Finanzminister plant Änderung: „Cash only“ bald Vergangenheit? Wie die Regeln aktuell sind

Germany's Federal Finance Minister is planning to make a change, with the looming disappearance of the "cash only" rule, signaling a future where digital payment options become the norm. The current landscape paints a picture where customers and restaurant patrons often find themselves in an awkward situation when they are required to pay in cash alone, and their pocket change is nowhere to be found.

The German government's aim is to ensure that digital payment methods are available wherever transactions occur directly on the spot. However, there will be a few exceptions to this rule.

Now, the legal situation in Germany has been quite straightforward so far – there is no specific right or entitlement for consumers to demand a particular payment method, or even a choice. Signage is not always mandatory, and it is up to the retailer or host to dictate the payment method. Only when there is a choice between different payment options can a customer freely decide how to settle their bill.

Generally, it is assumed that a cash transaction will occur between individuals and businesses. Even as additional card payments become available in many places, it would be wise not to rely solely on that assumption. Carrying a small amount of cash as a safety measure is not harmful.

Business establishments that exclusively accept cash payments are not legally obligated to indicate this fact. However, if businesses attempt to exclude cash payments, such as insisting on card payments, they must make this clear – at the very least when a contract is signed, either at the cash register in a store or upon placing an order in a restaurant. In such cases, clear signage would be advisable.