Pläne des Finanzministeriums: Schluss mit „Cash only“: Läden sollen Karten akzeptieren

The German Finance Ministry is planning to phase out "cash only" policies, requiring shops and restaurants to accept digital payments via card or mobile devices. Cash-only signs are set to become a thing of the past. This initiative, spearheaded by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), is being coordinated with other ministries.

Currently, national currency, euros in the form of coins and banknotes, remains the legal tender in Germany. This means businesses are obligated to accept cash, but not digital payments. While smaller shops, convenience stores, and restaurants currently do not accept card payments, more cafes and self-service kiosks in supermarkets do not accept cash.

It is common for businesses to indicate on signs that only card payments are accepted. The Finance Ministry aims for customer choice, allowing them to decide whether to pay with cash or digitally using cards, mobile phones, or other devices. The ministry's objective is to implement this plan as part of the coalition agreement between the Union and SPD.

It will apply to businesses in retail, gastronomy, and the service sector, and the digital payment method chosen by the business is up to them. Accepted digital payment methods must be "available on the market and widely used." At a minimum, a European method must be accepted. There should be no transaction limits or additional costs.

This means coffee or chocolate bars can be paid for without cash, just like larger purchases or haircuts. The ministry emphasizes that cash payments should still be possible, but only as an additional option. There could be exceptions to the obligation, which only applies to businesses. Non-commercial organizations such as amateur sports clubs and charitable associations should still have the option to operate with cash alone.

Therefore, it's better to keep your wallet handy for town fairs, flea markets, and similar occasions. The ministry is also considering whether hardship rules are necessary. The reason behind this is that many people prefer to pay digitally, but smaller businesses often don't accept it or only do so above a certain amount. Digital payment methods like debit cards (26 percent) and Girocards (most commonly used) are most frequently used for larger amounts.

Mobile payments using smartphones or smartwatches are growing at ten percent. For cash payments, 45 percent of transactions are made using physical currency, primarily by older people, those with health limitations, low income, or low digital experience. Many shops avoid card payments due to costs. They must purchase payment terminals and sometimes pay transaction fees.

Debit cards and credit cards incur higher costs compared to cash or Girocards. The Finance Ministry will now present these points for feedback from other ministries, with potential changes and a potential decision by the Bundestag. The goal is for the draft to be approved in the cabinet this year and implemented in 2027.