Payment methods and payment providers for online shops in Germany
If the payment method a customer is used to is missing at checkout, they often abandon. German habits are particular: PayPal and pay-by-invoice are strong, cards matter more than before, prepayment is declining. This article shows which payment methods a shop should offer, how to compare providers and which legal rules apply to fees.
Which payment methods German customers expect
A solid basic set for a B2C shop:
- PayPal: widespread and a trust signal for many customers.
- Pay by invoice, often through providers like Klarna or others that take on the default risk.
- Credit and debit cards, including Apple Pay and Google Pay on phones.
- SEPA direct debit for regulars and subscriptions.
- Prepayment by bank transfer as a cheap option, but with delayed shipping.
giropay is history
The German bank payment method giropay was discontinued on 31 December 2024. If you still mention it at checkout or in texts, remove it. Its European successor Wero is being introduced step by step; check whether your payment provider supports it and whether your customers use it before featuring it prominently.
Comparing providers
You can connect each method individually or use a payment service provider that bundles many, such as Stripe, Mollie, Adyen or your shop system's own payments. Compare per-transaction fees by method, fixed costs, payout rhythm, chargeback handling, integration with your shop system and accounting, and availability abroad.
Strong customer authentication under the Payment Services Directive is standard for card payments; a good provider handles it so the checkout stays short.
No surcharges on standard payment methods
Under Section 270a BGB, an agreement requiring customers to pay an extra fee for SEPA credit transfer, SEPA direct debit or common payment cards used by consumers is invalid. Build payment fees into your prices instead of adding them at checkout. Setting up payment methods and testing every path is part of our shop projects from €4,000.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to offer pay-by-invoice?
- No, but many customers in Germany expect it. With a provider that takes the default risk you carry no payment risk but pay higher fees.
- May I add a surcharge for PayPal?
- Section 270a BGB names SEPA transfers, SEPA direct debits and payment cards. For other methods the situation is less clear; building fees into prices is simpler and more customer-friendly.
- How many payment methods make sense?
- Enough that the large majority of your customers find their usual method, usually four to six. Too many options clutter the checkout.
Sources
Tell us your shop system, customers and the countries you sell to. We recommend suitable payment methods and set them up.
Discuss payment methods