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:
9164
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
Germany and France: ZUGFeRD 2.5 to Launch in May 2026, Introducing Gross Invoices
Public
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany and France will release ZUGFeRD version 2.5 on May 20, 2026, introducing support for gross invoices and aligning the format with the latest EN 16931 standards. Germany and France have announced a new version of the ZUGFeRD e-invoicing format (version 2.5), which will be released on May 20, 2026. The update is developed jointly by Forum for Electronic Invoicing Germany and FNFE-MPE (a Fren... Read more
Germany Considers VAT Increase
Public
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany is considering a major tax reform that would increase the standard VAT rate to 21–22% while lowering reduced rates and introducing a 0% rate on essential goods to offset the impact on households. Germany is currently debating a major tax reform that could shift the burden from income to consumption. The proposed changes, discussed by the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, include increasing the standa... Read more
Germany Clarifies E-Invoicing Transition Rules
Public
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany has clarified its e-invoicing transition rules, allowing paper and PDF invoices until the end of 2026 (or 2027 for smaller businesses), ensuring a gradual shift to digital invoicing. After these periods, mandatory e-invoicing will apply to domestic B2B transactions, giving businesses more time and clarity to prepare for compliance. Germany has updated its guidance on mandatory e-invoicing,... Read more
Germany Revises External Audit Rules and Plans to Introduce Measures to Speed Up Tax Audits
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany has published a draft to replace the existing BpO 2000 with new External Audit Regulations (ApO), aiming to modernize and speed up tax audit procedures. The proposal introduces a stronger focus on risk-based, more targeted audits, along with structured cooperation between taxpayers and authorities through framework agreements. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? Login
Germany: ECJ Clarifies - Loyalty Points Are Not VAT Vouchers
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
The ECJ ruled in case C-436/24 that customer loyalty points are not vouchers under EU VAT rules, as they do not create a legal obligation for the supplier to accept them as payment. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? Login
Germany: KoSIT Prepares XRechnung 4.0 in Line with New EU Standard
Public
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
KoSIT has confirmed strong progress on XRechnung 4.0, which will align with the upcoming EN 16931-1:2026 standard and enable a single, EU-compliant format for both B2G and future B2B e-invoicing. The update introduces major technical and regulatory changes (including ViDA alignment), is not backward compatible, and requires businesses to upgrade systems and prepare early for mandatory e-invoicing... Read more
New document was uploaded: E-invoicing system in Germany
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
The purpose of this document is to describe how electronic invoices are handled in Germany. This document explains e-invoices, what they are, and how they are used, with special attention being paid to their legal treatment in Germany. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? Login