Consumer payment preferences in Germany are shifting. While cash remains the preferred method, buy-now-pay-later options can influence purchasing decisions.
Consumer Payment Preferences in Germany – Current Landscape
Convenience is now at the heart of preferred payment methods in Germany, and are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions. The convenience of digital payments is particularly appealing to younger, higher-income Germans. Failing to offer their preferred options, risks alienating this consumption-driven target group and losing valuable customers.
Flexibility in payment timings is another key factor in consumer payment preferences. Buy-now-pay-later options are particularly important for wealthier consumers, influencing their purchasing decisions. Consumers with tighter budgets could also benefit from such options, but they need to feel more confident and secure in managing their more-limited finances effectively when using these services.
Retailers seeking to adapt to a more digital, cashless society must consider that many Germans, especially those on tight budgets, still rely on cash for financial control. For now, a balance between cash and cashless payments is essential, perfectly catering to German consumer payment preferences.
German Consumer Payment Preferences – Market Statistics
- Preferred Payment Methods in Germany: 52% of Germans aged 18 to 34 are more likely to shop with an online retailer that offers buy-now-pay-later options.
- Consumer Payment Preferences & Concerns: Only one third of Germans voice security concerns, and this proportion is expected to decline.
Consumer Payment Preferences Report – What’s Inside?
Key Topics Analysed in this Report
- Overview of current consumer payment landscape and the outlook for the next five years.
- Usage of payment methods, including cash, and how usage has changed compared to last year.
- Preferred payment methods in Germany (in-store and online, and depending on amount spent).
- Concerns about the security of online payments.
- Level of comfort with a future cashless society.
- Consumer behaviours relating to payments, such as attitudes towards buy-now-pay-later services and convenience at online checkouts.
Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis
This report is written by Lena Rittmann, Analyst. Lena focuses on reports that provide consumer insights, covering various industries. During her studies and her internships, she gained practical experience in social media monitoring and journalism and completed a one-year training in media consulting and planning. She holds a M.Sc. in International Management from Bochum University of Applied Science.
Younger and wealthier consumers are driving the move towards a cashless society, but those with tighter budgets need better support when it comes to budgeting in order to gain confidence in these payment methods.

Lena Rittmann
Analyst