In Germany, shops and restaurants will be required to accept cashless payments
New rules are being prepared in Germany, under which shops, restaurants and service providers will have to offer customers at least one cashless payment option alongside cash. The bill is still being coordinated between ministries, and the new requirements are planned to be introduced in 2027.
The initiative is being prepared by the German Federal Ministry of Finance. It is intended to put an end to the practice of "Cash only", when a shop, café, restaurant or other establishment accepts only cash from customers.
According to WELT, business owners will be able to choose which common digital payment method to accept. At least one European payment system, such as Girocard, must be among the available options. Digital payments may also include payments using a smartphone or smartwatch.
No minimum amount for card payment planned
The project does not provide for the possibility of setting a minimum purchase amount for cashless payment. Businesses will also not be allowed to charge customers an additional fee just for choosing a digital payment method.
Exceptions are planned, however. In particular, the obligation may not apply to non-profit organisations and associations. Exceptions are also being discussed for cases where compliance would create disproportionate difficulties for the entrepreneur.
Currently, there is no general obligation for German shops and restaurants to offer customers card payment. Therefore, establishments that work only with cash are still common, especially among small restaurants, cafés and shops.
The basic principle of the new reform was already laid down in the federal government's plans. The cabinet has previously stated that at least one digital payment option should gradually be offered alongside cash in everyday transactions.
Germans are increasingly giving up cash
The government's plans come against the backdrop of rapidly changing payment habits in Germany. According to Bundesbank data, in 2025, for the first time, the majority of everyday purchases in the country were paid cashless – 55% of payments were cashless compared to 45% cash.
At the same time, cashless payment was available in 86% of recorded purchases in physical retail outlets. Around a quarter of respondents surveyed by the Bundesbank said that in the previous month they had at least once been unable to pay cashless where they wanted to.
The federal government also sees the spread of digital payments as a way to make it more difficult to conceal turnover, evade taxes and launder money.
For shoppers, it is important that this is not about Germany abandoning cash: cash should remain an available means of payment. The planned reform is meant to add a digital alternative to cash and give customers the choice of payment method.
Based on materials from: WELT, German Federal Government, Deutsche Bundesbank
