Free credit cards have become increasingly popular in Germany; they are affordable and accessible at the same time. These cards typically come with no annual fees and provide essential credit card functionalities such as online payments, contactless transactions, and even cashback or travel perks in some cases. For residents and expats in Germany, free credit cards can mean convenience and flexibility without worrying about high yearly costs – whether you are looking for a card to use for everyday purchases or a reliable option for travel.
In my holistic list of free credit cards in Germany, I want to provide you with the information required for choosing your best credit card in Germany. This page is about reviewing each credit card’s essential features, benefits, and limitations.
Commercial partners
Free Credit Cards in Germany: 4 Ideas for Every Purpose
#1 – Eurowings Gold is premium: Lufthansa miles, travel insurance, airport and flight priority service, no fees for use or cash withdrawals abroad, *1st year without base fee.
#2 – TF Bank Mastercard Gold is expat-friendly: Easy opening for new residents, English app, insurance package, long payback duration, no fees for payments abroad.
#3 – PAYBACK American Express is rewards pure: cashback, travel portal, shopping discounts, insurance, start bonus, free partner cards.
#4 – Santander BestCard Basic is the all-in-one solution: online bank account with full-fledged credit card, free cash withdrawals, English mobile application.
This page is part of my large set of resources designed to help you understand and make informed decisions about credit cards in Germany:
- Best Credit Cards in Germany: A detailed guide highlighting the top credit card options across different categories.
- Ultimate Guide on Credit Cards in Germany: A complete resource from helping you understand the basics of German credit cards to the factors for choosing your favorite.
What Does “Free Credit Card” Actually Mean?
You can be an expat, student, or long-time resident in Germany: A credit card often means convenience, flexibility, and even rewards. And if it is free – even better. Together with you, I want to dive deeper into what this actually means.
Benefits of Free Credit Cards
- The lack of annual fees makes a free credit card cost-effective and budget-friendly.
- You can enjoy essential functionalities like online payments, contactless payments, ATM withdrawals, and access to international transactions without hidden charges.
- Some free credit cards offer extra benefits like cashback programs, travel insurance, discounts on specific purchases, or complimentary partner cards.
Potential Hidden Cost
- Usage fees for transactions in other countries or foreign currencies.
- Charges for cash withdrawals, both within and outside of Germany.
Please note that beyond the fees listed in our overview below, some ATM providers may charge additional fees independently of your card. These will usually be shown on the screen before you confirm the withdrawal. In this case, I recommend to search for another ATM that does not charge fees. - Fees for obtaining a second card or replacing a lost card.
- Interest applied to delayed or unpaid bills
What Is the Best Free Credit Card in Germany?
My initial thought is that there is no such thing as the one best free credit card. A card needs to suit your needs adequately. And there are lots of options in Germany to choose from to find the best match for you.
Everyone has different needs. Hence, deciding on a premium or free credit card depends on your spending behavior and needs. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind:
- Fees: Some credit cards come with annual fees. Our reviews focus on cards without monthly fees. Still, some issuers may charge fees for foreign currency transactions, cash withdrawals, or interest.
- Sign-up Bonuses: Many credit cards attract new users with enticing incentives: Cash, cashback rewards, or bonus points are just some options.
- Rewards Programs: Some credit card companies reward usage with cashback, airline miles, or loyalty points.
- Benefits: Some of the best credit cards in Germany also come with complementary insurance packages or partner cards.
This article exclusively focuses on charge and revolving credit cards. Only these cards offer you perks and the option of delayed payments, e.g., to cover the duration between travel expenses and a refund from your employer. They are also necessary for hotel or rental car bookings as they allow a company to “block” a certain amount. However, credit card application process comes with some drawbacks for expats:
- All credit cards require a residence in Germany.
- The different banks will also perform a credit check (Schufa) before accepting you as a customer. This record is only created with time. Some banks in Germany like TF Bank or Advanzia are known to be very welcoming towards recently arrived residents of Germany. Should you get rejected, I suggest you wait a couple of weeks after registering a residence, setting up a local bank account, and obtaining frequent income. Alternatively, you can check my list of free debit cards in our comparison of German bank accounts here.
Comparison of Free German Credit Cards
To find the best free German credit card, I screened the German credit card market with offer 50 credit cards and identified those that do not come with any monthly or annual fees.
This overview reflects the best of my knowledge. It is in alphabetic order, with our commercial partners on top. I tried to make the overview as holistic as possible but errors can always happen. If you want to know more about or sign up for a specific credit card, follow the link to the issuer’s website to start the application process.
American Express
Blue Card
Commercial partner
No annual fee
25 Euros start bonus
Advanzia Bank
Gebührenfrei Mastercard Gold
Commercial partner
No annual fee
Commercial partner
No annual fee
Barclays Eurowings
Kreditkarte Gold
Commercial partner
No annual fee (1st year)*
3.000 Lufthansa miles start bonus
BMW Card by
American Express
Commercial partner
No annual fee as of 2nd year (conditions apply)*
Consors Finanz
Mastercard
Commercial partner
No annual fee
Extra Karte
Mastercard by Novum Bank
Commercial partner
No annual fee
Hanseatic Bank
GenialCard
Commercial partner
No annual fee
PAYBACK American
Express Card
Commercial partner
No annual fee
40 Euros start bonus in PAYBACK points
Santander Visa
BestCard Basic
Commercial partner
No annual fee
TARGOBANK
Online Classic-Karte
Commercial partner
No annual fee
TF Bank
Mastercard Gold
Commercial partner
No annual fee
Barclays Visa
Commercial partner
No annual fee
norisbank
Mastercard
Commercial partner
No annual fee
(conditions apply)*
Conclusion
Free credit cards in Germany provide a simple, cost-effective solution for managing everyday expenses and travel needs. With no annual fees and essential features like contactless payments, they offer convenience and savings for residents and expats alike.
Choosing the best credit card for your life in Germany is a personal decision. First, reflect on your lifestyle, and then consider the fees, sign-up bonuses, rewards programs, or other features such as insurance packages. I advise you to have a detailed look at the entire list to select the best option for you. Although, there are lots of premium options with a variety of perks, you can choose from a variety of free credit cards in Germany. Some highlights for every purpose are:
- Eurowings Gold is one of the best credit cards in Germany for you in case you look for a holistic package and premium perks. They offer an insurance package and Lufthansa miles. You get free cash withdrawals, no foreign transaction fees, automatic repayment of debt, and an English mobile app.
- TF Bank Mastercard Gold is very expat-friendly with liberal credit checks and no foreign-transaction fees. The interest free period of up to 51 days and the English mobile app are highlights.
- PAYBACK American Express and BMW Card by American Express are free Amex credit cards. It includes a generous cashback program, shopping discounts, a start bonus and a free partner cards. The outstanding balance is automatically deducted from your bank account.
- Santander BestCard Basic comes with a full-fledged bank account and free cash withdrawals.
You require more options?
The Best Credit Cards in Germany gives you ideas and recommendations for every purpose, whether you are a student or looking for extra rewards.
