girokarte

A girokarte is a type of debit card primarily used in Germany and Austria. It functions as an electronic cash or EC card, allowing cardholders to make purchases directly from their bank account. When a girokarte is used for a transaction, the funds are immediately debited from the linked account. This means that unlike a credit card, a girokarte cannot be used to spend money that is not currently available in the account.

Girokarten are widely accepted at most retailers in Germany and Austria, particularly for smaller purchases. They are typically used at point-of-sale terminals by inserting the card and entering a PIN (Personal Identification Number). In addition to purchases, girokarten can also be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. Some girokarten also offer additional functionalities, such as loyalty programs or the ability to pay for public transport. The introduction of chip-and-PIN technology has enhanced the security of girokarte transactions. While still prevalent, the usage of girokarten is gradually being complemented by contactless payment methods and other debit card systems.