Austria’s payment landscape is a mix of traditional methods and growing digital adoption. While cash remains prevalent, online and mobile payments are gaining traction, driven by younger generations and the convenience of digital wallets. Austria boasts a highly developed and digitized payment infrastructure, reflecting its position within the European Union and its strong adoption of digital technologies. Credit and debit cards (primarily Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted across all sectors, from small businesses to large retailers. Contactless payment methods are prevalent, and the use of mobile payment solutions (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) is steadily increasing, particularly among younger demographics. Online banking is commonplace, and bank transfers remain a significant method for larger transactions. While cash is still used, its prevalence is declining, especially in urban centers. The country’s payment system is characterized by high levels of security and regulatory oversight, ensuring a stable and reliable environment for both consumers and businesses. The adoption of innovative payment solutions such as instant payment systems continues to improve transaction speeds and efficiency. Austria’s payment landscape serves as a good example of a mature, technologically advanced European system.
Estimated Population
9 million
Currency
Euro (€)
All supported payment methods for Austria:
SEPA Direct Debit, SEPA Credit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, eps, Trustly, Invoice Payment, Prepayment, Barzahlen/viacash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay International, Discover, Diners Club, SEPA Direct Debit with Payment Guarantee, Instalment by SEPA Direct Debit, Instalment by Invoice, Invoice with Payment Guarantee, MaestroFrequently Asked Questions
In Austria, popular payment methods include SEPA direct debit, invoice (Rechnung), credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), EPS, PayPal, and online banking options. Invoice and EPS are especially favored by local consumers.
Yes. Novalnet fully supports EPS (Electronic Payment Standard), the Austrian online bank transfer method that allows real-time payments via local banks—ideal for secure, trusted transactions.
Absolutely. Novalnet enables merchants to offer invoice payments with or without payment guarantees, making it easier to meet Austrian customers’ expectations and boost conversions.
Yes. Novalnet is a BaFin-licensed payment institute and operates in full compliance with PSD2, GDPR, AML, and other Austrian and EU regulatory requirements.
Yes. Novalnet enables merchants in Austria to accept payments in multiple currencies and supports international payment methods—ideal for eCommerce businesses with global customers.
Yes. All interfaces, checkout pages, and support resources are available in German and English, and settlement can be made in euros for Austrian merchants.
Yes. Novalnet provides full support for SEPA direct debit payments, including mandate management, automated retries, and optional payment guarantees for risk-free processing.
Popular payment methods
SEPA Direct Debit
Direct Debit
SEPA Direct Debit is a secure and convenient payment method for businesses operating within the European Union, allowing for automated payments from customers’ bank accounts.
SEPA Credit
SEPA Credit
SEPA Credit Transfer is a secure and efficient way for businesses to make payments within the European Union, streamlining cross-border transactions and simplifying international payments.
Apple Pay
Wallets
Apple Pay offers businesses a convenient and secure way to accept payments from iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac users, enhancing the customer experience and boosting sales.
Google Pay
Wallets
Google Pay empowers businesses to offer a fast, secure, and convenient mobile payment experience, attracting a wide range of customers.
PayPal
Wallets
PayPal is a global leader in online payments, offering businesses a secure and convenient way to accept payments from millions of customers worldwide.
eps
Online Bank Transfers
EPS is a trusted online payment method in Austria, allowing customers to make secure and instant payments directly from their bank accounts, enhancing your online checkout experience.
Trustly
Online Bank Transfers
Trustly is a leading global online payment method, allowing customers to make secure and instant payments directly from their bank accounts, enhancing your online checkout experience.
Invoice Payment
Invoice
A document outlining the details of a purchase, including the goods or services provided, the amount due, and payment terms.
Prepayment
Prepayment
A payment method requiring buyers to pay for goods or services upfront before receiving them.
Barzahlen/viacash
Invoice, Other Payment Types
Barzahlen offers a convenient and secure way for customers in Germany to pay for online purchases with cash at a nearby partner location, bridging the gap between online shopping and cash transactions.
Mastercard
Credit/Debit Cards
Unlock a world of payment possibilities with Mastercard, a trusted global leader in secure and convenient transactions
American Express
Credit/Debit Cards
Elevate your business with American Express, a premium payment network that attracts discerning customers and drives higher-value transactions.
JCB
Credit/Debit Cards
JCB is a leading international payment network, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to reach a growing customer base, especially in Asia-Pacific.
UnionPay International
Credit/Debit Cards
UnionPay is the world’s largest payment network, offering businesses the opportunity to tap into the vast Chinese market and beyond.
Discover
Credit/Debit Cards
Discover is a leading payment network that offers a unique combination of security, rewards, and customer service, making it an attractive option for businesses.
Diners Club
Credit/Debit Cards
Diners Club is a global payment network renowned for its premium services and exclusive benefits, offering businesses access to a discerning clientele.
SEPA Direct Debit with Payment Guarantee
Guaranteed Payments, Direct Debit
A payment method allowing buyers to make payments from their bank accounts with a guarantee that the merchant will receive the payment.
Instalment by SEPA Direct Debit
Instalment Payments, Direct Debit
A payment method allowing buyers to spread the cost of their purchase over several installments with payments automatically deducted from their bank accounts.
Instalment by Invoice
Instalment Payments, Invoice
A payment method allowing buyers to split the cost of a purchase into several installments, with each installment paid on a set schedule.
