Cash or Card in Germany? What Tourists Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Last updated: October 2026. Payment statistics come from the Deutsche Bundesbank’s 2025 payment behavior study, published in July 2026. The study covers everyday payments by people in Germany, not tourists specifically, so treat it as a guide to how the country pays, not a guarantee for every shop.

One of the most common questions first-time visitors ask is whether they need cash in Germany. The honest answer is that you need both. Germany has been moving toward cards and phones, but cash hasn’t disappeared, and the rules aren’t the same as in the US, the UK, Canada or Australia. This guide explains whether to use cash or card in Germany, with data from Germany’s central bank and practical tips for tourists.

📊 What the Numbers Say

Measure (2025 study)	Result
Cash share of transactions	45%, down 6 percentage points from 2023
Cashless share of daily purchases	55%, the first time it’s more than half
Cash share of spending (by value)	23%
Debit cards, share of transactions	26%, with the girocard the most-used
In-person purchases where cash was accepted	94%

According to the Bundesbank’s press release, cash remained the most frequently used payment method in 2025, but for the first time people in Germany paid for their daily purchases more often without cash than with it. People also tend to pay larger amounts by card, which is why cash accounts for only 23% of spending by value even though it’s used in 45% of transactions. You can read the full study (in German) on the Bundesbank’s website.

💳 What Kind of Cards Does Germany Use?

Germany’s favorite card is the girocard, a domestic debit card that most German bank accounts come with. It accounts for about 20% of all transactions and 22% of spending, and debit cards make up around 83% of all cards in the country, according to a Bundesbank report on the card market. Credit cards are much less common than in the US.

That affects tourists in one practical way: some businesses are set up mainly for the girocard. A Bundesbank study found that more than 90% of businesses with at least ten employees accept the girocard, compared with only about 70% of smaller businesses. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops and chains, but acceptance in small, independent places varies, so don’t assume.

💶 Where You’ll Want Cash

• Bakeries and small cafés, which often prefer cash or set a minimum for card payments.
• Small restaurants and beer gardens, especially outside big cities.
• Christmas market stalls and flea markets. Many prefer cash, as our Christmas markets guide notes.
• Public toilets, which usually charge a small fee in coins.
• Tips, which are usually given in cash by rounding up the bill.
• Small guesthouses and rural areas, where card machines can be rarer.

✅ Where Cards Work Well

• Supermarkets, department stores and chain shops.
• Hotels, larger restaurants and most tourist attractions.
• Train tickets. You can buy them in the DB Navigator app or at ticket machines. See our train travel guide.
• Contactless and phone payments, which are growing fast according to the Bundesbank.

🏧 Practical Tips for Tourists

• Carry a card and some cash. Having both avoids awkward moments at small shops.
• Ask before you order. A quick “Kartenzahlung?” saves surprises. Some places show a sign saying “Nur Bargeld” (cash only).
• Use bank ATMs when you can. ATMs run by banks are generally better than standalone machines, which may charge higher fees. Check your own bank’s foreign-card fees before you travel.
• Pay in euros. If a terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose euros, since the conversion rate is usually worse.
• Tell your bank you’re traveling and carry a backup card in a separate place.
• Keep small bills and coins for toilets, tips and market stalls.

For more everyday tips, including tipping and Sunday closures, see our first-time visitor tips and the common travel mistakes in Germany.

❓ FAQ: Cash or Card in Germany

Is Germany a cash society?

Less than it used to be, but cash is still very common. The Bundesbank found that cash was used for 45% of everyday payments in 2025, the first time it fell below half.

Can I use my Visa or Mastercard in Germany?

Yes in hotels, larger shops and chains, but acceptance varies in small businesses. Carry some cash as a backup.

Do I need to exchange money before I arrive?

You don’t need to carry a large amount. Many travelers withdraw a small amount of euros from a bank ATM after arriving, or take a little cash with them for the first day.

Should I tip in cash or by card?

Cash is the usual way. Tell the server the total you want to pay, including the tip, when you pay, and round up for good service.

🔗 Related Articles

• 🇩🇪 Germany Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
• 🧳 13 Common Travel Mistakes Tourists Make in Germany
• 🛂 Germany Entry Requirements 2026
• 🎄 Best Christmas Markets in Germany (2026 Dates)
• 🚌 How to Use Public Transport in Germany

🧳 Final Thoughts

Germany is more card-friendly than it was a few years ago, but cash is far from dead. Carry a card as your main way to pay and keep some euros for the small places where cards don’t work. If you’re ever unsure, ask before you order.