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Best Credit Cards With Cashback | Features & Top Picks for Expats 2025
- Cashback credit cards give you money back or rewards for every card payment you make — typically between 0.5% and 2%.
- Most cashback systems are based on either direct monetary refunds or points and vouchers tied to bonus programs, such as Payback, American Membership Rewards, or Miles & More.
- Cashback and rewards apply only to card payments, not to ATM withdrawals.
- In Germany, cashback features are available on charge, revolving, and debit cards.
- Many options are available, ranging from completely free credit cards with modest rewards to premium cards that offer travel perks, insurance, and higher cashback rates.
- Cashback credit cards are ideal for expats, frequent travelers, online shoppers, and anyone seeking to save on everyday expenses.
- Choosing the best cashback card depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and whether you want bonus flexibility or simple money-back rewards.
Cashback Credit Cards – What They Are and How They Work
Cashback credit cards reward you for your spending — either with direct money back or through points you can redeem for perks. The exact mechanics, payout types, and benefits vary depending on the provider and card type.
What is a cashback credit card?
Cashback credit cards reward you for your spending by returning a portion of the amount you’ve paid — typically between 0.5% and 2% — either as a financial refund or as a benefit tied to a rewards program. This can come in the form of direct cashback credited to your credit card statement or as shopping vouchers, travel discounts, or loyalty points. Other reimbursement models are also possible.
It’s important to distinguish between classic cashback (monetary refunds) and broader bonus programs (e.g., Payback or airline miles), which offer indirect value. While some cards focus on straightforward financial rewards, others are part of loyalty ecosystems with broader benefits.
Cashback credit cards are especially attractive for individuals who frequently use their cards for daily expenses, travel, or online shopping. We’ll explore these user profiles in more detail below.
Most modern cashback cards can be added to mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, making them convenient for both in-store and online transactions.
Cashback and bonus points are only awarded for cashless payments, whether made in-store or online. ATM withdrawals do not count toward cashback or bonus rewards. To maximize your benefits, use your card for everyday purchases instead of withdrawing cash.
Types of Cards That Offer Cashback in Germany
In Germany, both fintech companies and traditional banks offer credit cards with cashback features, including charge, debit, and revolving card options.
Charge Credit Cards
Charge Cards offer short-term credit with full repayment each month; they often come with extra perks and no interest if paid on time.
Charge cards with classic financial cashback are rare in Germany. However, various cards offer attractive bonus programs. First and foremost are the American Express credit cards.
Revolving Credit Cards
Revolving cards are traditional credit cards. They allow flexible installment payments over time. You can choose whether to pay your credit card bill as a one-time payment or in monthly installments. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest on it.
Bonus programs and indirect cashback also dominate these cards. Many credit card providers offer classic cashback as part of promotions. Examples include the free credit cards TF Bank Mastercard Gold, and Advanzia No-Fee Mastercard Gold.
Debit Cards
Visa or Mastercard debit cards are becoming increasingly important in Germany. Credit card payments are immediately taken from the linked bank account via direct debit. The cards themselves are often provided free of charge, but account maintenance fees may apply for the linked checking account.
Providers typically offer multiple account and card options. The amount of cashback and bonuses depends on the account selected.
Debit cards with cash back, for example, include the Trade Republic Visa Card and the C24 Mastercard.
Revolut offers a bonus program for its private accounts and Mastercard debit cards, and freelancers also benefit from cashback on card payments. N26 customers (except users of the free Standard account and the associated Mastercard debit card) can take advantage of shopping benefits with selected N26 partners. However, classic cashback is reserved for N26 business customers.
Prepaid cards must be topped up in advance and lack many features that make other credit cards attractive. They rarely offer cash back or bonus points and are therefore not relevant when choosing a card for rewards. The Payback Visa prepaid credit card is one of the rare exceptions on the German market.
Card Networks and Combinations of Various Benefits
In Germany, most cashback and bonus credit cards are issued on the Visa, Mastercard, or American Express networks — all of which are widely accepted in Europe and internationally. Other credit card networks, such as Diners Club, play only a minor role in Germany.
Additionally, cashback benefits are often combined with other card features, such as travel insurance, lounge access, no cash withdrawal fees, or no foreign currency fees. That can make them attractive hybrid options for frequent travelers, expats, and digital nomads.
Co-Branded Credit Cards in Germany
Co-branded credit cards are issued in partnership between banks and well-known brands. These cards often provide exclusive perks when spending with the brand — such as accelerated points accumulation, discounts, or priority services — while still functioning as regular credit cards for everyday purchases.
In Germany, these co-branded cards are particularly popular among frequent travelers, brand-loyal shoppers, and individuals seeking specific reward systems.
Notable examples include:
- Miles & More Credit Cards (Lufthansa): Earn airline miles on every purchase, with additional miles for flights, travel perks like insurance, and access to frequent flyer benefits.
- Eurowings Credit Cards: Similar to Miles & More, these cards focus on collecting Lufthansa miles and offer travel insurance, rental car coverage, and priority services.
- American Express BMW Card: Offers points for purchases through the Amex Membership Rewards Program, special rewards for BMW-related services, fuel discounts, and access to Amex benefits, including insurance and premium customer service.
While these cards often come with annual fees, they can be highly rewarding for users who frequently interact with the partnered brand. They’re especially useful when combining brand loyalty with everyday spending.
Types of Cashback and Bonus Rewards
Cashback and bonus programs in Germany vary not only by credit card provider but also by how rewards are calculated and issued. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right credit card for your spending habits.
Percentage-Based Cashback
The most common model: You receive a fixed percentage (e.g., 0.5%–2%) of your card spending as a direct monetary refund. Some cards apply this to all transactions, while others use it only to selected merchants or categories. In most cases, there is a monthly cashback cap.
Category-Based Cashback
Some cards offer higher cashback rates for specific categories, such as groceries, fuel, travel bookings, or online shopping. This is ideal for individuals with consistent spending habits.
Fixed Amount per Transaction
Instead of a percentage, you receive a fixed cashback amount for every qualifying purchase, often used for small-value payments and microtransactions.
Welcome Bonus
Many cards reward new users with a one-time cashback bonus after reaching a minimum spend within the first few weeks or months — a popular incentive to switch or sign up.
Annual Fee Offset
Some premium cashback cards allow users to pay down or waive the annual fee using earned cashback, making them especially attractive for regular users.
Tiered Cashback
Cashback rates may increase as you spend more — for example, 0.5% up to €500 monthly spend, then 1% beyond. This rewards high-volume users. Debit card providers with multiple card models also offer tiered cashbacks.
Partner Portal Cashback
Some credit card issuers work with specific online portals: if you shop through their linked retailer platforms, you receive extra cashback or special deals, often shown in the card’s app.
Bonus Programs — Rewards in Miles, Points, or Discounts
Not all programs offer cashback in cash. Some convert your spending into points, travel miles, or partner-specific discounts (e.g., hotel upgrades, flight vouchers, or fuel discounts). These are especially common with American Express, Miles & More, and co-branded cards.
Bonus Campaigns
Providers occasionally run short-term promotions offering higher cashback or additional points for specific actions (e.g., setting up auto-pay, reaching a spending goal, or referring a friend).
Popular Bonus Programs in Germany
Many German cashback and rewards credit cards are tied to well-established bonus programs that let you collect points, miles, or perks for everyday purchases. These programs vary in terms of structure and value — and while some are exclusive to a specific bank or card issuer, others can be used across a wide network of partners.
Payback
Payback is Germany’s most widely used multi-partner loyalty program. Operated by Loyalty Partner GmbH (a subsidiary of American Express), it allows users to collect Payback points when shopping at participating retailers such as Rewe, dm, Aral, or eBay. Points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers, physical rewards, or even cash.
Depending on the issuing credit card company, the cards offer different bonus conditions. With the Payback American Express Card, users earn 1 point for every €2 spent — even outside the partner network. With the Payback Visa Credit Card, you earn 1 point for every €5 spent.
American Express Membership Rewards
This is American Express’s own rewards program. Cardholders earn Membership Rewards points on every euro spent, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, shopping vouchers, tech products, or transferred to various airline partners.
Most American Express credit cards automatically enroll you in the program. If you use the free American Express Blue Card, you will incur an additional yearly fee of €30. Additionally, all American Express cards come with Amex Turbo, which is available for an annual fee of €15. This feature provides users with 50% more bonus points for every card payment. Occasional promotions let users earn extra points through Amex Offers.
The American Express Membership Rewards program lets you collect flexible points with every card transaction. Unlike traditional cashback, these points can be redeemed for a wide variety of rewards, including shopping vouchers, statement credits, travel bookings, or merchandise. Points can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, where they typically gain the highest value. Additionally, you can convert Membership Rewards into Payback points, which can then be credited to your bank account as a bank transfer or used to reduce your credit card bill. Note that redemption conditions vary depending on the type of reward.
Miles & More
Operated by Lufthansa, Miles & More is Germany’s leading frequent flyer program. Cardholders of co-branded Miles & More credit cards collect award miles for every purchase, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more. Many cards also include travel insurance, status benefits, and perks such as priority boarding or lounge access. You can also collect Lufthansa miles with the Eurowings Visa cards from Barclays Bank.
Bank-Specific Loyalty Systems
Several banks and fintechs offer their own bonus or cashback platforms. For example, the Hanseatic Bank and DKB partner with selected retailers to achieve higher returns. These rewards are often integrated into the provider’s accounting bank app, allowing users to track spending, cashback, and upcoming offers in real-time.
Best Credit Cards with Cashback and Bonus Programs in Germany
Depending on your lifestyle and spending habits, different cashback cards offer distinct advantages. Some cards focus on free everyday use, while others provide high-value extras for frequent travelers, online shoppers, or families.
Below is a categorized overview. Some cards, such as the Trade Republic Visa Debit Card, score highly in various categories with excellent features.
Best Free Cashback Cards
Free credit cards offer cashback rewards without charging an annual fee. They are ideal for budget-conscious users who still want to benefit from everyday savings.
Best Cards with Financial Rewards Only
Best Premium Cards with High-Value Perks
Premium cashback cards often include additional benefits, such as travel insurance, lounge access, or higher cashback rates, but they typically come with an annual fee. Ideal for frequent travelers or users with higher spending volumes.
Best Cards for Online Shoppers
These cards reward frequent online purchases with points, shopping vouchers, or increased cashback at select partner stores and platforms.
Best Cards for Frequent Travelers
These cards combine cashback or points with travel-related VIP benefits, such as insurance packages, rental car perks, and bonus miles — perfect for those who travel abroad frequently.
What to Watch Out For
While cashback and reward credit cards offer appealing benefits, there are several limitations and conditions you should be aware of:
- Cashback caps and limitations: Many cards limit the amount of cashback you can earn per month or year, or restrict it to certain spending categories. Always read the fine print.
- Expiration of points or vouchers: Some reward systems — especially bonus point and airline mile programs — come with expiration dates. If you don’t redeem your rewards within a certain timeframe, they may be lost.
- Conditions for redeeming bonuses: Certain rewards can only be redeemed if you meet specific criteria, such as booking through a partner platform, reaching a spending threshold, or holding the card for a minimum period.
- Annual fees versus actual cashback value: Premium cards often come with high annual fees. These are only worthwhile if you earn cash back or bonus perks that exceed the cost. For low to moderate spending, free credit cards might offer better value overall. Some cards may charge fees for services like cash advances through the Visa Cash Service, which can reduce your effective cashback savings.
How to Maximize Cashback and Rewards
To get the most out of your cashback or reward credit card, follow these practical tips:
- Combine cards with different strengths: Consider using 2 or more cards that complement each other — for example, a free cashback card for everyday purchases and a second card with travel perks or no foreign transaction fees for international spending. This way, you can maximize rewards without paying unnecessary fees.
- Use cashback cards for regular spending only: Cashback is most effective when earned on everyday expenses — not on purchases you wouldn’t make otherwise. Avoid unnecessary expenditure just to reach a cashback threshold.
- Try to avoid using credit cards to withdraw money from ATMs, as these transactions are typically excluded from cashback and may incur additional fees.
- Avoid interest charges and hidden fees: Always pay your monthly balance in full to benefit from the interest-free payment period if you use a revolving credit card. Otherwise, the interest you pay may cancel any cashback you’ve earned. Also, be aware of additional charges, such as foreign transaction fees or cash withdrawal costs.
Conclusion – Are Cashback Credit Cards in Germany Worth It?
Absolutely. When used strategically, cashback and reward credit cards can offer genuine value for both everyday and travel-related expenses. Whether you prefer a credit card free of annual fees or one packed with premium benefits, cashback cards in Germany can match virtually any spending profile.
To get the most out of these cards, compare offers carefully and consider combining different cards to balance cashback, rewards, and cost-efficiency. Used wisely, cashback cards can save you money, offer exclusive perks, and make your daily purchases more rewarding — possibly at little or no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
Applying for a cashback credit card in Germany is usually a simple online process. You’ll need to fill out an application form with your personal and financial details, including your address, income, and employment status. As part of the application process, most providers will conduct a credit check to assess your financial reliability. You typically confirm your identity via a video call.
If approved, you’ll receive your card by mail and will be asked to activate it, often via app or SMS confirmation. Once activated, you can start using the card for purchases and earning rewards. Depending on your credit rating and income, your credit limit will vary. Higher limits are typically granted to applicants with a good credit score and stable income.
Schufa is Germany’s main credit bureau, and it plays a key role when you apply for any credit-based financial product. During your application, banks will check your credit history and credit rating through Schufa to determine whether you’re a trustworthy borrower.
Your Schufa record includes past and current contracts, such as mobile phone plans, loans, and other credit cards, as well as any missed payments. A good credit score increases your chances of approval and helps you qualify for higher credit limits. If you’re new to Germany and don’t have a Schufa record yet, consider starting with a debit or prepaid card until you’ve built some credit history.
When choosing a cashback card, a smart credit card comparison should go beyond just the cashback percentage. Look at the overall package: Is the cashback capped or unlimited? Do you receive money back, points, or vouchers, and how easy is it to redeem them?
Other key factors include whether the card is free or comes with an annual fee, as well as any additional costs, such as foreign transaction fees or cash withdrawal charges. Some cashback cards also combine rewards with travel perks or partner discounts.
A thorough credit card comparison will help you find the right balance between costs and rewards, especially if you’re deciding between free cards, premium options, or co-branded offers like Payback or Miles & More.
Yes — Germany offers many free credit cards that also include cashback or bonus features. The best free credit cards typically have no annual fees and still provide rewards on your everyday spending. A completely free credit card means you don’t pay yearly charges, withdraw cash for free, and don’t pay foreign currency transaction fees. In some cases, you also get benefits like free withdrawals or basic insurance coverage.
Additionally, free credit cards, except for debit cards, offer an immediate credit line, allowing you to pay flexibly, although this may require a good credit rating. It’s important to compare the actual value: a card with a small annual fee but significantly better cashback or travel perks may outperform purely free options in the long run.
When comparing free credit cards, make sure to evaluate not just the cost, but also the potential savings from cashback rewards. While many free credit cards are available in Germany, not all offer the same level of benefits. Always check the cashback rate, eligible merchants, and applicable conditions.
It depends on what you expect from the card and your spending habits. Suppose you are interested in earning Amex Membership Rewards, prefer not to pay for a high-tier card like the Amex Gold or Platinum, but also need a good travel credit card. In this case, it can be a smart option to combine the more affordable American Express Green Card with a free travel credit card that offers strong everyday benefits. For example, the Barclays Visa Credit Card supports free international transactions and free cash withdrawals worldwide. The TF Bank Mastercard Gold includes travel insurance as an added benefit, all without an annual or monthly fee. This way, you maximize both rewards and flexibility without overspending on card fees.