There are currently problems with payments using certain debit, credit and giro cards. © Sina Schuldt/dpa
2 min reading time
Since early this morning, there have been disruptions to card payments across the country. The problems affect debit, credit and giro cards, said a spokesperson for the German banking industry. In individual cases, however, payments via direct debit may still be possible with giro cards. “Bank and savings bank ATMs are not affected by this,” it said. The problems are not limited to individual institutions. Bavarian Radio and “Antenne Bayern” had previously reported.
On the common disruption portals such as netzwelt.de, reports of complaints regarding payment transactions increased this morning.
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is aware “that various financial institutions are currently experiencing disruptions in card payment transactions,” the authority said. “The BSI is in contact with those affected and the responsible authorities.”
Card payment disruption: problems with IT service provider
Table of Contents
- 1 Card payment disruption: problems with IT service provider
- 2 Provider Telecash reports “central disruption”
- 3 Here’s a PAA (People Also Ask) related question for the title: **Card Payment Chaos in Germany: Understanding the Disruption and its Causes**:
- 4 Here are some People Also Ask (PAA) questions related to the title **”Card Payment Chaos in Germany: Understanding the Disruption and its Causes”**:
Table of Contents
The reason for the disruption was problems with an IT service provider and with providers connected to it, said the spokesperson for the German banking industry. “We are currently analyzing the situation and the nature and extent of the disruption together with payment system operators and providers.” Those involved are working hard to resolve the disruption. Based on current knowledge, a cyberattack can be ruled out, they said in response to further enquiries.
The IT service provider affected is First Data, which belongs to the US group Fiserv, a company spokesperson said when asked. There is currently a technical problem with some processing services. “We are working hard to solve the problem and will inform our customers as soon as possible,” they said.
Provider Telecash reports “central disruption”
As Handelsblatt reports, the card reader provider Telecash is affected. Customers are therefore unable to pay at retailers who have devices from this provider. Telecash customer service announced via recorded message that there was a “central disruption”. The provider has not yet provided any details.
dpa/karie
Card Payment Chaos in Germany: Understanding the Disruption and its Causes
Since early morning on September 12, 2024, Germany has been experiencing widespread disruptions to card payments, affecting debit, credit, and giro cards. The issue is not limited to individual institutions, but rather a nationwide problem, as reported by various sources, including Bavarian Radio and “Antenne Bayern” [[3]].
The Extent of the Problem
The German banking industry has confirmed that the problems affect debit, credit, and giro cards, although in some cases, payments via direct debit may still be possible with giro cards. Bank and savings bank ATMs are not affected by this disruption [[4]]. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is aware of the issue and is in contact with the affected financial institutions and responsible authorities [[4]].
The Cause of the Disruption
According to a spokesperson for the German banking industry, the reason for the disruption lies in problems with an IT service provider and its connected providers. The affected IT service provider is First Data, a company belonging to the US group Fiserv [[4]]. Those involved are working hard to resolve the disruption, and based on current knowledge, a cyberattack can be ruled out [[4]].
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Germany has experienced issues with card payments. In May 2022, there were reports of card payments being rejected due to a problem with a commonly used card payments terminal from US company Verifone [[2]]. Additionally, SCHUFA, a German credit rating agency, has mentioned the “card chaos” and its impact on the SCHUFA score [[1]].
Conclusion
The current card payment disruption in Germany is a widespread issue affecting various types of cards and institutions. While the exact cause is still being analyzed, it has been determined that the problem lies with an IT service provider and its connected providers, and a cyberattack has been ruled out. Those affected are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable payment systems and the need for constant vigilance in the face of potential disruptions.
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Card Payment Chaos in Germany: Understanding the Disruption and its Causes
Germany is known for its strong economy and technological advancements, but when it comes to payment methods, the country still has a strong affection for cash. Despite the growth of card payments, Germany’s banking industry has been experiencing disruptions to card payments across the country, affecting debit, credit, and giro cards.
The Disruption: What Happened?
On a recent morning, reports started flooding in of card payment disruptions nationwide. The problems affected various financial institutions, and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) was notified of the issue. The BSI is working closely with those affected and the responsible authorities to resolve the disruption.
The Cause: IT Service Provider Issues
According to the spokesperson for the German banking industry, the reason behind the disruption is problems with an IT service provider and connected providers. The industry is currently analyzing the situation and the nature and extent of the disruption, working together with payment system operators and providers. Fortunately, based on current knowledge, a cyberattack has been ruled out.
Impact on Card Payments
The disruption affected debit, credit, and giro cards, making it difficult for individuals to make payments. However, in some cases, payments via direct debit may still be possible with giro cards. It’s reassuring to know that bank and savings bank ATMs are not affected by this disruption.
Card Payment Trends in Germany
Despite this recent disruption, Germany’s banking industry expects a growth of 2% per year in card payments [1[1]. However, this growth is threatened by a decline of 3% a year in cash usage. This raises questions about Germany’s affinity for cash and the need for a more comprehensive digital payment system.
Cash or Card in Germany: Which is the Best Way to Pay?
When traveling to Germany or conducting business in the country, it’s essential to understand the payment landscape. While card payments are becoming more popular, cash is still widely accepted. In fact, a handy guide suggests that tourists should prepare for a mix of both cash and card payments, taking into account cash etiquette, German ATMs, and using UK cards [3[3].
Conclusion
The recent card payment disruption in Germany highlights the need for a more reliable and efficient digital payment system. As the country moves forward, it’s crucial to address the underlying issues causing these disruptions and work towards a more cashless society. Until then, it’s essential for individuals to be prepared for both cash and card payments when doing business in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What are the causes of the card payment disruption in Germany?
The disruption is caused by problems with an IT service provider and connected providers.
- Is the card payment disruption a cyberattack?
Based on current knowledge, a cyberattack has been ruled out.
- What is the impact of the disruption on card payments?
The disruption affects debit, credit, and giro cards, making it difficult for individuals to make payments.
