What it is
paydirekt is a German online payment method run by paydirekt GmbH, the operator also behind Giropay. The shopper pays directly from their giro account at a participating German bank or savings bank, with the bank authorising each payment. Merchants get a payment guarantee once the payment is confirmed.
- German bank-based online payment
- Run by paydirekt GmbH (also operates Giropay)
- Payment guarantee for the merchant
Where it is mainly used
paydirekt is used in Germany for online shopping, digital goods, donations and authority payments. It reaches customers of the major German banks and savings banks, so it is a solid local option alongside cards and other bank-transfer methods.
- Germany only
- Online retail, digital goods, donations
- Backed by German banks and savings banks
How your customer pays at checkout
The shopper selects paydirekt, logs in with their paydirekt credentials, and authorises the payment, often with a TAN or bank authentication. The payment is posted to their giro account and you receive confirmation. Express checkout and age verification are supported for suitable baskets.
- Select paydirekt at checkout
- Log in and authorise with bank authentication
- Confirmation and payment guarantee to you
How merchants access it
Merchants connect paydirekt through a PSP, a payment gateway, or an approved plug-in rather than directly in most cases. Because paydirekt is a German scheme, a provider that already supports it is the fastest route and handles the technical and compliance details for you.
- Connect via a PSP or approved plug-in
- No direct scheme contract needed for most sellers
- Provider handles technical integration
Pricing and settlement
paydirekt charges merchants fees that are typically processed separately and retroactively. Exact rates depend on your provider and volume. Published pricing figures you see online are for initial screening only. Confirm the provider's official pricing page or obtain a written quote before you go live, because fees and any minimums vary.
- Merchant fees often billed separately and retroactively
- Rates depend on provider and volume
- Verify live pricing on the provider's official page
Public contact route
paydirekt publishes an imprint with operator details. For merchant onboarding, work through your PSP or the paydirekt site. There is no single public sales email published for general enquiries.
- Official site: https://www.paydirekt.de
- Imprint: https://www.paydirekt.de/impressum/
- No public sales email found; use the official website contact page or LocalPayMap consultation.
Questions merchants ask
Is paydirekt the same as Giropay?
Both are run by paydirekt GmbH, but they are different products. Giropay was discontinued at the end of 2024, while paydirekt remains a live bank-based checkout for German shoppers.
Do I need a German company to use paydirekt?
Not necessarily. A PSP can offer paydirekt to international merchants and settle to your account. Confirm currency and payout requirements with the provider.
Is there a payment guarantee?
Yes, paydirekt promotes a payment guarantee for merchants once the payment is confirmed and posted, which reduces default risk compared with some other methods.
What does it cost?
Fees are usually billed separately and retroactively and vary by provider and volume. Published figures are for initial screening only; confirm the provider's official pricing page or a written quote before you go live.
How fast do I get the money?
The payment is confirmed in near real time, but your available funds depend on your PSP's payout schedule. Ask for the payout timing in writing.
Can I refund a paydirekt order?
Yes, paydirekt supports refunds and dispute handling. Process refunds through your PSP or the paydirekt tools your provider exposes.