Eligibility, Card Types, Costs and Important Tips
German banks usually conduct a strict credit assessment before issuing a genuine credit card with a credit limit. Approval depends mainly on income, residence status, banking history and creditworthiness.
What Types of Cards Are Available?
Not every card with a Visa or Mastercard logo is a true credit card. The repayment method and available credit limit are the key differences.
Charge Card
The full outstanding balance is automatically collected on the monthly billing date.
- Includes a credit limit
- Credit check required
- No interest when paid in full
- Often suitable for hotels and car rentals
Revolving Credit Card
You may repay the full amount or make partial monthly repayments. Interest applies to the remaining balance.
- Includes a credit limit
- Credit check required
- Installment payments possible
- Interest rates are often high
Debit Card
Every transaction is deducted directly from the linked bank account.
- Usually easier to obtain
- Widely accepted for daily purchases
- No separate credit limit
- May not work for some deposits
Prepaid Card
The card must be loaded before use, and spending is limited to the available balance.
- Often no SCHUFA check
- Useful for students and newcomers
- No interest charges
- May not be accepted for deposits
Requirements for a Credit Card
Minimum Age
Usually at least 18 years old.
Identity
Valid passport or national ID.
German Address
A registered residence is commonly required.
Bank Account
Many issuers require a German or SEPA account.
Regular Income
Stable income improves approval chances.
Creditworthiness
Traditional cards require a credit assessment.
Identity verification
Applications are usually completed through VideoIdent, PostIdent or another approved method. Banks may also request salary statements, an employment contract, bank statements or residence documents.
How Creditworthiness Is Assessed
The bank wants to know how likely you are to repay the credit limit granted.
Factors commonly considered
Included information
- Current accounts
- Credit cards
- Loans
- Leasing contracts
- Mobile contracts
- Payment defaults
Excluded information
- Income
- Assets
- Occupation
- Marital status
EU and Non-EU Citizens
Nationality alone is usually not decisive. Banks focus on residence, income, credit history and expected duration of stay.
EU Citizens
Generally assessed under the same criteria as German nationals.
- Registered German address
- German or SEPA bank account
- Regular income
- Positive creditworthiness
Non-EU Citizens
Banks may place greater emphasis on residence status and expected duration of stay.
- Valid residence permit
- Remaining permit validity
- Length of residence
- Employment contract and income
Better Approval Chances
- Permanent residence permit
- EU Blue Card
- Settlement permit
- Permanent employment contract
- Long-term residence in Germany
Lower Approval Chances
- Short-term visa
- Residence permit valid for only a few months
- No regular income
- Recently moved to Germany
- Probationary employment
Why Are Newcomers Often Rejected?
A missing German credit history does not mean poor creditworthiness. It simply gives the bank less information for assessing risk.
Limited data means higher uncertainty
Even applicants with stable income may be rejected if SCHUFA contains little or no information about them.
Documents Commonly Required
What Should You Compare?
A card advertised as free may still charge high fees for foreign transactions, cash withdrawals or installment payments.
Annual Fee
Free cards, €30–60 annual fees and expensive premium cards all exist.
Interest Rate
Revolving cards often charge around 15%–25% APR.
Repayment
Check whether full or partial repayment is activated.
Foreign Fees
Fees outside the euro area may be 1.5%–2% or more.
Cash Withdrawals
Review withdrawal fees and immediate interest charges.
Credit Limit
Initial limits often range from €500 to €2,000.
Insurance
Premium cards may include travel or rental car coverage.
Rewards
Cashback and miles should not outweigh high costs.
Watch Out for Partial Repayment
Revolving balances can become expensive
Some cards collect only a small percentage of the balance each month. Interest is charged on the remainder, making even small purchases expensive over time.
Whenever possible, activate automatic full monthly repayment.Using a Credit Card Abroad
Pay in Local Currency
This often avoids poor dynamic currency conversion rates.
Check ATM Fees
The issuer and local ATM operator may both charge fees.
Hotels and Car Rentals
Many providers require a genuine credit card for deposits.
Practical Recommendations
New International Students
- Open a German current account
- Use the debit card for daily spending
- Consider a prepaid card
- Build payment history first
Students With Part-Time Work
- Wait until probation ends
- Collect salary statements
- Apply through your main bank
- Request a modest limit
Newly Arrived Expats
- Keep an existing foreign card if practical
- Use a German debit card locally
- Build salary history
- Avoid multiple applications
Expats With Permanent Employment
- Permanent work improves approval chances
- Regular income supports higher limits
- Longer residence status helps
- Positive SCHUFA remains important
Credit Card Security
Protect your card
- Never store your PIN together with the card.
- Use secure HTTPS websites.
- Keep devices and software updated.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
FAQ About Credit Cards in Germany
Can foreigners get a credit card in Germany?
Yes. EU and non-EU citizens can generally obtain one if they meet the bank’s requirements for residence, income, identity verification and creditworthiness.
Is a Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit a real credit card?
No. A debit card deducts money directly from your account and does not provide a separate credit limit.
Do I need a SCHUFA record?
Most genuine credit cards require a credit assessment. A missing SCHUFA history can make approval more difficult.
Can I get a credit card without a credit check?
A genuine credit card with a limit normally requires a credit check. Debit and prepaid cards are the usual alternatives.
Why was my application rejected despite a stable salary?
Possible reasons include a short credit history, probationary employment, temporary residence status or the bank’s internal criteria.
Which card is best for a new international student?
A debit or prepaid card is usually the easiest starting point.
Are prepaid cards accepted for hotels and car rentals?
Not always. Many providers require a genuine credit card for blocking a deposit.
What is the difference between a Charge Card and a Revolving Card?
A Charge Card collects the full balance monthly. A Revolving Card permits partial repayment but charges interest.
How high is a typical initial credit limit?
Initial limits are often between approximately €500 and €2,000.
Should I choose full monthly repayment?
Usually yes. It helps avoid high interest costs.
What should frequent travelers compare?
Foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal costs, exchange rates, travel insurance and hotel or car rental acceptance.
Is American Express accepted everywhere?
American Express is accepted by many merchants, but Visa and Mastercard generally have broader acceptance.