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Payment methods in Germany

Europe
10methods
45banks

Germany is Europe's second largest e-commerce market. It is worth a massive US$145 billion a year - and that will rise to US$197 billion by 2027.

Market takeaways

  • Germany is Europe's second largest e-commerce market. It is worth a massive US$145 billion a year - and that will rise to US$197 billion by 2027.
  • The average German consumer spends US$1,806 online every year. By 2027, that will rise to US$2,442.
  • Germany is a fragmented country when it comes to payment methods, some of the most popular being Girocard, PayPal, and Sepa Direct Debit.
  • In the last three years, the percentage of online shoppers who bought things from merchants outside of Germany rose from 37% to 43%.
  • Germans make 42% of all their online purchases using mobile devices. To ensure the best possible conversion rate, your payment options must be optimized for mobile.

Population

83.6M

Online population

80.3M

B2C e-commerce

$134B

Banked population

99.9%

Credit card population

56%

E-commerce of total retail

16%

Payment method breakdown

  • Card17%
  • Cash4%
  • Bank Transfer30%
  • E-Wallet33%
  • Other16%

Card scheme breakdown

  • Visa15%
  • Mastercard12%
  • American Express2%
  • Local Schemes (Girocard)72%
  • Other0%

Cross-border e-commerce

Cross-border shoppers

43%

Share of e-commerce

20%

Cross-border value (est.)

$26.8B

Featured payment methods in Germany

Popular options based on coverage and prominence in this market.

Open Invoice

Open Invoice

A payment method uniquely popular in Germany where customers receive their goods first and pay the invoice afterward. Deeply embedded in German consumer culture, especially in the online fashion sector. Offered by merchants directly or via providers like Klarna and Afterpay.

Klarna

Klarna

A Swedish BNPL provider that is a dominant player in Germany, offering pay-later invoice, instant bank transfer, and installment payment options. One of Germany's most widely used checkout payment methods.

BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

Installment and deferred payment services — led by Klarna — that allow consumers to pay for purchases in instalments or at a later date. Has seen explosive growth across Germany over the past five years.

Klarna Open Banking

Klarna Open Banking

A widely used bank transfer method in Germany formerly branded as SOFORT, now operated by Klarna. Customers log into their bank via a secure interface and confirm the transfer directly. Merchant receives instant confirmation. Flow: User selects Klarna Open Banking, logs into their bank via a secure interface, confirms the transfer. Merchant receives instant confirmation while settlement completes.

FLOA Pay

FLOA Pay

A BNPL provider offering split payment options at checkout. Available in Germany and 6 other European markets, growing in German e-commerce as an alternative to Klarna.

Scalapay

Scalapay

European BNPL offering 3-installment payment at checkout. Active in Germany and 8 other European markets, with particular strength in fashion and lifestyle retail categories.

All payment methods in Germany

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