Germany's digital payment obligation from 2027: what adult businesses and independent professionals should know
The German government plans to require on-site businesses to offer at least one digital payment method alongside cash. What is planned, what is still open and how to prepare.
From 2027, businesses in Germany that are paid on site for goods or services are to offer at least one digital payment method alongside cash. That is the plan set out in key points by Germany's Federal Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil. Clubs, studios, adult shops and independent professionals will face the same question as every bakery: how do I accept digital payments? In the adult industry, that question is often harder to answer than elsewhere.
Important: as of October 2026 this is not yet law. There are key points under discussion within the German government. According to press reports, a draft bill is to go to the cabinet in 2026. This article is not legal advice.
What is planned
Based on the key points known so far:
- Cash plus at least one digital payment method. Cash remains legal tender and is not being abolished.
- At least one European method. Businesses would in principle choose which digital method to offer. No specific card company would be required.
- No minimum amount. Even small purchases would have to be payable digitally.
- No surcharges for customers. German law already bans surcharges for SEPA payments and many consumer cards.
- Why: the ministry links the plan to fighting tax evasion, money laundering and financial crime.
Who would be covered, and what is still open
The obligation would apply to businesses paid on site: retail, hospitality and service providers. Non-profit associations would be exempt, and hardship cases are being reviewed.
Still unresolved, among other things:
- whether there will be exemptions for very small businesses and the self-employed;
- whether the girocard alone is enough, or whether QR-code payments and instant transfers also count;
- what applies during network outages or when a terminal is broken;
- who checks compliance and what sanctions apply.
Only the future law will settle this. No binding obligations can be derived from the key points today.
Why the adult industry often can't get a terminal
Many banks and payment providers exclude the adult industry in their terms, even when the activity is legal and registered. The reason is internal risk policy around anti-money-laundering checks (KYC/AML) and reputation. For those affected, it means applications for a business account or card terminal are refused, or accounts are later closed without explanation.
If digital payments become mandatory, that problem becomes more urgent. Starting early leaves time for a provider's review before any deadline applies.
Digital options at a glance
- Card terminal. The customer pays by card or smartphone. You need a provider that accepts your industry.
- SEPA QR code. The customer scans a QR code with their banking app and transfers the amount straight to your account. Whether this counts as a digital payment method under the planned law is still open.
Checklist: prepare now
- Keep business payments separate. A dedicated account for your activity makes bookkeeping and tax returns easier.
- Have your documents ready. ID, proof of registration (in Germany, for example, the Gewerbeanmeldung or, where applicable, registration under the Prostitute Protection Act) and a short description of your activity. Every serious review (KYC) asks for these.
- Check discretion. Ask what your customers will see on their bank statement.
- Follow developments. Once a draft bill is published, you will know which payment methods count and whether exemptions apply.
What GloryPay offers
GloryPay is a payment solution for professionals and businesses in the adult industry, also available in Germany: an account with a Belgian IBAN, usable across Europe, SEPA payments by QR code and card terminals. Your customers see only a neutral reference on their payment. Opening an account is free, with no monthly or annual fees.
Terminal conditions are available in the member area after free registration. Answers on countries, fees and documents are in our FAQ, and our anti-money-laundering principles in our AML policy.
Sources: onlinemarktplatz.de, 14/09/2026; ms-aktuell.de, 25/09/2026. Status: 13/10/2026. This article reflects the publicly known state of the plans and is not legal or tax advice.