The retail trade has developed a system (without consulting the banking sector) which makes payments by bank card possible without any authorisation. This system is known as the electronic direct debit system (ELV). The customer’s signature on the receipt or an additional document authorises the dealer to collect the cost of the purchase by direct debit. However, the risks of a direct debit being returned on account of an objection or lack of cover, or possibly because the card has been blocked, are borne solely by the retail outlet. This means that there is no payment guarantee in this system.
