HDE takes a critical view of planned mandatory acceptance of electronic payment systems

HDE takes a critical view of planned mandatory acceptance of electronic payment systems

With regard to the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and the SPD, the German Retail Association (HDE) reiterates its skepticism regarding the planned obligation to accept non-cash payment methods.

According to the coalition agreement, stores should offer at least one digital payment option in the future. The HDE, on the other hand, advocates for a demand-driven range of payment methods and calls for a review of the costs of payment methods.

"A mandatory acceptance of electronic payment systems would, above all, be a major economic stimulus package for payment service providers. Therefore, the initial question must be what goal regulation is actually intended to achieve," said Ulrich Binnebößel, Head of the Payments Department at HDE.

There are hardly any acceptance gaps in brick-and-mortar retail. Most retailers already offer their customers cashless payment options. This raises the question of the purpose of regulation.

"If true freedom of choice for customers is to be achieved, it must be clarified which non-cash payment options are to be accepted. This will mean that a whole range of payment systems will have to be accepted. This would entail corresponding costs for retailers," Binnebößel continued.

Cards from non-European payment service providers are already particularly widespread. They are sure to further strengthen their market position.

From the HDE's point of view, it would be more effective to promote the acceptance of electronic payment systems rather than forcing it.

"Strengthening the provider side cannot be the solution. What is needed are cost-effective non-cash payment methods," Binnebößel continued.

Retailers should retain the freedom to choose their management.

"Forced card acceptance is fundamentally not a good signal at a time when we should be much more concerned about the decline in cash payments. Especially in times of crisis, a functioning cash cycle is crucial," says Binnebößel.