Most people who have not yet dipped their toe into mobile payment have concerns about security. However, it's actually more secure than using a physical card Photo: – dpa If the pandemic didn't put the final nail in the coffin for paying with cash, then it certainly opened up the field for other forms of payment to flourish, especially ones requiring no contact. "The coronavirus pandemic has fuelled the trend towards cashless and contactless payment – and with it mobile payment," explains Kevin Hackl, a banking expert at the German digital association Bitkom. Lots of options If you'd prefer to pay with your smartphone instead of a card or cash, you'll first need an app – of which there seems to be a million. It can be a bit confusing, as smartphone manufacturers, certain shops and traditional banks all offer the ability to pay through their apps. And then there's Google Pay and Apple Pay.