Nationwide Payment Card Disruption in Germany

Since early this morning, there have been widespread disruptions in payment card transactions across Germany. Debit cards, credit cards, and Girocards have all been affected, according to a spokesperson for the German banking industry.

Cash is often the only option

For Girocard transactions, payments via direct debit may still be possible in isolated cases. “ATM machines at banks and savings institutions remain unaffected,” the spokesperson added. The issue is not limited to individual banks, with many people only able to pay using cash in affected locations. There have also been reports of issues with German-issued cards abroad, indicating the disruptions are widespread and not restricted to particular financial institutions.

IT service provider issues behind the disruption

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has confirmed: “There are currently disruptions in card payment systems at various financial institutions.” The BSI is in communication with those affected and with the relevant authorities.

The root cause of the payment disruption appears to be linked to problems with an IT service provider and its associated vendors, as stated by the spokesperson for the German banking industry. “We are currently working alongside payment system operators and providers to analyse the situation and determine the extent and nature of the disruption.”

Cyberattack ruled out

A cyberattack or hacker intrusion has been ruled out based on current information. The IT service provider involved is “First Data,” a company that is part of the U.S. firm “Fiserv.”