics expressed this concern, with 63 percent of those aged 16 to 29 expressing this worry, compared to 69 percent of those over 65.
Bitkom Research gathered this data by conducting telephone interviews with 1,004 people in Germany aged 16 and over. The survey was carried out between the 9th and 12th calendar week of 2026.
