The popularity of online banking in Germany has reached a new peak. According to a survey by the Digital Association Bitkom, 86 percent of Germans now use online banking, marking a new high. This development is driven by several factors, including the increasing acceptance of digital financial services and the growing number of users across all age groups.
Age Groups and Online Banking
- Younger Age Groups (16-29 and 30-49 years): Almost all users in these groups, 95 percent each, utilize online banking.
- 50 to 64-Year-Olds: The share here is 92 percent.
- 65 to 74-Year-Olds: In this age group, 83 percent use online banking, which represents a significant increase compared to previous years.
- 75 Years and Older: There is also an increase here, with 43 percent of users expected by 2025.
Impact on Bank Branches
The increasing use of online banking is also affecting the foot traffic in bank branches. According to the survey, 44 percent of online banking users no longer visit a branch, while 41 percent still go to a branch at least occasionally. This shows that while online banking is becoming increasingly popular, many users still prefer a combination of digital and physical banking services.
Future Prospects
A quarter of those over 65 who currently do not use online banking plan to start doing so within the next 12 months. Another 9 percent can imagine using it in principle. This development suggests that online banking will gain even more importance in the future.
Digital Innovations and Economic Impact
Berlin, as a center for digital innovations, reflects these trends. The strong embedding of the population in the digital world is changing both daily life and the economy. The digitization of banking is an important part of this development, showing how technology and financial services are increasingly intertwined.