In the fragmented German banking landscape with a lot of national players, small banks, and national players, Santander is an internationally recognized name with a solid reputation. The bank is deeply rooted in Germany and offers a variety of credit cards tailored to different needs. Whether you are a frequent traveler, a professional seeking everyday convenience, or a student managing a budget, Santander might have the right German credit card for you.
With this review, I want to help you decide if a Santander credit card is right for you. I will share my experience of the German credit card market, resulting not only from reviewing countless financial products but also from testing them myself. Here is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of Santander’s credit cards in Germany:
Santander Credit Cards: Product Review in a Nutshell
PROS
CONS
- No annual fee card or and GoldCard with competitive pricing
- Free cash withdrawals worldwide
- No foreign-currency transaction fees
- Easy account management via the dedicated English mobile app with Apple Pay and Google Pay support
- Easy bill repayment with automated direct debit possible
- Worldwide acceptance of Visa
- Can be connected to your existing German bank account
- High interest rates for partial payments (approx. 20%)
- No large-scale rewards prgram for cashback or airline miles collection
- No additional cards for partners or family available
After reading my review article, you will clearly understand the company Santander, their product offer, cost, benefits, and Santander’s credit card application process.
What is Santander Bank?
Santander Bank, part of the globally renowned Santander Group, has a strong presence in Germany. Initially founded in Spain, the bank has grown into one of the largest financial institutions worldwide, serving over 170 million customers across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
In Germany, Santander Bank is well-regarded for its focus on retail and commercial banking services. It offers a wide range of financial products, including personal loans, mortgages, and, of course, credit cards. For expats, this international connection provides a sense of familiarity and trust, especially for those already accustomed to Santander’s services in their home countries.
With a presence in multiple countries, the bank’s credit cards are widely accepted across the globe, making them a reliable option for today’s global citizens. Santander Germany is an independent subsidiary adhering to German banking law and deposit insurance scheme. Hence, besides Santander’s global reputation, you can rely on the financial stability of the German state as the only top 8 global economy with the highest creditworthiness. While the subsidiary primarily operates in German, services like the mobile app have also become available in English.
Perks and Fees Santander Credit Cards
Santander Bank offers four credit cards under the “BestCard” branding, each tailored to different needs. These cards come with distinct fees and advantages, so you must evaluate the best fit for you. Santander’s basic cards are without annual fees, while premium options include comprehensive insurance packages. One key benefit is that all Santander credit cards are revolving credit cards with a credit limit, enabling their use for security deposits at hotels or car rentals.
Annual Fees
The annual fees for cards are between 0 and 99 Euros yearly. Santander’s basic cards are ideal for budget-conscious users who occasionally a straightforward require a credit card. The premium card options are especially exciting because of their comprehensive travel insurance packages. Here is an overview of the key fees of Santander’s credit cards in Germany.
Overview: Santander Credit Cards and Fees
Location
Annual Fee
with Santander Bank Account
Annual Fee
without Santander Bank Account
Perks and Usage Fees
Interest Rates and Repayment Flexibility
Santander BestCards are known for their flexible repayment options. By default, the cards are set to partial repayment (Teilzahlung), where only a percentage of the monthly balance is paid automatically. However, you can adjust this setting to 100% repayment to avoid interest charges. I recommend switching to full repayment as soon as you activate the card. Then, you do not run the risk of accidentally missing a payment. If you take over a balance, the interest (APR) is 17.59% (January 2025).
Foreign Transaction Fees
For expats and frequent travelers, foreign transaction fees can significantly impact the usage costs. While premium cards waive these fees, basic cards charge fees of 1.85% for transactions in foreign currencies.
Complimentary Cash Withdrawals
A standout feature of Santander BestCards is the lack of fees for cash withdrawals at least four times per month. With the BestCard Premium you even enjoy unlimited cash withdrawals.
Cashback Opportunities
Santander does not offer widespread points or miles rewards credit cards. Still, there are two cashback opportunities:
- Cashback on Fuel: You can get a 1% discount on fuel purchases in Germany and abroad, up to a monthly maximum of 200 Euros (equivalent to 2 Euros cashback per month).
- Travel Discounts: Through Santander’s partnership with Urlaubsplus, cardholders can save 5% on travel bookings, with 7% discounts for Premium cardholders. However, I always advise comparing prices and checking if Urlaubsplus has the best available deal.
Wide Acceptance and Mobile Payments
All cards operate on the Visa network, ensuring widespread usability in Germany and internationally. Support for Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Garmin Pay makes contactless transactions seamless.
No Need to Switch Bank Accounts
Santander is one of the few providers that offers current accounts but lets you get their credit cards anyway and use them with an existing German bank account. If you already have a bank account, Santander will deduct payments via direct debit or manual transfer, making it unnecessary to open a Santander account.
Transfer Money to your Bank Account
With the so-called “CashCall” function, you can transfer money from your credit limit to your bank account if you need extra liquidity. The transfer is without any further charges.
Santander BestCard Basic
The Santander BestCard Basic is a no-frills option perfect for those seeking a cost-effective credit card without the burden of recurring fees. The biggest advantage is its permanent fee-free status. You will not incur any annual charges for holding this card, regardless of usage.
The card also allows up to four free monthly cash withdrawals, even when traveling abroad. This feature significantly benefits everyone needing to withdraw cash while exploring Europe or beyond. However, you will be charged a 1.85% foreign currency transaction fee if you make withdrawals or purchases in a non-Euro currency.
BestCard Basic includes a complimentary partner card, allowing you to share the same credit limit and benefits with your partner at no additional cost.
Santander BestCard Basic
No annual fee
When is the Santander BestCard Basic Right for You?
The Santander BestCard Basic is a convenient option if you primarily use your credit card for grocery shopping, public transport, and occasional restaurant visits or if you want to hire a car from time to time. The BestCard Basic helps you manage these day-to-day expenses without worrying about fees.
On a weekend trip to a neighboring country in the Eurozone, you withdraw cash at an ATM for small purchases. Since the withdrawal is within the monthly free limit and in Euros, you avoid both cash withdrawal and foreign transaction fees. However, if you were to visit non-Euro countries like the USA frequently or for longer, the card is less suitable because of the low transaction fee. In this case, the BestCard Extra or Premium or free alternatives like the Hanseatic GenialCard are more attractive.
The four complementary monthly cash ATM uses should usually suffice if you calculate the withdrawal amounts sufficiently. Be aware if you require more withdrawals, as the cost can rapidly accumulate. From the fifth monthly withdrawal onwards, a fee of 3.5% but no less than 5.75 Euros is due.
Santander BestCard Smart
The Santander BestCard Smart builds on the features of the Basic card but offers two insurances to cover purchases made with the card:
- Extended warranty of up to three years for household and electronic devices
- Purchase protection insurance, which covers theft or damage for a certain period
Santander BestCard Smart
No annual fee or €24*
When is the Santander BestCard Smart Right for You?
If you hold a Santander current account (“Girokonto”), the upgrade to the Smart card is free of charge. Hence, it is worth opting for this variant.
For non-Santander account holders, the BestCard Smart comes with an annual fee of 24 Euros (12 Euros for any additional card). The fee-free BestCard Basic may be a better option as the additional features are negligible.
Santander BestCard Extra
The Santander BestCard Extra is designed for those who travel frequently and value a credit card that offers enhanced travel benefits.
Compared to its lower-pier options, one of the most significant advantages of the BestCard Extra is the absence of foreign currency fees. This means you can make purchases and withdrawals in non-Euro currencies without incurring extra charges, making it a great companion for trips outside the Eurozone.
The card includes travel insurance, which adds extra security for your trips:
- International health insurance: Covers unexpected medical expenses during your travels, even if not paid by travel card.
- Trip cancellation and interruption Insurance: Protects you for trips costing up to 5,000 Euros if your travel plans change unexpectedly.
Additional cards for partners and family are available for 17 Euros (Santander bank account customers) or 29 Euros yearly.
Santander BestCard Extra
€35 fee or €59*
When is the Santander BestCard Extra Right for You?
If you travel regularly outside the Eurozone, the absence of foreign currency fees and included travel insurance make this card highly practical. The included travel health insurance that covers trips not paid for by credit card is especially critical. If you already have a Santander bank account, the reduced annual fee of 35 Euros makes this card appealing.
For customers from other banks, the card is 59 Euros. In this category, suppose you do not require fuel cashback; the Hanseatic Bank GoldCard is a strong competitor. For an annual fee of 58.80 Euros, you can enjoy an even more extensive insurance package, including flight delays, luggage, tickets, and emergency insurance.
The Santander BestCard Premium is the top-tier offering in Santander’s credit card portfolio, designed for those prioritizing premium benefits and comprehensive insurance coverage. In a nutshell, the card offers the same conditions as the BestCard Extra but with more comprehensive travel protection:
- International health insurance: Covers unexpected medical expenses while traveling, independent of card use.
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: Covers trips costing up to €10,000, double the limit of the Extra card.
- Luggage and flight delay insurance: Protects against lost or delayed luggage and flight delays.
- Mobility insurance: Offers comprehensive coverage for rental cars, including collision damage waiver (CDW).
- Vehicle Assistance in Europe: Includes a European car breakdown service for added convenience on road trips.
Additional cards for partners and family are available for 37 Euros (Santander bank account customers) or 49 Euros yearly.
Santander BestCard Extra
€75 fee or €99*
When is the Santander BestCard Premium Right for You?
The Santander BestCard Premium is best suited for frequent travelers who want to be secure in case of delays or who often travel with their own or a rental car.
With an annual fee of 99 Euros (75 Euros for Santander account holders), the BestCard Premium is in the upper league. Alternatives can be the Barclays Platinum Double and Eurowings Premium.
How Easy Is It to Manage a Santander Credit Card?
Managing a Santander credit card is designed to be straightforward, with all modern online banking options. On top of this, Santander also maintains 180 physical branches in Germany, where you can meet a clerk if required.
Online Banking and Mobile App
Santander offers comprehensive online banking services and a user-friendly mobile app, providing 24/7 access to your accounts. Amongst others, the digital services allow you to:
- Monitor Transactions: View real-time updates of your spending and account balances and receive notifications on your phone.
- Manage Payments: Set up and modify payment plans, including flexible repayment options.
- Card PIN: View your VISA Pin
- CashCall: Transfer money from your credit limit to your bank account
- Account Management: Change
While Santander’s primary language of communication is German, the mobile app is also available in English. In the branch you may also find English-speaking clerks.
Customer Service
Santander provides phone support, online contact forms, and branch service.
According to Trustpilot, customer experiences with Santander’s services are varied. Some users appreciate the the individual service, while others have especially reported challenges with customer service responsiveness and ability to solve problems. It is important to consider these factors and assess whether Santander’s services align with your specific needs and language preferences.
How to Apply for a Santander Credit Card in Germany
The credit card application process follows the standard procedure at most German banks. Here is a quick overview.
Steps to Apply for a Santander Credit Card
Eligibility Requirements
Santander stated that the following eligibility criteria are essential for a successful application.
- You must be a resident in Germany
- You require a German bank account
- You require ID and phone number
- You must provide a passport or national ID card
- You require regular income and proof of last 3 months
- SCHUFA Check: Santander performs a SCHUFA check to determine your creditworthiness. Please note that Santander is known to be very rigid with their credit card approvals. You should therefore only apply once you have already resided some months in Germany to build a credit history.
Conclusion: Is a Santander Credit Card Right for You?
Santander’s credit cards are a solid offer. Especially if you are a Santander current account holder, the conditions and fees are very competitive.
In any case, you can connect a Santander credit card with your existing account from any German bank. The card lets you carry a balance for flexible repayment but also offers an option automatic full repayment via direct debit. The Visa cards are accepted worldwide for payments and cash withdrawals. Any card lets you withdraw cash for free four times a month (unlimited withdrawals with BestCard Premium). Furthermore, the 1% cashback on fuel purchases is a nice add-on for frequent drivers.
- If you search for a straightforward card without monthly fees, the BestCard Basic is the way to go. The only drawback is the 1.85% foreign currency fee for traveling.
- Santander’s Extra and Premium credit cards include decent travel insurance packages. If you go on vacation by car or rent a car, the Premium option can make sense. Otherwise, the Extra card should be sufficient. Both cards do not charge any cost outside the Eurozone.
What are the Alternatives?
The BestCard Basic’s only major drawback is the foreign currency fee. As a frequent traveller, you could check out Hanseatic Bank GenialCard, which does not charge this or a monthly fee and comes with unlimited cash witdrawals on top.
If you are a bank account holder with Santander, their premium options are pretty well priced between 35 and 75 Euros yearly. You will probably find it hard to get a better deal as a traveler seeking good travel coverage. Generally, the Hanseatic GoldCard is a nice alternative. It has almost the same annual fee for as the Extra card – which is 59 Euros for non-account holders – but includes a more comprehensive insurance package. However, it does not provide car insurance. In this case, the Barclays Platinum Double as well as the Eurowings Premium are both options to take a look at. The latter card is also very attractive, because it earns you Lufthansa Miles & More with every transaction.
If you need further suggestions, check out Settle in Germany’s guide to finding the best credit card in Germany. Here, we compare and list all the available options in Germany.
