- Continuing concern: 80 percent of German consumers are worried about their financial situation in the next 12 months
- Falling standard of living: 28 percent of Germans expect their living conditions to deteriorate - among 35 to 54-year-olds, the figure is as high as 35 percent
- Restricted access to credit: 12 percent of German respondents have been refused credit since the start of 2024 - a clear signal of increasing barriers to financial inclusion.
Despite a moderate economic recovery, concerns about the financial future in Europe in 2025 remain high - especially in Germany. While 74% of people across Europe are worried about their financial situation in the next twelve months, the figure in Germany is as high as 80% (2024: 75%). Around 28% of Germans expect their standard of living to deteriorate - among 35 to 54-year-olds, this figure is as high as 35%. These are the findings of the latest edition of CRIF's Banking on Banks study series. The study surveyed 6,000 consumers in Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the UK.
Financial worries remain high: 74% of Europeans are uncertain about the coming 12 months
In 2025, 74% of Europeans say they are worried about their financial situation in the next 12 months. While this is a significant decrease from 85% in 2022 and 79% in 2023, it is a slight increase from 2024, when 71% of respondents were worried about the year ahead.
The economic challenges of recent years continue to have an impact on people's expectations: A quarter of Europeans (24 percent) expect their standard of living to deteriorate in the coming year. People in Germany (28%) and Poland (27%) are particularly pessimistic. In Italy (20 percent) and the United Kingdom (21 percent), on the other hand, significantly fewer people expect their standard of living to deteriorate.
Further financial burdens are also particularly noticeable in Germany:
- 31% expect their financial situation to deteriorate.
- 27% of respondents expect to have less money available at the end of the month.
- 24% are worried about not being able to pay their bills on time - this is also the highest figure in Europe. By comparison, this figure is 12% in France and Poland and 14% in Italy and the UK.
Almost one in ten Germans also express concerns about no longer being able to pay their rent or mortgage payments.
“Our study shows very clearly that concern about one's own financial future has reached deep into the heart of society,” says Dr. Frank Schlein, Managing Director of CRIF Germany. "Despite signs of economic recovery, many people feel increasingly under financial pressure. Eight out of ten people in Germany are worried about their financial future - that is a clear warning signal."
One reason is certainly the increasing burden of higher costs: around 32% of respondents stated that they had to spend more on rent or house financing than five years ago. Around a third of respondents also stated that they had to dig deeper into their pockets for insurance and at the petrol station. The figure for household costs was as high as 44%.
Financial change: economic pressure is pushing Germans towards new financial products
Germans are traditionally considered conservative in their approach to money: saving and cash have long been at the heart of their personal financial strategy. However, current figures indicate a remarkable change. Last year, 52% of Germans used a new credit line - 29% of them a new credit card. In addition, 20 percent now use “Buy Now, Pay Later” services (BNPL) - almost twice as many as the European average (11 percent).
"This development reflects the increasing financial pressure that many households in Germany are under. Rising living costs, the ongoing energy crisis and high inflation are putting a strain on many people's budgets. At the same time, real wages have fallen - for many, credit cards or “buy now, pay later” services remain the only way to maintain their accustomed standard of living," says Dr. Schlein.
Loans: Twelve percent of German citizens surveyed have been refused a loan
The increasing financial pressure also becomes clear when looking at the credit situation: around twelve percent of German citizens surveyed have been refused a loan since the beginning of 2024. Overall, 27% of German study participants stated that they had already been refused a loan at least once in their lifetime. This is also a top figure in a European comparison. For comparison: in Italy, only around 15 percent have had this experience, in France it was 16 percent of respondents.
“It is significant that access to credit is becoming an ever greater obstacle for consumers, especially in a country as economically strong as Germany,” says Dr. Frank Schlein. "The continuing uncertainty regarding access to credit underlines the importance of fair and transparent dealings with consumers. Financial service providers should consistently align their offers with people's real needs."
59% have become more economical in the past twelve months
Many consumers in Germany don't just want to save money - they feel increasingly compelled to actively make savings. According to a recent survey, 59% of respondents say that they have “become more frugal” in the past twelve months.
The way in which people keep an eye on their finances is also changing: 44% now check their financial affairs - such as their account balance - more often digitally, via online banking or apps, than in the past.
There is also a notable trend in payment behavior: 28% of Germans consciously use cash more often in order to better manage their spending and stick to their budget. The study also provides interesting results on what consumers expect from financial services. For example, more than half of consumers in Germany - 58% to be precise - would like to be able to manage their finances completely digitally via smartphone or computer. They cite online banking options, the use of real-time payments, quick decisions on product inquiries and uncomplicated digital access to financial products as the biggest advantages. At the same time, many also see disadvantages: 62% see the closure of bank branches as problematic, as there is a lack of personal contact in critical situations.
About the study:
The study was carried out by Opinium Research on behalf of CRIF. It surveyed 6,000 consumers in Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. In a further part of the study, 200 specialists and managers from the British financial sector with European responsibility were surveyed. The survey took place between March 20 and 27, 2025.
