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2026 Financial Crisis: Will You Still Be Able to Pay?

ruhr24ServiceStand: February 9, 2026, 6:24 p.mVon: Raphael StretcherPressSplitAnyone who does not act in time will no longer be able to use their Sparkasse credit card from 2027. © Guido Schiefer/ImagoThe savings bank hires an important security service. Affected…
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2026 Financial Crisis: Will You Still Be Able to Pay?
  1. ruhr24
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Anyone who does not act in time will no longer be able to use their Sparkasse credit card from 2027. © Guido Schiefer/Imago

The savings bank hires an important security service. Affected customers must react in a timely manner, otherwise online payments will end.

Dortmund – The Sparkasse is hiring an important security service. There have been no new registrations for the since mid-January 2026 S-ID-Check-App more possible. Anyone who already uses the procedure can switch until the end of the year – otherwise online payments with credit cards will no longer be possible from 2027.

Sparkasse ends S-ID check: What customers need to know now

The S-ID check app has so far been used to ensure security when shopping online with a credit card. Cardholders use the app to confirm that the payment made really comes from them. There is a reason why new registrations have not been possible for a few weeks.

The institute is switching to the 3-D Secure process. Customers can use the already familiar S-pushTAN app for the new solution, but they must register. Just a few weeks ago, the Sparkasse permanently discontinued another digital service.

The Sparkasse recommends switching early. Anyone who does not switch by the end of 2026 will no longer be able to use their credit card for online purchases from 2027. While customers have to react here, a new function has been available for the normal Sparkasse card for a few days.

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3-D Secure replaces S-ID-Check: Sparkasse relies on a uniform procedure

The 3-D Secure security process is the international standard for online payments. Visa calls it “Visa Secure”, Mastercard calls it “Mastercard Identity Check”. The savings bank previously used the S-ID check app as an implementation – it is now switching to the S-pushTAN app. This is changing for Sparkasse customers:

  • Until now: two separate apps – S-ID-Check for card payments, S-pushTAN for online banking
  • Neu: only S-pushTAN app for all processes

With the switch to 3-D Secure, users can confirm both transfers and online payments in a single app. This makes it much easier to use in everyday life (more financial topics at RUHR24).

Sparkasse credit card: This is how the switch to 3-D Secure works

Savings bank customers do not need a new credit card. The existing card will only be activated for the new security procedure. The changeover takes place differently depending on the initial situation. This is how customers switch to 3-D Secure:

  • With S-pushTAN-App: Register the card for 3-D Secure directly in the app
  • With chipTAN or without online banking: Use instructions on the Sparkasse website
  • Check activation: View status in online banking via “Card Control” (at participating savings banks)

The Sparkasse has compiled all the necessary steps on its website. Registration usually only takes a few minutes. The S-ID check app will run until the end of the year. However, switching early prevents stress and ensures that the credit card continues to function for online purchases.

date: 2026-02-09 17:42:00

About the author: Marcus Liu - Business Editor

MBA and ex‑B bureau chief specializing in global finance and fintech. Marcus speaks Mandarin, Japanese, and English, and has interviewed CEOs from the Fortune 50 to Y‑Combinator unicorns. Marcus Liu delivers sharp analysis on markets, startups, and corporate strategy for investors and entrepreneurs alike.