Digitalassociation Bitkom demands: End to 'Cash only' in Germany
The association referred to "mocking and ridicule" from tourists during the Football European Championship. Football fans from England, Italy, Belgium or even Romania were reportedly annoyed when a payment with card or Smartphone was denied in a pub or kiosk.
Bitkom published a new position paper, where the association listed the effects of digital payment methods on economy and society. Digital transactions are not only fast and transparent, for instance through immediate listing in the payment app, they are also "particularly secure", argued the association. Merchants and retailers benefit from higher customer loyalty.
From a societal perspective, digital payments lead to more tax compliance, as shadow economy and tax evasion would be hindered. In the position paper, experiences in other European countries – Belgium, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania and Italy – were presented. In Italy, the mandatory possibility of digital payments was introduced under threat of fines, while at the same time tax deductions were granted to small merchants for sales made through digital payment methods.
"Measures like in other European countries are also thinkable and necessary in Germany to keep up with the European and global comparison in the digitalization of payment transactions", explained Wintergerst. In a recently published Bitkom survey, according to the association, two thirds of the population (66 percent) spoke in favor of a legal requirement that everywhere besides cash, a digital payment method must be accepted.
Soccer fans from England, Italy, Belgium, or even Romania might appreciate a wider acceptance of digital payment methods in pubs and kiosks during football events, as reported annoyances with card or Smartphone payments suggest.
The Digital Association, Bitkom, advocates for the advantages of digital payment methods in economy and society, citing security, transparency, and customer loyalty as benefits for merchants and retailers.
In the position paper, Bitkom highlights successful digital payment implementation in various European countries like Belgium, Italy, and others, suggesting similar measures could be useful in Germany to stay competitive in digital payment transactions.
Bitkom recommends making digital payment methods a legal requirement in Germany, outside of cash, as per the findings of a recent survey with two-thirds of the population (66%) supporting this measure.
Italy introduced mandatory digital payment options with fines as an incentive for small merchants, while still providing tax deductions for sales made through digital payment methods.
Both the Soccer fans and the Digital Association, Bitkom, might find common ground in pushing for more widespread and convenient payment methods, ensuring all players in the European championship feel included.
