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Accept contactless payments right on your iPhone with the Mollie app
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EC-Cash for merchants: Features, pitfalls and alternatives
EC-Cash for merchants: Features, pitfalls and alternatives
EC-Cash for merchants: Features, pitfalls and alternatives
EC Cash and Girocard payments offer significant advantages, but also pitfalls. This guide shows what merchants should pay attention to when using them.
EC Cash and Girocard payments offer significant advantages, but also pitfalls. This guide shows what merchants should pay attention to when using them.
Jul 14, 2025
Overview: EC cash
EC cash stands for the current Girocard system in Germany
Secure, but technically limited and not usable internationally
Payment is made via an EC card reader and acquirer in just a few steps
Mobile use with Girocard is limited and often unreliable
Modern POS systems offer more flexibility for merchants
EC cash stands for the current Girocard system in Germany
Secure, but technically limited and not usable internationally
Payment is made via an EC card reader and acquirer in just a few steps
Mobile use with Girocard is limited and often unreliable
Modern POS systems offer more flexibility for merchants
EC cash stands for the current Girocard system in Germany
Secure, but technically limited and not usable internationally
Payment is made via an EC card reader and acquirer in just a few steps
Mobile use with Girocard is limited and often unreliable
Modern POS systems offer more flexibility for merchants
EC cash stands for the current Girocard system in Germany
Secure, but technically limited and not usable internationally
Payment is made via an EC card reader and acquirer in just a few steps
Mobile use with Girocard is limited and often unreliable
Modern POS systems offer more flexibility for merchants
EC or Girocard payments: What are they?
Many people still talk about EC Cash, but the term no longer officially exists. Originally, ‘EC’ stood for “Eurocheque”, later for ‘Electronic Cash’. Today, it has become the Girocard, the debit card system commonly used by banks in Germany.
Technically, the Girocard is a debit card, just like Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit, for example.
The difference often lies in acceptance: some merchants only accept Girocard, but not international debit cards. Mastercard, Visa and others offer both debit cards that debit directly from your current account (as with Girocard) and classic credit cards with a credit limit and monthly billing.
Girocard therefore enables secure EC payments directly from your bank account. Although the term ‘payment by EC card’ is still used, strictly speaking it refers to a Girocard payment. If you are wondering what Electronic Cash actually is, it refers to the former payment system that is now known as Girocard. It is the predecessor system that has now been completely replaced by Girocard payments.
Many people still talk about EC Cash, but the term no longer officially exists. Originally, ‘EC’ stood for “Eurocheque”, later for ‘Electronic Cash’. Today, it has become the Girocard, the debit card system commonly used by banks in Germany.
Technically, the Girocard is a debit card, just like Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit, for example.
The difference often lies in acceptance: some merchants only accept Girocard, but not international debit cards. Mastercard, Visa and others offer both debit cards that debit directly from your current account (as with Girocard) and classic credit cards with a credit limit and monthly billing.
Girocard therefore enables secure EC payments directly from your bank account. Although the term ‘payment by EC card’ is still used, strictly speaking it refers to a Girocard payment. If you are wondering what Electronic Cash actually is, it refers to the former payment system that is now known as Girocard. It is the predecessor system that has now been completely replaced by Girocard payments.
Many people still talk about EC Cash, but the term no longer officially exists. Originally, ‘EC’ stood for “Eurocheque”, later for ‘Electronic Cash’. Today, it has become the Girocard, the debit card system commonly used by banks in Germany.
Technically, the Girocard is a debit card, just like Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit, for example.
The difference often lies in acceptance: some merchants only accept Girocard, but not international debit cards. Mastercard, Visa and others offer both debit cards that debit directly from your current account (as with Girocard) and classic credit cards with a credit limit and monthly billing.
Girocard therefore enables secure EC payments directly from your bank account. Although the term ‘payment by EC card’ is still used, strictly speaking it refers to a Girocard payment. If you are wondering what Electronic Cash actually is, it refers to the former payment system that is now known as Girocard. It is the predecessor system that has now been completely replaced by Girocard payments.
Many people still talk about EC Cash, but the term no longer officially exists. Originally, ‘EC’ stood for “Eurocheque”, later for ‘Electronic Cash’. Today, it has become the Girocard, the debit card system commonly used by banks in Germany.
Technically, the Girocard is a debit card, just like Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit, for example.
The difference often lies in acceptance: some merchants only accept Girocard, but not international debit cards. Mastercard, Visa and others offer both debit cards that debit directly from your current account (as with Girocard) and classic credit cards with a credit limit and monthly billing.
Girocard therefore enables secure EC payments directly from your bank account. Although the term ‘payment by EC card’ is still used, strictly speaking it refers to a Girocard payment. If you are wondering what Electronic Cash actually is, it refers to the former payment system that is now known as Girocard. It is the predecessor system that has now been completely replaced by Girocard payments.
How EC cash payments work technically
An EC cash payment is processed in just a few steps – and faster than many people think:
The customer inserts the Girocard into the terminal or holds it in front of it contactlessly.
The POS system establishes a connection to the acquirer, i.e. the payment service provider that processes the transaction.
The system checks whether there are sufficient funds in the account.
If authorisation is successful, the amount is reserved.
The merchant receives the payment within 1 to 2 working days, depending on the provider.
EC-Cash technology ensures fast processes and high payment security. This plays a key role, especially when there are large numbers of customers at the point of sale.
An EC cash payment is processed in just a few steps – and faster than many people think:
The customer inserts the Girocard into the terminal or holds it in front of it contactlessly.
The POS system establishes a connection to the acquirer, i.e. the payment service provider that processes the transaction.
The system checks whether there are sufficient funds in the account.
If authorisation is successful, the amount is reserved.
The merchant receives the payment within 1 to 2 working days, depending on the provider.
EC-Cash technology ensures fast processes and high payment security. This plays a key role, especially when there are large numbers of customers at the point of sale.
An EC cash payment is processed in just a few steps – and faster than many people think:
The customer inserts the Girocard into the terminal or holds it in front of it contactlessly.
The POS system establishes a connection to the acquirer, i.e. the payment service provider that processes the transaction.
The system checks whether there are sufficient funds in the account.
If authorisation is successful, the amount is reserved.
The merchant receives the payment within 1 to 2 working days, depending on the provider.
EC-Cash technology ensures fast processes and high payment security. This plays a key role, especially when there are large numbers of customers at the point of sale.
An EC cash payment is processed in just a few steps – and faster than many people think:
The customer inserts the Girocard into the terminal or holds it in front of it contactlessly.
The POS system establishes a connection to the acquirer, i.e. the payment service provider that processes the transaction.
The system checks whether there are sufficient funds in the account.
If authorisation is successful, the amount is reserved.
The merchant receives the payment within 1 to 2 working days, depending on the provider.
EC-Cash technology ensures fast processes and high payment security. This plays a key role, especially when there are large numbers of customers at the point of sale.
EC cash in comparison: opportunities and risks for merchants
EC cash and Girocard payments are widespread in Germany. However, they do not only offer advantages for merchants. Especially in comparison to modern payment methods such as credit cards or mobile payments, the disadvantages of electronic cash should not be underestimated. Here is an overview:
Advantages of EC cash | Disadvantages of EC cash |
Widespread use among German customers | Limited acceptance among international guests |
Secure authorisation process | No uniform standard for all cards |
Avoids cash handling | Only possible via certified POS terminals |
Familiar payment method in brick-and-mortar retail | Less technologically flexible than other payment methods |
Transaction costs and payout times vary greatly |
While the advantages of electronic cash lie primarily in its widespread use, its weaknesses are evident in terms of convenience, integration and international reach. Anyone who wants to remain flexible – both online and offline – should carefully weigh up the disadvantages of electronic cash.
EC cash and Girocard payments are widespread in Germany. However, they do not only offer advantages for merchants. Especially in comparison to modern payment methods such as credit cards or mobile payments, the disadvantages of electronic cash should not be underestimated. Here is an overview:
Advantages of EC cash | Disadvantages of EC cash |
Widespread use among German customers | Limited acceptance among international guests |
Secure authorisation process | No uniform standard for all cards |
Avoids cash handling | Only possible via certified POS terminals |
Familiar payment method in brick-and-mortar retail | Less technologically flexible than other payment methods |
Transaction costs and payout times vary greatly |
While the advantages of electronic cash lie primarily in its widespread use, its weaknesses are evident in terms of convenience, integration and international reach. Anyone who wants to remain flexible – both online and offline – should carefully weigh up the disadvantages of electronic cash.
EC cash and Girocard payments are widespread in Germany. However, they do not only offer advantages for merchants. Especially in comparison to modern payment methods such as credit cards or mobile payments, the disadvantages of electronic cash should not be underestimated. Here is an overview:
Advantages of EC cash | Disadvantages of EC cash |
Widespread use among German customers | Limited acceptance among international guests |
Secure authorisation process | No uniform standard for all cards |
Avoids cash handling | Only possible via certified POS terminals |
Familiar payment method in brick-and-mortar retail | Less technologically flexible than other payment methods |
Transaction costs and payout times vary greatly |
While the advantages of electronic cash lie primarily in its widespread use, its weaknesses are evident in terms of convenience, integration and international reach. Anyone who wants to remain flexible – both online and offline – should carefully weigh up the disadvantages of electronic cash.
EC cash and Girocard payments are widespread in Germany. However, they do not only offer advantages for merchants. Especially in comparison to modern payment methods such as credit cards or mobile payments, the disadvantages of electronic cash should not be underestimated. Here is an overview:
Advantages of EC cash | Disadvantages of EC cash |
Widespread use among German customers | Limited acceptance among international guests |
Secure authorisation process | No uniform standard for all cards |
Avoids cash handling | Only possible via certified POS terminals |
Familiar payment method in brick-and-mortar retail | Less technologically flexible than other payment methods |
Transaction costs and payout times vary greatly |
While the advantages of electronic cash lie primarily in its widespread use, its weaknesses are evident in terms of convenience, integration and international reach. Anyone who wants to remain flexible – both online and offline – should carefully weigh up the disadvantages of electronic cash.
POS systems: mobile vs. stationary payment systems
Stationary card terminals are still standard in many companies, especially for traditional EC cash payments. However, modern POS systems are opening up new possibilities: mobile terminals, tablets and tap-to-pay for iOS and Android make checkout more flexible and often cheaper to purchase.
The demand for mobile solutions is growing – not least because customers today often want to pay by EC card via their mobile phones. A digital Girocard is usually used for this purpose. But if you take a closer look at how POS payment works, you will see the limitations of the system: paying by Girocard with a mobile phone only works with certain banks and devices, whereas credit cards can often be used universally.
Even if EC payments by mobile phone are technically possible, in practice they are often less reliable than modern alternatives. For retailers, this means that those who want to rely on future-proof payment methods should critically examine the role of electronic cash and choose solutions that are compatible with wallets, international cards and mobile devices.
These include contactless payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards such as Mastercard or Visa, but also modern POS solutions such as Tap from Mollie or Shopify POS. This allows merchants to remain flexible, regardless of the device used or the origin of their customers.
Stationary card terminals are still standard in many companies, especially for traditional EC cash payments. However, modern POS systems are opening up new possibilities: mobile terminals, tablets and tap-to-pay for iOS and Android make checkout more flexible and often cheaper to purchase.
The demand for mobile solutions is growing – not least because customers today often want to pay by EC card via their mobile phones. A digital Girocard is usually used for this purpose. But if you take a closer look at how POS payment works, you will see the limitations of the system: paying by Girocard with a mobile phone only works with certain banks and devices, whereas credit cards can often be used universally.
Even if EC payments by mobile phone are technically possible, in practice they are often less reliable than modern alternatives. For retailers, this means that those who want to rely on future-proof payment methods should critically examine the role of electronic cash and choose solutions that are compatible with wallets, international cards and mobile devices.
These include contactless payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards such as Mastercard or Visa, but also modern POS solutions such as Tap from Mollie or Shopify POS. This allows merchants to remain flexible, regardless of the device used or the origin of their customers.
Stationary card terminals are still standard in many companies, especially for traditional EC cash payments. However, modern POS systems are opening up new possibilities: mobile terminals, tablets and tap-to-pay for iOS and Android make checkout more flexible and often cheaper to purchase.
The demand for mobile solutions is growing – not least because customers today often want to pay by EC card via their mobile phones. A digital Girocard is usually used for this purpose. But if you take a closer look at how POS payment works, you will see the limitations of the system: paying by Girocard with a mobile phone only works with certain banks and devices, whereas credit cards can often be used universally.
Even if EC payments by mobile phone are technically possible, in practice they are often less reliable than modern alternatives. For retailers, this means that those who want to rely on future-proof payment methods should critically examine the role of electronic cash and choose solutions that are compatible with wallets, international cards and mobile devices.
These include contactless payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards such as Mastercard or Visa, but also modern POS solutions such as Tap from Mollie or Shopify POS. This allows merchants to remain flexible, regardless of the device used or the origin of their customers.
Stationary card terminals are still standard in many companies, especially for traditional EC cash payments. However, modern POS systems are opening up new possibilities: mobile terminals, tablets and tap-to-pay for iOS and Android make checkout more flexible and often cheaper to purchase.
The demand for mobile solutions is growing – not least because customers today often want to pay by EC card via their mobile phones. A digital Girocard is usually used for this purpose. But if you take a closer look at how POS payment works, you will see the limitations of the system: paying by Girocard with a mobile phone only works with certain banks and devices, whereas credit cards can often be used universally.
Even if EC payments by mobile phone are technically possible, in practice they are often less reliable than modern alternatives. For retailers, this means that those who want to rely on future-proof payment methods should critically examine the role of electronic cash and choose solutions that are compatible with wallets, international cards and mobile devices.
These include contactless payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards such as Mastercard or Visa, but also modern POS solutions such as Tap from Mollie or Shopify POS. This allows merchants to remain flexible, regardless of the device used or the origin of their customers.
The most important bank card terms at a glance
Not all bank cards are the same – this causes confusion, especially with EC cash payments.
Here you will find a concise explanation of the most important terms relating to card payments:
Girocard
Girocard is the German debit card system. Formerly known as EC card or EC cash card. Payments made with this card are debited directly from the account.
EC cash
Former name for the current Girocard system. The term EC cash is still used in everyday language, but is technically obsolete. It usually refers to payment by Girocard at a terminal.
Debit card
A means of payment that accesses the linked bank account directly. This includes both Girocard and international cards such as Mastercard Debit or Visa Debit.
Credit card
Cards from providers such as Mastercard or Visa, where the amounts are collected and debited later. They are accepted internationally and are often more flexible than EC Cash.
Prepaid card
These cards must be loaded with credit in advance. They are particularly popular in e-commerce and for children and young people.
Contactless payment
Payment by placing the card or smartphone on the terminal. EC Cash-enabled Girocards also support this function, but with technical restrictions compared to credit cards.
Mobile payment
Payment by smartphone or smartwatch – for example, with Apple Pay or Google Pay. EC cash only works if the bank approves the Girocard for wallets.
If you want to keep track of EC cash, you should be familiar with the terms – especially with regard to technological compatibility, coverage and customer convenience.
Not all bank cards are the same – this causes confusion, especially with EC cash payments.
Here you will find a concise explanation of the most important terms relating to card payments:
Girocard
Girocard is the German debit card system. Formerly known as EC card or EC cash card. Payments made with this card are debited directly from the account.
EC cash
Former name for the current Girocard system. The term EC cash is still used in everyday language, but is technically obsolete. It usually refers to payment by Girocard at a terminal.
Debit card
A means of payment that accesses the linked bank account directly. This includes both Girocard and international cards such as Mastercard Debit or Visa Debit.
Credit card
Cards from providers such as Mastercard or Visa, where the amounts are collected and debited later. They are accepted internationally and are often more flexible than EC Cash.
Prepaid card
These cards must be loaded with credit in advance. They are particularly popular in e-commerce and for children and young people.
Contactless payment
Payment by placing the card or smartphone on the terminal. EC Cash-enabled Girocards also support this function, but with technical restrictions compared to credit cards.
Mobile payment
Payment by smartphone or smartwatch – for example, with Apple Pay or Google Pay. EC cash only works if the bank approves the Girocard for wallets.
If you want to keep track of EC cash, you should be familiar with the terms – especially with regard to technological compatibility, coverage and customer convenience.
Not all bank cards are the same – this causes confusion, especially with EC cash payments.
Here you will find a concise explanation of the most important terms relating to card payments:
Girocard
Girocard is the German debit card system. Formerly known as EC card or EC cash card. Payments made with this card are debited directly from the account.
EC cash
Former name for the current Girocard system. The term EC cash is still used in everyday language, but is technically obsolete. It usually refers to payment by Girocard at a terminal.
Debit card
A means of payment that accesses the linked bank account directly. This includes both Girocard and international cards such as Mastercard Debit or Visa Debit.
Credit card
Cards from providers such as Mastercard or Visa, where the amounts are collected and debited later. They are accepted internationally and are often more flexible than EC Cash.
Prepaid card
These cards must be loaded with credit in advance. They are particularly popular in e-commerce and for children and young people.
Contactless payment
Payment by placing the card or smartphone on the terminal. EC Cash-enabled Girocards also support this function, but with technical restrictions compared to credit cards.
Mobile payment
Payment by smartphone or smartwatch – for example, with Apple Pay or Google Pay. EC cash only works if the bank approves the Girocard for wallets.
If you want to keep track of EC cash, you should be familiar with the terms – especially with regard to technological compatibility, coverage and customer convenience.
Not all bank cards are the same – this causes confusion, especially with EC cash payments.
Here you will find a concise explanation of the most important terms relating to card payments:
Girocard
Girocard is the German debit card system. Formerly known as EC card or EC cash card. Payments made with this card are debited directly from the account.
EC cash
Former name for the current Girocard system. The term EC cash is still used in everyday language, but is technically obsolete. It usually refers to payment by Girocard at a terminal.
Debit card
A means of payment that accesses the linked bank account directly. This includes both Girocard and international cards such as Mastercard Debit or Visa Debit.
Credit card
Cards from providers such as Mastercard or Visa, where the amounts are collected and debited later. They are accepted internationally and are often more flexible than EC Cash.
Prepaid card
These cards must be loaded with credit in advance. They are particularly popular in e-commerce and for children and young people.
Contactless payment
Payment by placing the card or smartphone on the terminal. EC Cash-enabled Girocards also support this function, but with technical restrictions compared to credit cards.
Mobile payment
Payment by smartphone or smartwatch – for example, with Apple Pay or Google Pay. EC cash only works if the bank approves the Girocard for wallets.
If you want to keep track of EC cash, you should be familiar with the terms – especially with regard to technological compatibility, coverage and customer convenience.
How does EC-Cash work?
EC-Cash works via an EC card reader that reads the customer's Girocard. The payment is checked and authorised if there are sufficient funds. The money is debited from the account and credited to the merchant.
How much do EC payments cost for merchants?
The costs of EC payments for merchants vary depending on the provider. In addition to transaction fees, terminal costs or service fees are often incurred. Important: There is no standard fee structure for EC Cash either.
Does EC Cash work in the same way as a direct debit?
No, EC Cash does not work like a traditional direct debit. While direct debits are executed without a PIN or immediate coverage check, EC Cash checks the availability of the amount in real time.
What does the abbreviation ‘EC’ stand for?
The abbreviation ‘EC’ originally stood for “Eurocheque”. This later became ‘Electronic Cash’, or EC-Cash for short. Today, it has become the Girocard – even though the term EC has remained in colloquial use.
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