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Credit Card Reviews
Written by
Janine El-Saghir
Janine El Saghir is an editor at How-to-Germany.com, where she specializes in the practical aspects of daily life and integration for expatriates. With years of...
Reviewed by
Erkan Boga
Erkan Boga is the founder and CEO of qmedia GmbH, the publishing house behind How-to-Germany.com. He established the platform with the clear vision of creating...
Edited by
Sadie Voss
Content Lead & Editor
Sadie Voss is the Lead Editor for How-to-Germany.com. As an expat who carved her own way into Berlin from the United States, Sadie is deeply...
- Card types included: Charge cards, revolving credit cards, modern debit cards
- Key criteria: No or low annual fees, travel benefits, flexible repayment, English-friendly support
- Top providers: American Express, TF Bank, Hanseatic Bank, N26
- Suited for: Expats, newcomers, freelancers, students, and frequent travelers
- Special focus: Accessibility, Schufa requirements, bonus programs, mobile banking features, and flexible repayment options
- Our purpose: This guide is designed to help you make an informed credit card comparison across the most popular providers.
The Cards We Reviewed: An In-Depth Comparison
Advertising notice: provider links in this overview are affiliate links — we receive a commission from the provider for sign-ups made through them.
What Makes a Good Credit Card for Expats in Germany?
Germany’s banking system can be challenging for newcomers, particularly when it comes to understanding the best credit cards. From unfamiliar credit types to language barriers and stringent identity verification, expats face numerous unique challenges.
Understanding what distinguishes a good German credit card from others is essential to avoid frustration and unnecessary fees.
Schufa: The Credit Check That Matters
One of the most important factors when applying for a German credit card is your Schufa profile. Our Schufa guide explains how Germany’s primary credit bureau is used by banks to assess creditworthiness.
For many expats, having little or no established Schufa data can make approval more difficult. Even applicants with stable income may be rejected when a provider cannot sufficiently assess their German financial history.
Some products are accessible with limited Schufa data, but genuine cards without a Schufa check are mainly prepaid cards and debit cards without a credit line.
When comparing credit cards, always check whether:
- A Schufa check is performed during the application
- A limited or weak Schufa profile may affect approval or the available credit limit
- The card account or credit agreement may be reported to Schufa
Germany does not use a US-style system in which regular credit-card spending automatically builds a stronger credit score. Applying for several cards or opening multiple credit accounts within a short period may negatively affect your assessment.
The safest approach is to maintain only the cards you genuinely need, pay every bill by the deadline, avoid unnecessary revolving debt, and check your Schufa data for errors.
Key Selection Criteria for Expats
The best credit cards for expats provide more than just international usability. Our credit card guide demonstrates which offer flexibility, transparency, and tools that cater to a globally mobile lifestyle. Here are the most relevant features to consider:
- Accessibility & Schufa requirements: How easy is it to apply for a card without Schufa?
- Basis Fees: Is the credit card free, or does it come with an annual or monthly fee? Are there foreign exchange card fees?
- Bonus programs: Are there cashback card benefits or other rewards for everyday spending, travel card perks, or partner store rewards?
- Cash withdrawal fees: Are ATM withdrawals free in Germany, the Eurozone, or worldwide? Some cards offer a limited number of free withdrawals per month, while others charge from the first transaction. Always check for foreign exchange fees, interest, and minimum limits.
- Flexible repayment options: Does the card allow you to pay in full or in installments? Are repayments made manually or via direct debit? Check the interest-free period, minimum payments, and any fees for automatic full repayment.
- Foreign transaction fees: Are credit card payments in non-euro currencies free, or do they incur extra costs?
- Mobile banking features: Is the app fully functional in English? Can you easily view transactions, repay, and manage limits? Check whether the card supports contactless payments via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Understanding German Credit Card Types
Most German credit card types belong to four distinct categories:
- Charge cards: The full balance is normally withdrawn monthly. No interest is charged when the complete statement is paid in full and on time.
- Debit cards: Money is deducted directly from the linked bank account. Visa and Mastercard Debit cards are internationally usable but do not provide a traditional credit line.
- Prepaid cards: Funds must be loaded before use and no credit line is provided.
- Revolving cards: The balance can be repaid in full or in installments, but interest applies to unpaid amounts.
Prepaid cards play a relatively minor role in the German market and often come with limited functionality. They can be useful for newcomers without an established German credit history or those who do not want a credit line.
Popular options include the Commerzbank Prepaid Mastercard and the PayCenter SupremaCard Mastercard. These cards typically do not require a normal Schufa credit assessment and can be topped up flexibly. However, they are normally excluded from bonus programs or travel perks and may carry annual, transfer, or withdrawal fees.
Reviewed Cards: Features, Strengths & Weaknesses
We reviewed six major card groups currently available to expats in Germany: American Express credit cards, the TF Bank Mastercard Gold, Hanseatic Bank credit cards, and N26 Debit Mastercards.
These cards are consistently considered by expats and often appear among the strongest options in our credit card comparisons.
While all offer international usability, app-based management, and mobile services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless payments, they differ significantly in terms of costs, repayment models, travel perks, and eligibility requirements.
None of the reviewed charge and revolving credit cards require a specific checking account. They can generally be used with a compatible German bank account.
N26 Debit Mastercards can only be ordered together with an N26 checking account. Their prices therefore reflect both the card and the associated account features.
Overview of Reviewed Cards
| Credit Card | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| American Express, especially Gold and Platinum | Charge credit card | Frequent travelers and users seeking premium benefits and rewards; lower-cost options include Amex Blue and PAYBACK Amex |
| easybank Eurowings Classic and Premium | Revolving credit card | Airline miles and benefits for regular Eurowings flyers |
| easybank Visa, Gold, and Platinum Double | Revolving credit card | Travel benefits, flexible repayment, and a no-annual-fee option with the easybank Visa |
| Hanseatic Bank GenialCard and GoldCard | Revolving credit card | Everyday use, optional insurance, and a free card with the GenialCard |
| N26 Debit Mastercard | Debit card | Mobile-first users seeking an integrated bank account, a free Standard plan, or premium travel features with N26 Go and Metal |
| TF Bank Mastercard Gold | Revolving credit card | Disciplined users seeking a free card with travel insurance and no foreign transaction fee |
Each card was evaluated with everyday expat needs in mind, including foreign use, bonus systems, application accessibility, repayment conditions, and app usability. Professionals should also consult our guide to the best business cards.
How We Tested
Our evaluation focused on five core areas:
- Ease of use & mobile app: Account setup, user experience, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and real-time transaction controls.
- Eligibility & accessibility: Schufa requirements, income proof, identity checks, and expat suitability.
- Fees & foreign transaction costs: Annual fees, non-euro payment charges, ATM fees, and withdrawal interest.
- Repayment flexibility: Full payment, installments, interest rates, and manual or automatic repayment.
- Travel & purchase insurance: Included protection, activation conditions, limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
This allowed us to compare cards based on practical usability rather than only their headline prices or bonus programs.
American Express Credit Cards in Germany
American Express offers a distinct model in the German market. Its main consumer cards operate as charge cards, meaning the statement balance is generally collected in full rather than carried as revolving debt.
This provides good cost control and avoids normal revolving interest. Instead of flexible repayment, Amex focuses on rewards, travel perks, insurance, and exclusive benefits.
Key Features
- Bonus programs: Eligible cards participate in Membership Rewards or a linked partner program.
- Charge card system: The complete balance is normally due monthly rather than repaid through standard revolving installments.
- Schufa assessment: Applicants generally need a German address and must pass Amex’s creditworthiness checks.
- Strong mobile integration: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and a comprehensive mobile app are supported.
Amex Cards: Who Should Consider Them?
Amex cards are best suited for:
- Expats with stable income and an established German financial profile
- Frequent travelers who value perks over flexible repayment
- Users who want to earn points on everyday spending and redeem them for travel or lifestyle rewards
However, American Express cards have more limited acceptance in Germany than Visa and Mastercard, particularly at smaller retailers and restaurants.
Another disadvantage is the cost of ATM withdrawals and foreign-currency transactions. For maximum flexibility, many users pair an American Express card with a Visa or Mastercard.
TF Bank Mastercard Gold
In our opinion, the TF Bank Mastercard Gold is one of the strongest free credit cards available in Germany for disciplined users. It has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, included travel insurance, and secure online payments through two-factor authentication and mobile verification.
However, its cash-withdrawal conditions require particular care. TF Bank does not charge a separate flat ATM withdrawal fee, but cash withdrawals accrue high interest from the booking date without an interest-free grace period. The current variable nominal borrowing rate is 22.60% per year, corresponding to an effective annual interest rate of 25.09%.
Users who withdraw cash should repay the withdrawn amount immediately rather than waiting for the monthly statement. Otherwise, interest continues to accumulate even though the withdrawal has no separate flat transaction fee.
Monthly card balances must also be repaid manually by bank transfer because TF Bank does not offer automatic SEPA direct debit for normal statement repayment. The card therefore offers strong value only for users who monitor their statements closely, repay purchases in full by the deadline, and avoid using it for cash withdrawals or installment credit.
easybank & easybank Eurowings Credit Cards (Visa, Gold, Platinum Double)
We currently see very high rejection rates among expat applicants for easybank credit cards. Applying may therefore not be advisable, particularly if you have recently moved to Germany or have a limited German credit history.
easybank credit cards are best suited for:
- Cardholders seeking a cost-efficient fee model with clearly understood repayment conditions
- Established expats who prefer flexible repayment structures
- Expats interested in premium-tier benefits at a moderate annual fee with the Platinum Double
- Travelers considering a Visa card with no annual fee and worldwide ATM access, provided they understand the repayment costs and possible ATM operator fees
The standard easybank Visa has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. However, selecting automatic 100% monthly repayment by SEPA direct debit results in a €2 monthly card-usage fee, equivalent to €24 per year.
To keep the card completely free, users must repay manually or use the manual Soforteinzug option in the app.
The easybank Gold Visa follows a different fee structure. It costs €59 per year and offers issuer-fee-free cash withdrawals in euros. However, it charges a 1.99% foreign transaction fee for qualifying transactions outside the euro area.
Its annual fee, foreign-currency fee, and cash-withdrawal terms should therefore be listed separately rather than summarized as general foreign-currency and cash-withdrawal fees.
N26 Debit Cards
N26 provides a mobile-first banking experience with real-time notifications, app-based card controls, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Its cards are Debit Mastercards linked to an N26 current account rather than traditional credit cards.
The current German personal plans are:
- N26 Go: €9.90 per month, five free euro ATM withdrawals per month, no N26 withdrawal fee outside the eurozone, travel insurance, and discounted airport-lounge visits
- N26 Metal: €16.90 per month, eight free euro ATM withdrawals per month, no N26 withdrawal fee outside the eurozone, travel insurance, purchase protection, mobile-phone insurance, and one free airport-lounge visit per year
- N26 Smart: €4.90 per month, three free euro ATM withdrawals per month, a physical card, and additional budgeting features
- N26 Standard: No monthly account fee, a free virtual card, and two free euro ATM withdrawals per month
The former N26 You plan was replaced by N26 Go. References to N26 You should therefore be updated to the current plan name.
All four plans provide access to participating airport lounges, but access is not universally free. N26’s on-demand lounge program is operated in partnership with DragonPass, not LoungeKey.
Current lounge conditions depend on the plan:
- N26 Go: The first annual visit is discounted, followed by the normal plan-specific visit price
- N26 Metal: The first annual visit is included, followed by paid visits
- N26 Smart: Paid access per visit
- N26 Standard: Paid access per visit
Free N26 cash withdrawals outside the eurozone are included with N26 Go and N26 Metal. Standard and Smart charge a percentage fee for withdrawals outside the eurozone. ATM operators may impose their own fees regardless of the plan.
N26’s airport-lounge program is powered by DragonPass, not LoungeKey.
Lounge access is available with Standard, Smart, Go, and Metal, but the price depends on the plan. Metal includes one free visit per year, while Go provides a discounted first visit. Standard and Smart users pay per visit.
Best German Credit Card Providers for Expats – Pros & Cons at a Glance
The following table summarizes the key advantages and drawbacks of each reviewed credit card provider. Use it as a quick orientation to find the provider that best suits your needs.
| Provider | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| American Express |
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| easybank |
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| easybank Eurowings |
|
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| Hanseatic Bank |
|
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| N26 |
|
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| TF Bank |
|
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Our Experience: What We Think About These Credit Cards
As financial experts specializing in expat banking in Germany, we’ve tested over 100 financial products, including all the cards reviewed here. Our assessment draws on hands-on usage and an analysis of fees, repayment conditions, customer experience, and suitability for non-German residents.
We found that American Express cards remain attractive for users with high travel and lifestyle demands. The Platinum Card stands out for its insurance, lounge access, and travel credits, but only when these benefits justify its annual fee. For many expats, the Gold Card provides a more moderate balance between price and benefits. The primary drawback remains limited domestic acceptance.
For users who want a free card with travel benefits, the TF Bank Mastercard Gold is one of the more attractive products we reviewed. It has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and included travel insurance.
However, it is not cost-free in every situation. Cash withdrawals accrue interest immediately from the booking date, and there is no interest-free period for cash. Monthly balances must also be repaid manually by bank transfer. The card offers strong value only for users who repay purchases in full and avoid or immediately repay cash withdrawals.
easybank offers a broad range with significantly different fee structures. The standard easybank Visa has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, but automatic 100% monthly repayment costs €2 per month. Users must repay manually or use Soforteinzug to keep it completely free.
The easybank Gold Visa costs €59 per year, offers issuer-fee-free euro withdrawals, and charges a 1.99% foreign transaction fee outside the euro area. The Platinum Double provides broader premium benefits at a higher price point.
The easybank Eurowings cards may suit regular Eurowings or Lufthansa Group customers who value eligible miles. Their fees and benefits should still be compared with general travel cards.
Hanseatic Bank remains popular because of the free GenialCard, its mobile app, and fee-free foreign-currency payments. The GoldCard adds insurance and bonus benefits but carries a recurring fee.
Lastly, N26 is a strong option for expats who prefer mobile banking and do not need a traditional credit line. Its current personal plans are Standard, Smart, Go, and Metal. The former N26 You plan is no longer current. N26 Go and Metal include travel insurance and free non-euro withdrawals, while lounge access is provided through DragonPass.
The former Barclays Visa is no longer available to new applicants under the Barclays name. Following the transfer and rebranding of the German consumer-card business, the current product is the easybank Visa, formerly Barclays Visa.
The easybank Visa has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. However, automatic 100% monthly repayment by SEPA direct debit costs €2 per month, or €24 per year.
To keep the card completely free, users must repay the statement manually or use the manual Soforteinzug option in the app.
Conclusion
Germany’s credit-card market includes suitable options for different financial and travel needs, but current product names and benefit partners matter.
The former Barclays Visa is now the easybank Visa. It has no annual fee, but automatic full repayment costs €2 per month.
N26’s current plans are Standard, Smart, Go, and Metal. The former N26 You name is obsolete. N26’s lounge program is powered by DragonPass, not LoungeKey.
The current free euro ATM allowances are two withdrawals per month with Standard, three with Smart, five with Go, and eight with Metal. N26 Go and Metal also waive N26’s fee for withdrawals outside the eurozone.
Germany does not use a US-style credit-building system. Do not apply for several credit cards simply to improve Schufa. Maintain only useful accounts, pay every obligation on time, and avoid unnecessary revolving debt.
Headline claims such as “free card” or “free withdrawal” should never be considered in isolation. The easybank Visa charges €2 per month for automatic full repayment, the easybank Gold Visa charges a €59 annual fee and a 1.99% foreign transaction fee outside the euro area, and TF Bank cash withdrawals accrue interest immediately despite having no flat issuer withdrawal fee.
A well-chosen card can help reduce foreign-purchase, insurance, or ATM costs. Read the repayment and withdrawal conditions carefully, assess your spending habits, and choose a card that suits your lifestyle rather than relying only on the advertised annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
Yes — but it depends on how you use the card. Some cards are advertised as completely free, but may charge fees in certain situations (e.g., interest on installment payments or foreign ATM withdrawals).
Examples of truly free cards when used correctly and without installment usage:
- easybank card – no annual fee, free foreign payments, free cash withdrawals worldwide
- TF Bank Mastercard Gold – no annual fee, no foreign fees, travel insurance included if you pay in full
If you activate revolving payments and don’t repay the balance in full, you will incur interest, which makes the card no longer “free” in practice. Choosing the right free credit card depends on how you plan to use it.
To apply for a German credit card, you’ll typically need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of residence in Germany (e.g., registration certificate or rental contract)
- Proof of regular income (salary slips or tax returns)
- A German bank account for repayments
- Non-EU nationals: a German residence permit
Most providers offer a fully digital application process. During the application process, you’ll be asked to enter your personal details and verify your identity via a video call. After approval, your card is usually sent by post within a few business days.
Yes, but options are limited. Some providers, like TF Bank, work with less stringent credit requirements, making it worthwhile for expats to apply for a card even without a long credit history in Germany. Modern debit cards can be a good alternative for getting started in Germany, as digital banks often issue them without requiring a Schufa credit check.
Always check for hidden fees, interest rates on installment plans, limits on cash withdrawals, and conditions for insurance coverage. Some cards only offer full benefits if you meet specific spending or usage requirements.
Late payments can lead to interest charges, reminder fees, and potentially a negative Schufa entry. Repeated missed payments may result in your card being blocked or terminated. Always try to repay on time or contact your provider early.