Germany How to Apply as Expat for a Credit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Credit Card Options for Expats in Germany

Germany offers a variety of credit card types — but access as an expat depends heavily on your residency status, income, and credit history. Understanding the main types of cards and their specific requirements is crucial for finding a solution that meets your needs.

Charge, Revolving, Debit, and Prepaid Cards

German banks issue four main types of cards, each with different requirements and functions:

Charge Cards

The balance is paid in full at the end of each month or within an extended payment period. Thus, with a charge card, you can obtain a short-term loan without interest — a practical way to borrow money temporarily. These cards typically require a stable income, a German address, and a positive credit history in Germany, proven by a Schufa credit check.

Examples: American Express Credit Cards, Commerzbank Mastercard Gold & Premium (additionally with the option of paying in 3 installments), DKB Visa Credit Card

Revolving Credit Cards

Revolving credit cards offer a credit line and allow for flexible monthly repayments, with interest applied to the remaining balance. They also require a credit check and may come with high interest rates if you choose to pay in installments. Alternatively, you can pay your credit card bill as a one-time payment within an interest-free period.

Revolving cards also provide monthly credit card statements to help track your spending habits.

Requirements to Apply

To apply for a credit card in Germany, certain basic conditions must be met — especially if you’re applying for a traditional credit card with a spending limit. While some fintech providers are more flexible, most banks require a combination of formal registration, identification, and financial documentation to process transactions.

Residence and Registration

Most credit card providers require a German address and proof of official registration (Anmeldung) to process applications. This document confirms that you reside in Germany and is essential for opening a bank account or applying for most financial products.

Some digital banks are more flexible:

• N26 and bunq allow you to open an account and receive a debit card even if you’re a resident elsewhere in the EU.
• Revolut and Wise operate across multiple countries, both within and outside the EU, allowing users to open an account and obtain a card even if they do not have residency in Germany or the EU.

These providers are particularly useful for expats during relocation or in transitional situations, offering internationally accepted cards with minimal bureaucracy.

Bank Account and IBAN

You usually need a German bank account with a SEPA-compatible IBAN to receive the card, set up payments, transfer money, or handle billing. Many direct banks (e.g., N26, bunq, Revolut, Trade Republic) and traditional banks such as Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank combine the account and card in a single setup. However, some providers — especially of credit cards with an overdraft facility — may accept an external account.

Credit Check (Schufa) and Alternatives

Classic credit cards (charge or revolving) often require a Schufa credit check to assess your credit rating. This can be a hurdle for new arrivals without a German credit history. However, alternatives such as prepaid cards and some debit cards are available without a Schufa check, making them ideal for expats in the early stages of their stay.

Documents Typically Needed

The required documents vary slightly depending on the provider, but generally include:

• Valid passport or national ID (the latter: EU citizens only)
• Valid residence permit or visa
• Proof of income (e.g., bank statements, payslips, employment contract, or freelancer invoices)
• Proof of address (registration certificate, or — with neobanks and fintechs — also a utility bill)

Most providers, including traditional banks, offer fully digital onboarding with identity verification via video call and quick approval, eliminating the need for extensive paperwork.

What Is the Schufa and Why Does It Matter?

The Schufa (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung, General Credit Protection Agency) is Germany’s central credit bureau. It collects and stores data on your financial behavior — including bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and payment history — to create a credit rating used by banks and other financial institutions. Thus, it enhances safety within the German banking system.

When you apply for a classic credit card in Germany, most providers will perform a credit check through the Schufa to assess your creditworthiness. A good credit score improves your chances of approval and better card offers. Traditional banks also require a check for their debit cards.

For newcomers, this can be a challenge: if you’ve just arrived in Germany, you typically don’t have a credit history yet. That’s why many expats begin with Schufa-free options, such as debit or prepaid cards. These do not require a credit check and can help you build a track record over time.

Where to Apply as an Expat

Most banks in Germany — whether traditional institutions or modern fintechs — now offer online application options for both bank accounts and credit cards. The primary differences between online and in-branch applications lie in language support, onboarding speed, and the level of documentation or credit history required.

Online vs. In-Branch Applications

As a private customer, you can apply for a credit card and a current account online at nearly any major bank. This applies to both traditional banks, such as Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and Postbank, as well as popular online banks like N26 or bunq.

Some traditional banks also allow or require an in-person visit to a branch, especially if you prefer face-to-face advice or need help navigating the process. For expats who are fluent in German or already well-established, this can be a comfortable option, but it’s no longer a technical necessity.

Fintechs and direct banks, on the other hand, work exclusively online and often provide faster onboarding, digital verification, and immediate access to a virtual card.

Providers with English-Language Onboarding

Several banks and fintechs offer full English-language onboarding, which makes the process much easier if you’re still learning German. Recommended providers include:

• N26 – English website, app, and support
• bunq – Fully multilingual onboarding and user interface
• Revolut – International setup with broad language support
• Wise – Straightforward onboarding and customer service in English

Traditional banks may offer English websites, but the full account and card application is typically handled in German, both online and in-branch.

For most expats, applying online through a direct bank or fintech with English support is the simplest and fastest option, especially during the first months in Germany.

Step-by-Step: How the Application Process Works

Applying for a credit card in Germany is usually straightforward, especially if you’re using a direct bank or fintech provider. The entire process can often be completed online within a few minutes, but there are a few important steps to be aware of.

1. Filling out the application
   You begin by completing an online application form. This includes your personal details (name, address, date of birth), contact information, residency status, and — depending on the card type — employment and income data. If you’re applying for a card that involves a credit line (e.g., charge or revolving credit cards), income verification may be required.
2. Identity verification
   Before the card can be issued, your identity must be verified. Most providers use VideoIdent, a video-based process where you show your ID via webcam. Alternatively, some banks offer the PostIdent method, which allows you to verify your identity in person at a post office using your passport or national ID card.
3. Credit check and approval timelines
   For traditional credit cards (charge or revolving), a credit check (Schufa) is often required and conducted by the card provider. If you apply for a prepaid or certain debit cards, this step may be skipped. Approval can be immediate with fintechs or take a few business days with traditional banks.
4. Credit card activation and PIN setup
   Once approved, your card will be either mailed to you or issued virtually. For physical cards, you’ll receive a separate letter with your PIN. Some providers allow you to choose or change your PIN within the app. Before use, you may need to activate the credit card via your banking app or online dashboard.

Tips for Getting Approved

Getting approved for a credit card in Germany — especially as an expat — largely depends on selecting the right card and avoiding common pitfalls during the application process.

• Choose the right card type for your situation
  If you’re new to Germany, it’s often smarter to start with a debit or prepaid card, which doesn’t require a credit history. Once you have a stable income and a local credit record, you can move on to charge or revolving credit cards. Employees with regular income generally qualify more easily for traditional credit cards, while students and freelancers may be better off with Schufa-free options at first.
• Avoid common mistakes
  Many newcomers apply directly for premium cards with high limits and extensive perks, only to be rejected — possibly with a negative impact on their credit rating. Instead, apply for entry-level or mid-tier cards that match your income and residency profile. Also, avoid applying for multiple cards at once, as submitting too many applications within a short period can trigger red flags regarding your Schufa score.
• Build your German credit history
  To improve your chances over time, focus on building a clean and consistent credit record. This includes registering with Schufa via a checking account or utility contracts, making timely payments, and keeping your bank account in good standing. After a few months, you’ll have a better chance of being approved for more advanced cards with better features and credit limits.

Conclusion

Applying for a credit card in Germany as an expat is entirely possible, even without a long credit history. Your chances of selecting the best credit card for your current financial situation and usage needs improve significantly if you understand the card types available, know which requirements apply, and choose providers that accommodate your specific residency status.

While classic credit cards often require a Schufa check and a German bank account, flexible alternatives like prepaid or debit cards offer accessible options with no credit check and simple online application processes. Fintechs and direct banks often provide English-language onboarding and streamlined account setup, making them ideal for expats.

Before applying, consider your needs: travel benefits, flexible repayment, or simple day-to-day spending. With the right choice — and proper documentation — you’ll be well on your way to building financial flexibility in Germany and learning to use your credit card responsibly from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ