Payment methods in German-Turkish e-commerce: What customers prefer
In online trade between Germany and Turkey, the Right choice of payment methods crucial for success. Payment habits in both countries differ significantly.
1) Popular payment methods in Germany
German customers attach great importance to Security and buyer protection. The most popular payment methods are:
Purchase on account (Klarna, PayPal invoice)
- Most popular payment method in Germany (~30 % of online purchases).
- Customers order, receive the goods and only pay later.
- Buyer protection & trust ensure higher conversion rates.
Tip: Klarna or PayPal offer simple integration for purchase on account.
PayPal
- Fast & safewith buyer protection.
- Widely used and easy to integrate into online stores.
- Particularly important for international dealers.
SEPA direct debit & bank transfer
- German customers often pay by SEPA direct debitespecially for subscriptions and recurring payments.
- Direct bank transfers (Sofortüberweisung/Klarna) are also popular.
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Frequently used, but not as dominant as in other countries.
- PayPal & Klarna offer credit card payment as an option.
Apple Pay & Google Pay
- Mobile payments are on the rise, especially among young customers.
- More and more stores are integrating these options.
Important for retailers: German customers prefer Secure payments with buyer protection. Purchase on account, PayPal & direct debit are Mandatory for every store!
2) Popular payment methods in Turkey
Turkish customers have different payment habits - Payment in installments is particularly important!
Payment in installments by credit card (Taksitli Alışveriş)
- More than 50 % of all online purchases in Turkey are paid in installments!
- Possible with Turkish banks such as Garanti BBVA, İş Bankası, Akbank, Yapı Kredi.
- Shopify, WooCommerce & local payment providers (e.g. iyzico, PayTR) offer installment payment options.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, TROY)
- Very popular, especially with Bonus programs of the banks.
- TROY is the Turkish equivalent of Visa & Mastercard.
Bank transfer (EFT/Havale)
- Customers transfer the money by EFT or Havale directly to the dealer.
- Often used for larger amounts.
Mobile wallets & QR code payments
- Papara, Paycell & fastPay are popular in Turkey.
- QR code payments via banks and mobile wallets are on the rise.
PayPal? No!
- PayPal was Banned from Turkey in 2016 and cannot be used.
- Alternative solutions: iyzico, PayTR or Stripe (for international merchants).
Important for retailers: Without Installment payment stores in Turkey lose many customers!
3) Payment methods for cross-border trade 🇩🇪🇹🇷 & 🇹🇷🇩🇪
- Selling from Germany to Turkey:
- Credit cards & SEPA bank transfer
- Stripe or iyzico for installment payments
- Wise or TransferGo for international payments - Selling from Turkey to Germany:
- PayPal & Klarna for German customers
- Credit card for international buyers
- Wise or Payoneer for merchant payments
Tip: Who wants to serve both markets, should combine local & international payment methods!
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