Best Credit Cards for Expats in Germany (2026): No Foreign Fees, English Support
Key Takeaways: Best Credit Cards
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Girocard vs. Credit Card: Traditional German bank Girocards are not credit cards. You need a dedicated Visa/Mastercard for online shopping and travel.
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SCHUFA Score: Avoid opening multiple credit cards quickly, as repeated applications can temporarily hurt your German credit rating.
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Best Free Choices: Free cards like Barclays and TF Bank offer zero annual fees and no foreign transaction fees.
Most German debit cards charge 1.5 to 2.5% every time you use them abroad. If you travel internationally, send money home, or book flights in foreign currencies, the wrong card quietly costs you hundreds of euros a year. These are the cards that actually save you money, no foreign transaction fees, no hidden charges, and most of them are free.
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| Card | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee | Cashback | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclays Visa | Free | 0% | ❌ | Best all-rounder, no foreign fees |
| DKB Visa | Free | 0% | ❌ | Free worldwide ATM withdrawals |
| N26 Mastercard | Free | 0% (standard) | ❌ | Digital-first, easy app |
| Amex Payback | Free first year | 1.99% | ✅ Points | Cashback collectors, frequent shoppers |
| Miles & More | €55/yr | 1.99% | ✅ Miles | Frequent flyers, Lufthansa loyalty |
Choose the Right Credit-Card Route
- You travel or pay in foreign currencies: Zero foreign-exchange fees matter more than flashy welcome features.
- You are new to Germany: Protect your Schufa by avoiding unnecessary rapid-fire card applications.
- You only need a solid everyday expat card: Prioritise fee structure, acceptance, and repayment terms over rewards noise.
- You want the shortest route: Compare the market first, then choose the card that fits your actual spend pattern.
Do You Even Need a Credit Card in Germany?
Germany is a cash-heavy country, many smaller shops, restaurants, and markets only accept cash or Girocard (EC-Karte). A credit card is less essential for day-to-day life than in the UK or US. However, you need one for:
- Booking hotels and rental cars (most require a credit card as security)
- Online shopping internationally
- Travel and flights
- Services that don’t accept Girocard
Best Credit Cards for Expats in Germany
1. DKB Visa: Best Free Card Overall
The DKB Visa card comes free with a DKB current account and has no foreign transaction fees. Free ATM withdrawals worldwide make it the go-to card for expats who travel frequently.
- Annual fee: Free
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- ATM withdrawals abroad: Free
- Best for: Expats who travel internationally
2. Revolut: Best for International Transfers
Revolut is technically a debit card but functions like a credit card for most purposes. The free plan offers excellent exchange rates and is ideal for sending money home.
- Annual fee: Free (basic plan)
- Exchange rates: Interbank rate (best available)
- ATM withdrawals: Free up to €200/month on basic plan
- Best for: Sending money internationally and multi-currency spending
3. ING Visa: Best Cashback Card
ING offers a Visa credit card with cashback on purchases, unusual in Germany where cashback cards are rare. Good for expats who make regular large purchases.
- Annual fee: Free with ING current account
- Cashback: 1% on all purchases
- Best for: Everyday spending with a reward
4. Barclays Visa: Best Standalone Credit Card
If you want a credit card without changing your bank account, Barclays Germany offers a free Visa with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
- Annual fee: Free
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Best for: Expats who want a credit card independent of their main bank
What to Avoid
- High foreign transaction fees: many German cards charge 1.5–2% on foreign currency transactions
- ATM fees abroad: can add up quickly if you withdraw cash internationally
- Annual fees: unnecessary when free alternatives exist
Our Recommendation
For most expats: get a DKB account with the free Visa as your main card, and use Revolut for international transfers and spending abroad. Together they cover every scenario at zero cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card in Germany, or is a debit card enough?
While a standard debit card (or Girocard) is fine for daily purchases in Germany, you will definitely need a proper Visa or Mastercard credit card for booking hotels, renting cars, and traveling outside the Eurozone without high currency fees.
What is the difference between a Girocard and a credit card in Germany?
A Girocard (formerly EC-card) is a co-branded German debit card linked directly to your current account, widely accepted at small local shops that reject international credit cards. A credit card (Visa/Mastercard) offers credit limits, is accepted globally and online, but might charge fees at minor German merchants.
How do German credit card repayments work?
Unlike American revolving credit cards, most German credit cards (charge cards) automatically debit the full balance from your linked current account once a month (100% direct debit). Revolving cards are available but carry extremely high interest rates (up to 18-20%) if you don't pay in full.
Can I get a credit card in Germany without a Schufa score?
Traditional credit cards require a good Schufa (German credit bureau) score. However, as a new expat, you can easily get a prepaid or debit-style Visa/Mastercard from digital banks like N26 or Bunq, which do not perform strict Schufa checks.
Disclaimer: Expatzentrum is an informational portal designed to help expats navigate life in Germany. While we make every effort to keep our guides accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with current German regulations, the information on this website does not constitute official legal, tax, or financial advice. We are not certified tax advisors (Steuerberater) or legal practitioners. Always consult a qualified professional or the relevant German authorities (such as the Finanzamt or Deutsche Rentenversicherung) before making major financial or legal decisions.
