News by Levels · Level 1 · Student worksheet

German Authority Questions PayPal Rule

In this lesson: Identify the rule and the assessment’s current status.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Germany’s competition authority questioned a PayPal rule on November 11. The rule stops online shops from adding a separate fee when customers pay with PayPal.

The authority says this could harm competition. Its view is preliminary, and PayPal can respond.

Source: Bundeskartellamt via FinanzNachrichten, 2026-11-11. https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2026-11/70099651-bundeskartellamt-paypal-koennte-wettbewerb-zwischen-zahlungsdiensten-behindern-019.htm

Read and practise

1. What does the rule stop shops from doing?

   1. Selling only digital goods
   2. Adding a separate fee for PayPal payments
   3. Accepting any online payments

2. What can PayPal do next?

   1. Respond to the preliminary view
   2. Treat it as an already final decision
   3. Announce the authority has withdrawn it

Your turn

Describe the rule and the authority’s concern.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/paypal-extra-fee-preliminary-assessment-november-2026/level-1/