Cash or girocard payments remain the least expensive types of payment for retailers. According to the latest Bundesbank study The cost of payment methods in the retail sector, the average cost per cash payment amounts to only €0.43. In terms of the ratio of cost to turnover, the girocard is the most cost-effective method, at an average cost of 1 % of turnover.

Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €8.3 billion in August 2025, down €7.3 billion on the previous month’s level. This was mainly caused by the smaller surplus in the goods account and the shift to a deficit in invisible current transactions, which comprise services as well as primary and secondary income. 

Banknote circulation in Germany has a small environmental footprint. This is the result of a study commissioned by the Deutsche Bundesbank which examines the environmental impact of the issuance, distribution, use and disposal of euro banknotes.

The National Cash Forum is introducing new stickers to improve the visibility of cash as a payment method. A neutral sticker has been developed to complement the symbols for credit cards or other payment providers displayed in shop entrances, so that retailers can show that they accept cash payments

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Deutsche Bundesbank today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding collaboration on cross-border digital asset settlement.

In the second quarter of 2025, households’ financial assets increased significantly, closing the quarter at €9,216 billion. This represents a rise of €138 billion on the previous quarter. Households built up claims worth €69 billion and also recorded valuation gains of €69 billion.

At the end of 2024, Germany’s net external assets totalled €3,452 billion, thus amounting to around 80 % of the country’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Overall, both assets and liabilities vis-à-vis non-residents rose further in 2024.