In Germany, the method of cash withdrawals at retail checkouts, referred to as "cash back," is becoming increasingly popular among consumers. This convenient service allows shoppers to withdraw cash directly at the register while making a purchase, eliminating the need for a separate trip to the ATM.
Rising Popularity of Cash Withdrawals at Retail Checkouts in Germany
Public
Germany
Author: Kristina Dosen
Category:
Fiscal subject related
Views:
840
Content accuracy validation date:
29.04.2024
Content accuracy validation time:
12:35h
According to a report by the German news agency, the total volume of cash payments increased by a significant 20% last year, reaching 12.31 billion euros. The cash back system functions by allowing customers to pay with a card at the checkout and then request a specific amount of cash, which is then added to their bill and deducted from their bank account, as explained by Phoenix magazine. The maximum withdrawal amount is typically capped at 200 euros.
This data was presented by the EHI Market Research Institute. Horst Ruter, the author of the study, highlighted the convenience for customers, stating, "It saves them an additional trip to the ATM. The demand is also increasing due to the decreasing number of ATMs."
Retail companies that offer this service, including food retail chains such as Rewe and Edeka, pharmacies like DM and Rossmann, and some hardware and tool stores, have found it financially beneficial. Research indicates that these retailers return more than 13% of the earned money to their customers.
However, with the growing frequency of this cash access method, there is an increase in the fees that companies must pay to banks. EHI data shows that these fees range from 0.1% to 0.2% of the transaction amount. Consequently, retail entities paid a total of 17.23 million euros last year in fees, marking a 25.7% increase from 2022.
This trend not only demonstrates the evolving landscape of consumer payment preferences but also highlights the shifting dynamics in retail financial transactions in Germany.
Other news from Germany
VIDA regulation adopted—what does that mean for business?
Public
Author: Nikolina Basić
The EU adopted the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package on March 11, 2025, introducing major changes to the VAT system starting January 1, 2027. Key reforms include mandatory digital VAT reporting by 2030, new VAT collection rules for online platforms, and expanded One-Stop Shop (OSS) registration to simplify cross-border compliance. Additional measures, such as mandatory e-invoicing, phasing out... Read more
New document was uploaded: S4F backoffice patch
Author: Kristina Dosen
S4F backoffice patch is intended for users who have already installed S4F backoffice and are intended to update existing installations to latest version. To do so apply only patches that are marked with version number that is newer than your currently installed instance of backoffice. Read more
Slovenia: EU Targets Unsafe E-Commerce Imports with New Measures
Public
Author: Ivana Picajkić
The European Commission is tightening regulations on e-commerce imports to address the surge of unsafe and counterfeit goods, particularly from China, by reforming customs rules and increasing product safety checks. Key measures include removing the duty exemption for low-value parcels, introducing a potential customs fee, establishing priority control areas, and launching an EU-wide product safet... Read more
New document was uploaded: S4F backoffice patch
Author: Kristina Dosen
S4F backoffice patch is intended for users who have already installed S4F backoffice and are intended to update existing installations to latest version. To do so apply only patches that are marked with version number that is newer than your currently installed instance of backoffice. Read more
Germany's E-commerce Action Plan is launched.
Public
Germany
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Germany
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Germany has launched an e-commerce action plan to strengthen market surveillance, enforce platform obligations, and enhance consumer and environmental protections. The plan ensures that all online merchants, whether from the EU or third countries, comply with product safety, consumer rights, and fair competition rules, aligning with the European Digital Services Act (DSA). The German government ha... Read more
New document was uploaded: S4F backoffice patch
Author: Kristina Dosen
S4F backoffice patch is intended for users who have already installed S4F backoffice and are intended to update existing installations to latest version. To do so apply only patches that are marked with version number that is newer than your currently installed instance of backoffice. Read more
Cash register registration in Germany in 2025
Germany
Author: Nikolina Basić
Starting July 1, 2025, all businesses in Germany must register their electronic or fiscal cash registers through the MyElster platform, with existing cash registers to be registered by July 31, 2025, and new ones within 30 days of purchase. Read more