Majority of Germans Prefer Using Card Payments over Cash for Transactions in Eurozone while Travelling
In a significant shift, the preference for credit card payments among German vacationers is on the rise, according to a survey by comparison portal Verivox. This trend is driven by the growing acceptance and convenience of digital and contactless payment methods worldwide.
Credit Cards Offer Convenience and Safety
One of the key factors driving this change is the increased convenience and safety that credit cards offer. By using credit cards, travelers can avoid carrying large amounts of cash, reducing the risk of theft and simplifying transaction tracking.
International Acceptance
Another crucial factor is the acceptance of credit cards in many international travel destinations. Popular tourist spots, such as Greece, are increasingly encouraging cashless payments, making credit cards a more viable and widely accepted option.
Embracing Digital Payments
The shift towards credit card payments among Germans reflects a broader national trend towards cashless transactions. German consumers are increasingly adopting digital payment technologies, including contactless and online payments.
Increased Spending
The rise in travel spending by Germans abroad, as seen in a noted 18.6% increase in expenditure in Greece in 2025, aligns with the use of flexible and secure payment options like credit cards.
Girocards and Co-Badges
The usability of Girocards, a common German debit card, abroad depends on the bank-specific co-badges they are equipped with. The presence of a co-badge, such as V Pay, Maestro, Visa Debit, or Mastercard Debit, indicates the card's usability in international transactions.
Cash Remains Less Favored
Although precise statistics on tourists’ payment methods are limited, the broad information on increasing online and card payment usage in Germany and the rise in travel spending strongly suggest that cash is becoming less favored due to security concerns and the convenience of cashless alternatives.
In conclusion, German vacationers are adopting credit card and other digital payments more than cash because of global digital payment trends, security, convenience, and acceptance at destinations. The survey by Verivox indicates a clear shift towards credit card payments for vacation expenses among Germans, particularly outside the Eurozone.
Financial Policies Favor Digital Transactions
This shift towards digital and contactless payment methods among German vacationers is not confined to the tourism sector; it is also a reflection of broader financial and business policies favoring digital transactions.
Technology Policies Encourage Digital Payments
Similarly, technology policies in Germany are increasingly encouraging the adoption of digital payment methods, recognizing their potential to enhance security, convenience, and efficiency in both business and daily life.
