Agency Report –
Most people in Germany want to decide for themselves whether to pay with cash or go cashless at the checkout, according to a new survey.
In a YouGov poll commissioned by dpa, 57% of respondents said they support a requirement for shops to offer at least one cashless payment option in the future. Only about 23% opposed the idea, which aligns with plans outlined by the incoming conservative-led government.
Germans have long had a reputation for preferring cash, valuing it for privacy, security and ease of budgeting. But the tide is turning, as more Germans reach for cards and phones over banknotes.
The survey published on Saturday, which included 2,069 respondents, revealed that just one-third had never experienced being refused card payment in a shop. Among those who had, most switched to cash — but 22% said they abandoned their purchase entirely.
When it comes to payment habits, only 6% of respondents said they “never” use cashless methods. Seventeen per cent said they “always” use a card or smartphone to pay, while 44% said they “often” do — making them the largest group.
Germany’s coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU conservative alliance and the centre-left Social Democrats pledges to preserve the use of cash but also aims to expand digital payment options. The plan calls for small shops to gradually offer at least one cashless payment method, giving citizens more flexibility in everyday transactions. The new government is set to be sworn in on May 6.
