PayPal Holdings

The Bundeskartellamt sees PayPal’s rule prohibiting merchants from charging separate fees for PayPal payments as a potential unlawful restriction of competition. The authority suspects that, because of the ban, merchants may spread PayPal’s higher costs across all prices, disadvantaging cheaper payment providers and potentially raising prices for consumers. The investigation has been ongoing since January 2023; PayPal disputes the preliminary assessment but can comment. The cartel office could prohibit the practice and recover economic gains. » More on n-tv.de

The Federal Cartel Office sees Paypal’s clause prohibiting merchants from charging separate fees for that payment method as a possible restriction of competition. The authority believes Paypal charges comparatively higher fees that merchants are not allowed to pass on directly because of the ban, so the costs are spread across all customers. This could disadvantage cheaper payment services and burden consumers with higher prices. The Cartel Office can prohibit the practice or seize an economic benefit; Paypal rejects the preliminary assessment and may submit a response. » More on handelsblatt.com

From 20 November, providers such as PayPal and Klarna must apply stricter creditworthiness checks for buy-now-pay-later offers and small loans up to €200. In addition, from 1 November many parcels from third countries will incur an extra handling fee of €2, which can significantly increase shipping costs. Deutsche Bahn is introducing the family ticket at a flat rate of €99.99 permanently. Drivers should note the cancellation deadline for switching motor insurance (usually 30 November), and anyone wanting a wage tax reduction must file the application by 30 November to have it apply retroactively for 2026. » More on t-online.de

PayPal raised its adjusted full-year earnings forecast to about $5.60 per share after adjusted quarterly earnings of $1.45 per share beat expectations. Revenue, however, grew only 2% to $8.60 billion, missing estimates. The company cited progress on its transformation strategy and higher payment volume as drivers and repurchased $1.5 billion of stock. » More on wiwo.de

From 20 November, providers like PayPal and Klarna must more closely check whether customers can repay instalment purchases and short or small loans (including amounts up to €200 and interest‑free payment deferrals). From 1 November the EU will charge an additional €2 handling fee for small parcels from third countries, which can significantly increase shipping costs. Deutsche Bahn is offering the family ticket for up to five people permanently for €99.99; motor vehicle insureds should cancel by 30 November if they want to switch insurance at year‑end. Those expecting high work‑related expenses or extraordinary burdens can apply for a wage tax reduction by 30 November to secure allowances for 2026 retroactively. » More on t-online.de