FAQ

Questions

  1. Why was "girocard" introduced?
  2. What does the new logo girocard stand for?
  3. What are the advantages of girocard?
  4. Are there any changes for the cardholder?
  5. What happens if the girocard logo is not imprinted on the card?
  6. Are there any changes for merchants and network providers?
  7. Where can I get information about girocard?

Answers

  1. Why was "girocard" introduced?

    The European Banking Community is currently working on the realisation of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The goal of SEPA is to enable all citizens to conduct payment transactions within the Euro-Zone under the same conditions as in their home countries. In the course of the creation of a common logo for the SEPA Region, "girocard" should primarily facilitate the international acceptance of German debit cards.

  2. What does the new logo girocard stand for?

    girocard – a name and a logo for the two debit payment systems of the German Banking Industry which have already proved their value: PIN-based payment in the retail sector (“electronic cash System”) and cash advance at ATMs in Germany (German ATM System).

  3. What are the advantages of girocard?

    With only one logo for two systems, girocard provides an umbrella for national and international maximised security, that payment transactions with German debit cards in connection with PIN guarantees.
    girocard therefore primarily facilitates the international acceptance of German debit cards in the SEPA Region.

  4. Are there any changes for the cardholder?

    Starting 2008 all cards will step-by-step receive a girocard logo. There will be no changes in the functionality of the cards. The new logo will simplify things because two well known systems of the German Banking Industry are now recognizable under the umbrella girocard and under one single logo.

  5. What happens if the girocard logo is not imprinted on the card?

    There will be no disadvantages for the cardholder. Even if the girocard logo is not yet imprinted, all current applications remain fully functional.

  6. Are there any changes for merchants and network providers?

    The girocard logo will also be introduced step-by-step area-wide at POS and ATMs.

  7. Where can I get information about girocard?

    At: www.girocard.eu, or at your bank or savings bank
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