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Problems with card payments: What’s behind it?
Since the early hours of the morning, there have been difficulties with card payments across the country. Whether shopping in a supermarket or at a fast food restaurant, many customers have had to put their credit or debit cards away and switch to cash instead. But what exactly is happening here and who is affected?
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What is the problem with card payments?
This is a technical problem at a US IT service provider. Certain credit and debit cards are particularly affected. Important to know:
- Debit, credit and giro cards are impaired.
- Giro cards In individual cases, direct debit may still be possible.
- ATMs are not affected, so withdrawing cash is still possible.
Where do the problems occur?
The disruptions in card payments mainly affect larger cities such as:
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- München
- Frankfurt am Main
- Köln
Problems have also been reported in other cities such as Düsseldorf, Leipzig and Stuttgart.
Which banks are affected?
There is no restriction to individual banking institutions. Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbankendie Savings Bank as well as the Deutsche Bank are affected by the disruptions. The problems extend to various financial institutions and their card payment systems.
Is a cyberattack the reason?
According to the German banking industry and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) can currently be ruled out. It is a technical problem at the US company Fiservmore precisely at the subsidiary First DataAll parties involved are currently working hard on a solution.
How long will the disruption last?
There is currently no exact forecast as to when the problem will be resolved. However, affected providers and IT service providers are working on a quick solution.
What can customers do?
During the disruption, there are several options to continue paying:
- cash: Since ATMs are not affected, customers can still withdraw cash and use it for purchases.
- Giro cards with direct debit: In individual cases, payment with the giro card via direct debit is possible.
How great is the extent of the disruption?
According to reports, there were over 915 reports of disruptions on Thursday morning alone. The problems are particularly prevalent in large cities. An overview:
- Berlin, München, Frankfurt am Main and Hamburg are particularly affected.
- Also in Köln, Düsseldorf, Leipzig and Stuttgart Card payments are currently restricted.
What to do if card payment is not possible?
- Take cash with you: Until the problem is resolved, customers should always carry some cash with them as a precaution.
- Avoid card payments: Since the disruption is widespread, attempts to pay by card may fail.
Always stay well informed!
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