• 53% want more European digital payment services
• 37% would accept some limitations in return for a European provider

Whether shopping online, paying at the checkout or sending money to friends, digital payment services have become an integral part of everyday life. Yet their growing importance is also raising questions about Europe’s reliance on international technology and financial services providers.

A representative survey conducted in Germany shows that 46% of consumers are concerned that many essential payment services are operated by companies based outside Europe. At the same time, 53% believe that more European digital payment solutions should be available.

The findings are based on a survey of 1,004 people aged 16 and over, commissioned by the German digital association Bitkom. Although the research focuses on Germany, it reflects a broader European debate about digital sovereignty, competition and control over critical financial infrastructure.

Digital payments as critical infrastructure

Digital payment systems are no longer merely a matter of convenience. They form part of the infrastructure underpinning commerce, mobility and everyday economic activity. Europe’s strong dependence on non-European providers therefore has implications extending beyond consumer choice. It also raises questions about data governance, technological autonomy and the resilience of payment networks.

“Payment systems are critical digital infrastructure. European services strengthen digital sovereignty, competition and consumer choice,” said Bitkom President Dr Ralf Wintergerst.

The findings reveal notable differences between generations. Concern about the strong market position of non-European payment providers is highest among older consumers. Among respondents aged 65 and over, 56% expressed concern and 61% called for more European alternatives.

Younger respondents were less worried about dependence on providers headquartered outside Europe. Only 37% of those aged between 16 and 29 shared this concern. Nevertheless, 51% of this age group still supported the development of additional European payment solutions.

The results suggest that younger users may be less focused on the geographical origin of a service while remaining open to credible European alternatives. For providers, however, origin alone is unlikely to outweigh expectations regarding speed, usability, security and international acceptance.

A European preference—but not at any price

A significant proportion of German consumers would be prepared to compromise in favour of a European solution. According to the survey, 37% would accept a more limited range of features if the payment service were provided by a European company.

This willingness is again more pronounced among older respondents. Forty-four per cent of people aged 65 and over would accept some reduction in functionality, compared with 30% of those aged between 16 and 29.

However, another 38% of respondents would only prefer a European payment service if it offered the same capabilities as its international competitors. On this point, the generations are remarkably similar: 37% of respondents aged 16 to 29 and 38% of those aged 65 and over expect full performance parity.

The figures indicate that European providers may benefit from a certain degree of consumer goodwill, but this “Europe bonus” has clear limits. In a market shaped by established habits and strong network effects, new services must compete not only on data protection, sovereignty and regional identity, but also on reliability, convenience and acceptance across borders.

“There is significant potential for European payment services, but there is no Europe bonus at any price,” Wintergerst said. “Providers that want to attract users must deliver world-class performance and functionality.”

From political ambition to competitive services

For European policymakers and the financial sector, the results highlight both an opportunity and a challenge. A substantial share of consumers supports stronger European alternatives, creating favourable conditions for new initiatives. Yet political backing and regional origin will not be enough to ensure widespread adoption.

To succeed, European payment services must work seamlessly across national borders and provide a compelling alternative for online transactions, in-store payments and person-to-person transfers. They must also combine high security standards with the simplicity consumers have come to expect from global providers.

The survey therefore points to a pragmatic form of digital sovereignty. Consumers may support the goal of reducing strategic dependencies, but many still judge payment services primarily by their practical value. Europe’s challenge is consequently not simply to create its own digital payment systems, but to develop solutions capable of competing at the highest international level.

Survey methodology

The findings are based on a representative telephone survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the German digital association Bitkom. A total of 1,004 people aged 16 and over in Germany were interviewed between calendar weeks 11 and 14 of 2026.

Respondents were asked to assess statements about payment services, with examples including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Klarna and Germany’s domestic girocard system.