Approximately five percent of payment cards in Germany were credit cards, reaching a total of 6.58 million in 2023. In comparison, debit cards were found more often in the country, as that year there were around 143 million of these cards. The numbers provided are estimates, based on the figures central banks have to supply. Owning a payment card does not immediately indicate it gets used, as there are large differences within Europe when it comes to the use of certain payment methods.
Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023
Figures were first released in November 2023, and have about a year delay due to calculations
Supplementary notes
Until November 2023, all figures on credit cards and debit cards from the European Central Bank were estimates based on certain criteria. Typically, it meant the figures were about "cards with a credit function" or "card with a debit function". From 2023 onwards, the ECB started reporting figures specifically covering "credit cards" and "debit cards". That said, numbers can differ between the years as domestic definitions and recording methods changed.
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Statista, & ECB. (July 25, 2024). Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096803/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-germany/
Statista, und ECB. "Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023." Chart. July 25, 2024. Statista. Accessed November 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096803/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-germany/
Statista, ECB. (2024). Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096803/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-germany/
Statista, and ECB. "Total Number of Credit Cards and Debit Cards in Circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023." Statista, Statista Inc., 25 Jul 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096803/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-germany/
Statista & ECB, Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096803/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-germany/ (last visited November 22, 2024)
Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023 [Graph], Statista, & ECB, July 25, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096803/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-germany/
