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Credit Card Guides for Expats
- Germany offers 4 main types of cards: charge, revolving, debit, and prepaid credit cards.
- Most credit cards require a German address, proof of income, and a Schufa credit check.
- Schufa-free cards are available as prepaid or debit cards, often through neobanks and fintechs.
- Application processes are mostly digital; identity verification is mainly done via VideoIdent.
- English-language onboarding is available from digital providers like N26, bunq, Revolut, and Wise.
- Common credit card fees include monthly fees, interest charges, foreign transaction fees, and fees to withdraw money.
- Girocards (formerly known as EC cards) are widely used in Germany as a traditional debit card, but they lack international acceptance.
- Choosing the right card depends on your status: newcomer, freelancer, student, employee, or digital nomad.
Introduction to Credit Cards in Germany
Navigating the German banking system can be unfamiliar at first, especially for expats accustomed to more credit-oriented cultures. In Germany, traditional values such as financial stability and risk aversion shape both consumer behavior and the products banks offer. As a result, credit cards are not as central to everyday life as they are in countries like the US or the UK. Still, they play an increasingly important role, particularly for international payments, travel, and flexible spending.
Overview of the German Banking Landscape
Germany’s financial sector is shaped by a mix of traditional banks with branch offices, direct banks, and neobanks & fintechs with innovative digital concepts.
While conventional institutions like Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank still dominate many urban areas, younger customers and expats increasingly turn to modern digital providers like N26, bunq, or Revolut. These neobanks often offer faster onboarding, multilingual interfaces, and easier access to credit cards. However, these providers typically do not provide real credit cards with overdraft facilities, but modern debit cards that can be used worldwide.
At the same time, the German market remains conservative in its approach to credit. While modern neobanks rarely offer cards with actual credit lines, traditional providers continue to dominate the market for real credit products. Most genuine credit cards are issued by established banks and function either as charge or revolving cards.
Credit Card Acceptance vs. Girocard Usage
One key difference in Germany is the popularity of the Girocard, a domestic debit system used widely for in-store payments. While Girocards are reliable and inexpensive, they do not function as credit cards and are not widely accepted internationally or on many global e-commerce platforms. Thus, credit and debit cards that operate within an international credit card network (such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are essential for global use, online shopping, hotel bookings, and car rentals.
For this reason, many expats quickly realize that having a globally accepted card — even if just a prepaid or debit version — is necessary to bridge the gap between local payment norms and international expectations.
When Expats Need a Credit Card
Whether you’re settling in Germany short-term or planning to stay long-term, there are many situations where a credit card can make life easier:
- Booking international flights or accommodation
- Renting a car or subscribing to digital services
- Making online purchases from non-EU stores
- Covering emergency expenses or short-term gaps
- Building a local credit history to improve your Schufa score
Even if credit cards are not essential for daily groceries or domestic transfers, they remain a highly practical tool — especially if chosen and used wisely.
Credit Card Types in Germany
Before deciding on a credit card, it’s important to understand the key terms you’ll encounter during the application process. German banks and fintechs issue four main types of cards — each with different functions, requirements, and implications for your financial flexibility.
Charge Cards
A charge credit card offers you an immediate credit line. These cards require you to pay your credit card bill at the end of each billing cycle. There’s no interest if the payment is made on time, making them a convenient way to borrow money for short periods and obtain interest-free credit. However, providers usually require a stable income, a German address, and a good Schufa score.
Examples:
- American Express Credit Cards
- Commerzbank Mastercard Gold & Premium
- DKB Visa Credit Card
Revolving Credit Cards
A revolving card is a classic credit card that allows you to repay the balance in monthly installments. If you decide on the installment payments, you will have to pay interest.
Alternatively, you can pay your credit card statement within an interest-free payment period and then use the card like a charge card.
While this provides financial flexibility, the interest rates of revolving cards are often high. Like charge cards, they require a Schufa check and are better suited for those with an established financial profile in Germany.
Examples:
- Barclays Visa Credit Card & Barclays Gold Visa
- Barclays Platinum Double
- Hanseatic GenialCard & GoldCard
- TF Bank Mastercard Gold
- Advanzia Bank No-Fee Mastercard Gold
Debit Cards
Debit cards are directly linked to your bank account. Unlike credit cards, they don’t offer a credit limit — every transaction is immediately deducted from your checking account balance via direct debit. These cards are issued under the Visa or Mastercard network, are globally accepted, and are popular among expats, freelancers, and digital nomads.
Your credit card account is typically managed through a mobile banking app or online dashboard, depending on your provider.
Examples:
- N26 Mastercards
- Revolut Debit Cards
- Trade Republic Visa Debit Card
Modern debit cards issued by fintechs and neobanks (such as N26, Revolut, or Trade Republic), as well as by traditional banks, can be used worldwide, support mobile payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay as well as NFC, and are increasingly accepted wherever credit cards are accepted. While they don’t offer a credit line, they allow control and immediate payment from your current account. Acceptance issues, which still existed a few years ago, have become rare today. Many premium debit cards even include attractive extra benefits such as travel insurance or cashback, making them a solid choice for everyday use and international travel. You manage the linked bank account at the bank that issued the card.
Prepaid Credit Cards
Prepaid cards must be topped up in advance. They are not linked to a bank account and don’t offer any credit — which means no overdraft, no debt risk, and no credit check. This makes them a suitable option for newcomers or those with no or limited credit history in Germany. That said, their role in the German market remains marginal.
You can use a prepaid card worldwide just like other credit cards due to their Visa or Mastercard branding, but you often have to expect restrictions when booking hotels or rental cars, and for certain online purchases.
Examples:
- PayCenter Suprema Mastercard
- Commerzbank Prepaid Mastercard
- Postbank Visa Prepaid Card
In Germany, the term “Kreditkarte” is typically used broadly, even for cards without a credit function. Many products marketed as credit cards are, in fact, debit or prepaid cards. This can be confusing for expats used to clear distinctions between card types. Always check whether the card provides a real credit line (revolving or charge card) or only allows payments from your bank balance (debit card).
How to Apply as an Expat
Germany’s credit card application process is relatively straightforward — but only if you understand the local requirements and choose a provider that fits your profile. Most complications arise when newcomers are unfamiliar with the documentation, Schufa requirements, or German-language interfaces.
What You Need to Apply
To apply for a credit card in Germany, you typically need:
- Valid passport (EU citizens, alternatively, also a national ID)
- A registered residence (Anmeldung) in Germany or, depending on the credit card company, another supported EU country; with neobanks and fintechs frequently not only official registration, but also utility contracts or tax documents
- A bank account with IBAN (German or SEPA-enabled, depending on the provider; most providers require a German bank account)
- Proof of income or financial stability
- In most cases, a Schufa credit check — unless you choose a Schufa-free card option
Application Steps at a Glance
- Choose a card and provider suited to your profile (e.g., employment status, credit history)
- Complete the online application, which usually takes just a few minutes
- Verify your identity via VideoIdent (with some providers also PostIdent)
- Wait for approval, which may be instant or take a few days
- Activate your card, set your PIN, and add it to your mobile wallet
Best Providers for Expats
Some providers are particularly expat-friendly and offer cards with quick approval, flexible conditions, or even without a German credit record:
- Barclays (charge and revolving cards, Schufa required but low barrier)
- TF Bank & Advanzia Bank (flexible revolving cards with minimal documentation)
- Trade Republic (modern debit card, Schufa-free, fully app-based)
- N26, bunq, and Revolut (debit cards, SEPA-wide availability, mobile onboarding)
English-Language Onboarding
Fintechs like N26, Revolut, bunq, Wise, and Barclays provide English interfaces and multilingual support — a major advantage for expats. Traditional banks often limit communication to German and may require a visit to a local branch.
When selecting a credit card provider in Germany, expats should strike a balance between practical access and long-term flexibility. While it may be tempting to apply through your main bank, external options — especially from direct banks and fintechs — frequently provide better value, faster setup, and multilingual support. If you already have a checking account, consider credit cards that operate independently of your bank. These standalone cards allow you to retain your current account while enjoying improved conditions, international usability, or additional perks.
Understanding the Schufa System
Germany’s credit scoring system — known as Schufa — plays a central role in determining whether you can get a credit card with a spending limit. While it may sound complex, understanding how Schufa works can help you navigate your options and improve your long-term creditworthiness.
What Is Schufa and How Does It Work?
The Schufa (General Credit Protection Agency, Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) collects and evaluates financial data to calculate your credit rating. This score reflects how reliably you’ve handled financial commitments in the past, such as paying rent, utility bills, or loan installments. Every time you apply for a credit card, open a bank account, or sign a mobile phone contract, providers may run a credit check through Schufa.
Credit Check Requirements for Different Card Types
Not all credit cards require the same level of scrutiny. Here’s how Schufa impacts different types:
- Charge and revolving cards: These almost always require a Schufa check, as they involve extending credit.
- Debit cards: Traditional banks often check your credit file before issuing a debit card, while fintechs may skip this step.
- Prepaid cards: No credit check required — you load money onto the card before using it.
Schufa-Free Alternatives for Expats
If you don’t yet have a Schufa record — or want to avoid a credit inquiry — consider prepaid cards or fintech debit cards. These options do not involve lending, so no credit history is required. They offer a simple way to handle everyday purchases, make online payments, and withdraw cash globally, typically with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Examples for Schufa-free cards include:
- bunq Virtual Prepaid Mastercard
- PayCenter SupremaCard
- Revolut and N26 debit cards
- Trade Republic Visa debit card
- Wise debit card
These cards are ideal starting points — especially if you’re still in the process of building a long credit history in Germany.
How to Build a Credit History in Germany
To establish or improve your credit rating:
- Always make timely payments on bills and contracts.
- Keep your bank account in good standing with sufficient funds.
- Consider using a low-risk credit product and repaying in full to demonstrate reliability.
- Avoid applying for multiple credit cards in a short time.
With responsible use and a few months of financial activity, your Schufa score will gradually improve, allowing you to access more favorable financial products in the future.
You can request a free Schufa report once a year via meineSchufa.de. Additional reports can be purchased at any time. Checking your data helps you understand your current credit rating, identify any incorrect entries, and prepare for any application that involves a credit check, from renting an apartment to applying for a credit card. Especially for expats unfamiliar with the German credit system, a Schufa self-check is a valuable step toward building financial stability.
Credit Card Fees in Germany
German credit cards can come with a range of fees — some obvious, others less so. Understanding the typical cost structure is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises and choose a card that suits your financial habits.
For credit card users, transparency is key, especially when comparing interest rates, ATM fees, or hidden costs in the terms and conditions.
Typical Fee Types
Most cards fall into one of two categories: free credit cards with no monthly fee, and mid-range or premium cards that charge for extended benefits, such as insurance or reward programs. Common fees include:
- Monthly or annual fees: These are often waived for basic cards, but are standard for premium credit cards.
- Cash withdrawal fees: Some cards allow free ATM withdrawals, while others charge a fee per transaction or apply a percentage-based fee.
- Foreign currency fees: Non-euro purchases may incur a surcharge, typically ranging from 1% to 3%. This can add up quickly if you travel frequently.
- Interest charges: If you don’t pay your balance during the interest-free period, revolving cards will apply interest, often 16% up to more than 25% annually.
- Late payment fees: Missing your payment deadline may result in additional charges and negatively impact your credit rating.
How to Avoid Hidden Fees
To save money and avoid unexpected fees, carefully review the card’s fee schedule before applying for the card. Watch out for small print and be especially cautious with:
- Cash advances: These may be treated differently from regular purchases, often incurring interest from the date of the transaction.
- Foreign exchange markups: Even if a card claims zero FX fees, poor conversion rates may still apply.
- Inactivity fees: Some prepaid cards charge if not used regularly.
- Fees for additional services: Some providers also provide additional benefits, such as the Visa Cash Service, enabling withdrawals at supermarket checkouts and partner retailers — but fees may still apply depending on your card issuer.
Choosing the best credit card for your needs often means looking beyond the headline perks and evaluating the real long-term cost. Consider how you plan to use your card — for everyday purchases, online purchases, travel, or emergency spending — and match this to the card’s pricing structure.
Fee Transparency: What to Check Before Applying
Before submitting your application, make sure you understand:
- The annual or monthly fee (if any)
- Whether withdraw cash is free or charged
- Foreign currency fees (if any)
- Interest rates for paying in installments
- Duration of the interest-free period
- Costs to load money (for prepaid cards)
Online banks often provide better transparency and lower costs compared to traditional branch banks. Always compare offers and credit card statements carefully — your spending habits should guide your choice.
Best Free Credit Cards in Germany
- Trade Republic Visa Debit Card
- Barclays Visa Credit Card
- Hanseatic Bank GenialCard
- TF Bank Mastercard Gold
- Advanzia Bank No-Fee Mastercard Gold
Best Credit Cards without Foreign Currency Fees
- N26 Go & Metal
- Revolut Premium, Metal & Ultra
- Barclays Visa Credit Card
- Barclays Platinum Double
- Hanseatic Bank GoldCard
Conclusion
Navigating the German credit card landscape as an expat may seem complex at first — but with the right guidance and a clear understanding of local banking norms, it becomes manageable. Whether you’re looking for a no-fee debit card for everyday purchases, a prepaid or debit card option without a Schufa check, or a true credit card with flexible repayment options, there are solutions to suit every need and financial status.
By exploring the right providers, understanding the Schufa system, and carefully comparing fees, expats can access secure, globally accepted payment tools that fit their lifestyle. Use this guide — and the in-depth resources it links to — to find your best path forward in the German banking system.
With an increasing number of free credit card offers now available from fintechs and direct banks, expats have more flexibility than ever before.
Many credit card providers offer an account banking app with budgeting tools, instant notifications, and spending insights — features that can help expats stay in control of their finances.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
What’s the difference between a Girocard and a credit card in Germany?
Girocards are Germany’s traditional debit cards, issued by local banks and widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and ATMs within the country. However, they have limited international usability and are only functional abroad when co-badged — previously with Maestro or V-Pay, and increasingly with Mastercard or Visa Debit. These cards do not support all online or international credit card transactions.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express), on the other hand, are designed for global use, online payments, hotel reservations, car rentals, and other services where Girocards are not accepted. Most traditional banks issue both a Girocard for domestic use and a separate debit or credit card for international payments.
Neobanks and fintechs like N26, bunq, or Revolut don’t issue Girocards at all. Instead, they provide modern debit cards (Visa or Mastercard) that combine domestic and international usability, making them ideal for expats and travelers.
What is VideoIdent or PostIdent — and which one do I need?
In Germany, identity verification is required when opening a bank account or applying for a credit card. Two official methods are commonly used:
- VideoIdent: This online verification process connects you to a certified agent via video call. You’ll be asked to show your passport or ID and answer a few questions. It’s fast, secure, and can be done from anywhere on your smartphone or computer within minutes.
- PostIdent: This offline alternative requires visiting a Deutsche Post branch. You present your identity document and a form provided by your bank. It takes more time, but it is equally valid and often offered as a fallback if video identification doesn’t work.
Many credit card providers prefer VideoIdent due to its speed and convenience, but both methods fulfill Germany’s legal requirements.
Can I get a credit card in Germany if I have no Schufa history?
Yes, it’s possible to obtain a credit card in Germany even without a Schufa history. Prepaid credit cards and many fintech debit cards can be opened without a credit check, making them a practical solution for expats who are new to the country. These cards are suitable for online purchases, everyday payments, and even international use.
In addition, some providers offer revolving credit cards with relatively low approval thresholds, even though a Schufa credit check is technically required. Examples are the TF Bank Mastercard Gold and the Advanzia Bank No-Fee Mastercard Gold. Both cards come with no annual fee, allow free cash withdrawals worldwide, charge no foreign currency fees, and include basic travel insurance. For newcomers seeking a genuine credit card with flexible terms, these revolving credit cards can be excellent entry-level options in the German market.
When is a credit card truly free in Germany?
Not every card that claims to be free is entirely cost-free. In Germany, a credit card is considered “completely free” if it charges no monthly or annual fees, offers unlimited free cash withdrawals, and has no foreign currency fees. However, even these cards may apply charges under certain conditions, such as interest for installments and late payments, or when using cash advances.
Always check the detailed fee structure and your card’s terms and conditions to ensure they align with your intended use. Cards like the TF Bank Mastercard Gold or the Advanzia Mastercard Gold Credit Card are popular examples of zero-fee cards, especially for travel and online use. Both cards come with no annual fee, credit line, worldwide free ATM withdrawals, and no foreign transaction fees.
What’s the best credit card in Germany for students, freelancers, or digital nomads?
The best credit card depends on your residency status, income, and credit history. Students often benefit from free debit cards offered by providers like N26 or Revolut, which are easy to set up and ideal for everyday purchases and online credit card payments. Freelancers or self-employed expats with sufficient income may qualify for real credit cards such as the Hanseatic GenialCard or TF Bank Mastercard Gold, both of which offer flexible application criteria and low fees. Digital nomads or newcomers with no German credit history can consider prepaid cards or fintech options, such as N26, Revolut, bunq, and Trade Republic, which do not require a Schufa credit check and are available entirely online.