German Cooperative Banks Enable iPhone Payments Without Apple Pay - German Banks Bypass Apple Pay with New iPhone Payment Option
German cooperative banks have launched a new way for customers to pay in stores using their iPhones. The service works without Apple Pay and relies on the Girocard system. This change follows a push from the EU to open up Apple’s payment technology to other providers.
The Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken group is the first in Europe to offer this option. It aims to give shoppers a cheaper alternative to Apple’s own payment service.
The shift comes after the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to allow third-party access to its NFC interface. This technology enables contactless payments, which Apple previously restricted to its Apple Pay service.
For years, cooperative banks have provided their own payment solution for Android users. Now, iPhone owners can also use their Girocard directly through the VR-Banking app. A notification in the app guides customers to set up the new payment method.
The banks plan a public awareness campaign in the second quarter of 2026. This will highlight the cost savings compared to Apple Pay, which charges around 0.15% per transaction. The move gives customers more control over their payment choices while keeping fees lower.
The new system lets cooperative bank customers pay with their iPhones without relying on Apple Pay. It also reduces transaction costs for both shoppers and retailers.
The service is now live, with a wider promotion set for mid-2026. This makes Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken the first in Europe to offer such an alternative.
