[celerrimus]

There was similar attempt here in Poland few years ago, i believe it was sofort used by few online shops owned by German parent companies.

This ended very soon, because people here are quite sensitive for such practices and Financial Supervision Authority begin informative action as this was against the law.

But what was more important, people quickly realized that they could abuse this process. After such payment, they log in again to bank account and cancelled wired transfer (in most banks we can cancel wired transfer unless it actually leave your account few hours later), and then change their bank password. From point of view of shop, payment was successfull, they process order, but never get cash for it. This was the reason such payment systems ended very soon.

Like kybernetyk and other wrote, in Poland we have very modern banking system, there's no problem to make fast wire (up to 15min) using official banking systems or reliable payments systems - you authorize each transaction directly in your bank system without revealing your login details to the middleman.

[expertentipp]

Stay away from German payment "inventions" like Sofort, direct debit by default, "cash is the king" bollocks. Many German retailers and "startups" entering Polish market are trying to introduce their (low) standards and this can deteriorate banking culture in Poland. The retail banking in Poland is working really good and is customer friendly - keep it this way.

[tener]

Still an issue - tried to buy shoes from Deichmann, they requested my login credentials. WTF.

[dx034]

It's because Germany has a very low credit card penetration rate and the German debit cards cannot be used to guarantee a transaction. Direct debits can be cancelled without any reason for a while and aren't confirmed at all for several days.

Unfortunately that doesn't seem to change. The big banking networks have their own debit system that's not compatible with many international online payment systems. There is thus little incentive to switch to sth like Visa/Mastercard debit cards.

[dozzie]

>> Still an issue - tried to buy shoes from Deichmann, they requested my login credentials. WTF.

> It's because Germany has a very low credit card penetration rate and the German debit cards cannot be used to guarantee a transaction.

No, really: WHAT THE F&CK?!?

In Poland we have instant payments services for years already. Each of the services directs the user to their own bank's website (login form). Payment clears instantly and confirmation of the payment (which is machine processable) is sent to the shop in a matter of minutes and with no human employee whatsoever.

We have these systems working for years, and the use ranges from buying e-books through food to power tools and clothing in on-line auctions site.

[dx034]

I know the feeling. I live in the UK and travel to Germany regularly. Most retailers only accept the German version of a debit card. Luckily most supermarkets now accept credit cards, but small shops almost never do.

Leads to me avoiding small shops when I'm there, not really sure if that's the desired effect.