The Full Guide to Credit Cards in Germany (2025): How They Work and How to Find the Best One for You

You’ve probably already got an EC card and a debit Visa or Mastercard, so do you really need a credit card in Germany? Not necessarily — but there are a few advantages to having one.

Most credit cards in Germany are “charge cards.” That means your monthly balance is paid in full — usually through automatic direct debit from your linked bank account — and you don’t have the option to carry debt or pay in installments. It’s a straightforward setup that makes it harder to overspend or miss payments.

Revolving credit cards, by contrast, let you carry a balance from month to month. You’ll receive a monthly invoice showing your total debt, the minimum amount due (typically 3% or €30), and the interest you’ll pay if you don’t pay the full amount. You’re responsible for making the transfer yourself, and if you don’t pay the full amount, interest starts accruing from the original purchase date — not from the invoice date.

That might sound familiar to anyone from the US or UK, where revolving credit cards are the norm. But when it comes to credit cards in Germany, charge cards are far more common — and tend to come with fewer risks. If you’re new to credit cards, stick with one of those. If you’re disciplined and know you’ll pay off your balance on time, a revolving card can also be a good option — just make sure to understand the payment schedule and potential fees if you don’t make a full payment on time. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend ever carrying a balance on a credit card in Germany — the interest on unpaid amounts can be quite high. If you need short-term financing, you’re usually better off looking into a small personal loan instead.

One common question is: what is the credit limit that I will get on my credit card in Germany? The answer is: it depends. Your initial limit is calculated automatically based on factors like your monthly income, your Schufa score, and internal risk criteria you won’t usually see.

Most people start with limits between €1,000 and €2,000, but it varies. If the limit on your German credit card feels too low for your needs, the good news is that it’s usually possible to increase it later. The best way to raise your credit limit is to use the card regularly, pay it off on time, and wait a few months. After that, you can contact customer service and request a higher limit.

If you’re using an American Express credit card in Germany, the process can be even simpler — Amex tends to increase limits automatically over time for customers who use their card responsibly and pay their balance on time.

If you’re applying for a credit card in Germany, your Schufa credit score will likely play a role in the approval process. Schufa is Germany’s main credit rating agency, and banks use it to assess how reliable you are as a borrower. When you apply for a credit card in Germany, the issuer will usually run a check — and in most cases, the application itself also gets logged on your Schufa record. If you'd like to know what your Schufa score is, you can check it for free here*.

That doesn’t mean you need a perfect score to get a card, but applying right after you move to Germany usually isn’t a good idea. It’s better to wait a few months and build a positive Schufa profile by opening a bank account, registering your address, and paying bills on time.

Also worth knowing: multiple applications in a short period can have a negative effect. If you’re interested in more than one German credit card, apply for just one first and wait a few months before getting the next one. If your credit card application is rejected, it’s also best to wait a few months before trying again — spacing out applications keeps your Schufa record clean.

That said, don’t stress too much about it. I’ve had four credit cards in Germany over the past few years, and my Schufa score is near perfect: a little patience and responsible use go a long way.

Many banks in Germany offer credit cards, often bundled with current accounts, but most of them aren’t worth your time. The only ones that stand out in my opinion are the American Express credit cards. They’re easy to get and come with good perks – depending on which one you choose, you can earn either cashback in the form of Payback points with the free Amex Payback card* or travel rewards with the more premium Amex Gold*.

If you’re looking for the best free credit card in Germany, the Amex Payback card* is the answer. It’s one of the very few cards that offer actual rewards without charging an annual fee — making it a solid option whether you’re new to credit cards or just want something simple and low-maintenance.

You’ll earn Payback points on every purchase (one point per €3 spent), which can be redeemed for vouchers, cash payouts, Miles & More miles, rewards from the Payback store and more. For a full breakdown of how to get the most value from your Payback points, check out this Payback guide. The card works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal — and in most cases, you won’t need to submit proof of income when applying.

The Amex Payback is a charge card, meaning your full balance is debited automatically each month — no manual transfers or risk of forgetting to pay. It’s a great option for day-to-day use, and a good introduction to credit cards in Germany without the risk of interest or fees. You also get a 4,000-point welcome bonus (worth €40) if you apply before December 7. You can sign up here* or read my full review.

Are American Express credit cards widely accepted in Germany? While it’s true that Amex isn’t accepted everywhere, it works in all major supermarkets and most online retailers in Germany, which covers the bulk of everyday spending. And even if a site doesn’t take Amex directly, you can still use it by linking your card to PayPal* — an easy workaround for online shopping. The only places I run into issues is at smaller restaurants or bars, where Amex acceptance is still hit or miss.

If you’re open to paying a €20 monthly fee to get more perks, the Amex Gold card* is my personal favorite and a strong contender for the best credit card in Germany. You earn one Amex Membership Rewards point for every euro you spend, and the welcome bonus is one of the most generous on the market. Right now, it’s 50,000 points if you spend €4,500 in the first six months — enough for a long-haul flight in economy.

Points can be converted to airline miles, hotel loyalty programs, or store gift cards. The best value comes from transferring points to frequent flyer programs like British Airways, Flying Blue, or Emirates. On average, you’ll get around 1–2 cents per point — but with smart and well-timed redemptions, the value can go much higher. Other perks include travel insurance for trips paid with the card (covering cancellations, baggage loss, and medical emergencies), extended return protection (up to 90 days), and discounts on car rentals and airport lounge access.

Amex Gold credit card in Germany is a charge card, meaning your balance is debited automatically once a month. There’s no manual repayment and no interest to worry about — just make sure your linked account has enough funds. Approval is also relatively easy: I didn’t need to provide proof of income when I applied.

Keep in mind that despite its travel focus, it’s actually not the best card to use when traveling outside of the Eurozone because of the 2% foreign currency fee. But it’s excellent for spending in euros and for earning points you can redeem for flights, hotels, or upgrades – easily making it one of the best credit cards in Germany.

There’s currently a very generous 50,000-point welcome bonus if you spend €4,500 within the first six months. You can sign up here* or read my full review to see how the Amex Gold compares to other credit cards in Germany.

No matter which credit card in Germany you choose, here are a few tips that can help you avoid fees and get the most value:

That’s everything you need to know about choosing the best credit card in Germany for your needs — from how they work to which cards actually offer value. Want to get more out of your banking setup? Read my full guides to the best current accounts with high welcome bonuses and top savings accounts, best cards for international transfers, and freelancer-friendly options.

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