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
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Figures were first released in November 2023, and have about a year delay due to calculations
Supplementary notes
Unlike several countries, card figures for Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden are reported can be found at both the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the European Central Bank (ECB). Figures are not always comparable, though, due to tracking or reporting standards. This is especially for credit cards.
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Statista, & ECB. (March 24, 2025). Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 03, 2025, 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. March 24, 2025. Statista. Accessed June 03, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096803/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-germany/
Statista, ECB. (2025). Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 03, 2025. 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., 24 Mar 2025, 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 June 03, 2025)
Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Germany from 2000 to 2023 [Graph], Statista, & ECB, March 24, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096803/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-germany/
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