From the perspective of retailers, it is most cost-effective when customers pay at the checkout counter using cash or tue girocard. This was the finding of a study published by the Deutsche Bundesbank entitled “The cost of payment methods in the retail sector”. 

The study analysed monetary costs such as fees, charges, equipment and transport costs. In addition, non-monetary costs such as the time spent by retailers using payment instruments at the point of sale or for administrative purposes were factored into the calculations. When considering costs per payment, cash payments are the most cost-effective for retailers, averaging 43 cents per transaction. Girocard is the most economical method when costs are viewed in relation to revenue, averaging just under one percent of turnover. International debit and credit cards are more expensive in both cases. They generate higher costs for retailers, primarily due to higher fees. The cost analysis is based on time measurements of approximately 13,000 transactions at 15 points of sale, as well as a survey of 268 retail companies of various sizes and industries.