Personal Finance Tips

Top payment methods in Germany: A guide on best ways to pay

Nicholas Chia

25.08.25

Read time 2 minutes

Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Germany? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.

Germany, with a population of around 84.86 million people, has a GDP of approximately 4.74 trillion, making it the 3rd largest economy in the world. The official currency of Germany is the Euro (EUR).

As Europe's largest economy, its main drivers are high-tech manufacturing, automotive production, and industrial exports. It is a central member of the European Union and the Eurozone, with global trade ties dominated by EU partners, China, and the United States.


Country	Germany
Population	84.86 million
GDP (USD)	4.74 trillion
Global Ranking	3rd
Currency	Euro (EUR)

What is the main payment method in Germany?

The most popular card for in-store purchases in Germany is the Girocard debit card, with contactless payments now being widespread.¹ Germans maintain a strong cultural preference for physical cash in Euros, valuing it for privacy and control, which makes it a very common method for daily transactions.² For e-commerce, PayPal is a leading choice, while "buy now, pay later" services and open invoice payments, popularized by companies like Klarna, are also extremely popular.³

How to pay in Germany

Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Germany.

Payment method	Description	Type
Wise	Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies.	Online/in-person
Girocard	This is the national debit card scheme and a very popular payment method for in-person retail transactions across Germany.¹	In-person
Cash (Euro)	Germany has a strong cultural affinity for cash, which remains a preferred and very widely used payment method for daily shopping, dining, and other expenses.²	In-person
SEPA Bank Transfers	SEPA Direct Debit is a primary method for recurring payments like rent and utilities. Regular SEPA credit transfers are standard for paying invoices.⁴	Online
PayPal	PayPal is an extremely popular payment method for e-commerce in Germany, valued for its security and convenience.³	Online

Is PayPal available in Germany?

Yes, PayPal is accepted in Germany.⁵

Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card

Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.

You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.

And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.

Get started with Wise

*Wise is not a bank. The Wise Multi-Currency Card is issued by our sponsor Bank(s), member(s) FDIC. Fees and T&C apply. See https://growth-layer.live/%3C/a%3E for details.

Sources:

Girocard - The most common payment card in Germany

Deutsche Bundesbank - Payment behaviour in Germany in 2021

PayPal Germany - Was ist PayPal?

European Payments Council - What is SEPA Direct Debit?

PayPal Germany - Homepage

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.