A credit card is a bank card you can use to pay. With many cards, the money is only taken from your account later. In Germany, many people pay with cash or with the Girocard. The Girocard is the normal bank card that comes with your current account (Girokonto). A current account is an account for your everyday life, for example for your salary and rent. Still, a credit card is often useful. Many car rental companies and hotels require one. It is also handy for shopping online and for travelling abroad. You do not have to have a credit card. You decide for yourself whether you need one.
What you need
Every bank and every card provider has its own rules. Usually you need these things:
- Valid passport or ID card (Personalausweis): This shows who you are.
- Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), if you are not from the EU: A residence permit is the permission to live in Germany. Some providers want it to be valid for a certain amount of time. You can read more about this under Sorting out your residence permit.
- Address in Germany: The bank often asks for a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). This is the document you get after registering your home (Anmeldung). How this works is explained under Registering your address.
- Current account in Germany: The amount for the credit card will later be taken from this account. See Opening a bank account.
- Proof of income: For example, your payslips. Not every provider asks for this.
- Tax ID (Steuer-ID): Some providers ask for your tax identification number (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer). This is your personal number at the tax office (Finanzamt). See Getting your tax ID.
- Mobile phone and email address: You manage many cards through an app.
- Good creditworthiness (Bonität): Creditworthiness means that you pay your bills reliably. The bank usually checks this with Schufa. Schufa is a private company. It collects data on whether people pay their loans and bills.
Step by step
- Think about what you need the card for. Do you want to rent a car, travel a lot or only shop online? This decides which card is right for you.
- Choose the type of card. There are different types:
- Debit card: The money is taken from your current account immediately or after a few days. Some banks still call this card a credit card.
- Charge card: You pay with it for one month. After that you get a statement. The full amount is taken from your current account in one go.
- Credit card with instalment payments: You can pay back the bill in small parts. You pay interest on the amount still owed.
- Prepaid credit card: You first load money onto the card. Then you can only spend that money.
- Compare the terms. Look at fees, interest and whether the card costs extra abroad. You can compare plans at the bottom of this page.
- Submit the application. You can usually do this online or at a bank branch. You give your name, your address, your job and often your income.
- Confirm your identity. This is often done by video. This is called Videoident. You hold your passport up to the camera. Another option is Postident. For this, you go to a post office with your passport.
- Wait for the check. The bank checks your details and usually also your Schufa data. After that you get an approval or a rejection.
- Receive your card and PIN. The PIN is your secret number. The card and PIN usually come in two separate letters. Do not write the PIN on the card. You often have to activate the card in the app or by phone.
- Check your statement every month. This way you can quickly see whether all payments are correct. Make sure there is enough money in your current account.
Costs and deadlines
There are no fixed prices for credit cards. Each provider sets its own costs. These costs may apply:
- an annual fee for the card
- fees when you withdraw cash from an ATM
- fees for payments in a currency other than euros
- interest if you pay back the bill in parts. This interest can be high.
Read the list of prices and services (Preis- und Leistungsverzeichnis). This is the list of all the bank's costs.
There is no deadline by which you must have a credit card. If you sign the contract online, you usually have a right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht) of 14 days. Withdrawal means: you can cancel the contract during this time without giving a reason. If you lose your card, have it blocked immediately. In Germany there is the emergency blocking hotline (Sperr-Notruf) 116 116 for this. You can also call your bank directly.
Common problems for newcomers
You do not have any Schufa data yet. People who are new to Germany often have no Schufa entries yet. Some banks then reject the application. A prepaid credit card or a debit card is usually easier to get. Over time, you build up Schufa data. Read more under Understanding and building your Schufa.
You do not have a registered address yet. Without a registered home, an application is often difficult. First register your home at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt). The Bürgeramt is your city's office for registration.
Your residence permit is only valid for a short time. Some banks will then not give you a credit card. Ask several providers. The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) answers questions about your residence.
You do not speak much German yet. Many apps and websites are also available in English. However, the contract is often only in German. Take your time. Use a translation program or ask someone you trust for help.
You do not have a job yet or are in your probation period (Probezeit). Without a steady income, a charge card is hard to get. A debit card or prepaid credit card is often possible instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep using the credit card from my home country?
Usually yes. But check what fees your bank charges for payments in euros. This can get expensive if you use the card often.
Can I pay by credit card everywhere in Germany?
No. Many shops accept credit cards, but not all. Some small shops and restaurants only take cash or the Girocard. So always carry some cash with you.
Is a debit card enough for a rental car?
Not always. Some car rental companies only accept real credit cards, not debit or prepaid cards. Ask the car rental company before you book.
Does a credit card improve my Schufa?
A credit card can be recorded with Schufa. If you always pay on time, this can help. The important thing is not to take on debts you cannot pay back.
What do I do if my card has been stolen?
Have the card blocked immediately. Call your bank or the emergency blocking hotline. Report the theft to the police.