For expats in Germany, Barclays credit cards stand out as a versatile option, offering benefits tailored to an international lifestyle. Barclays is the UK’s second-largest bank and belongs to the top 20 banks worldwide. In Germany, the established institution provides well-suited credit cards for everyday use, international transactions, and even travel-related expenses.
One of the standout features of Barclays credit cards is their benefits, such as no foreign transaction fees, free cash withdrawals, mileage collection and flexible payment terms. These perks are particularly useful for those managing finances across borders.
I am a Barclays credit card owner myself. In this review, I will bring in my first-hand experience. Before diving into the specifics of each Barclays credit card, let me take a quick look at their advantages and potential drawbacks:
Barclays Credit Cards: Product Review in a Nutshell
PROS
CONS
- Variety of options across different price ranges and benefits
- Free cash withdrawals abroad
- No foreign-currency transaction fees (depending on credit card type)
- Airline miles collection with Eurowings cards
- Easy account management via the dedicated mobile app with Apple Pay and Google Pay support
- Long interest-free period for billl payments (<56 days)
- Worldwide acceptance of Visa and Mastercard
- Can be connected to your existing German bank account
- High interest rates for partial payments (over 20%)
- Online banking and customer service only in German
- Free Barclays Visa with complicated or costly bill settlement and no perks
In this review, I aim to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the features, costs, and management of Barclays credit cards. By the end of this article, you will be able to decide whether Barclays is the right fit for your financial needs in Germany and how you can get a Barclays credit card.
Who Stands Behind Barclays?
Barclays, established in 1690 by goldsmith bankers John Freame and Thomas Gould in London, has evolved into a prominent global financial institution. Its international presence spans numerous countries, offering various services, including consumer banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management.
Barclays has maintained a significant presence in Germany since 1922, operating primarily from its Frankfurt and Hamburg offices. The bank provides a comprehensive suite of services to both local and international clients, leveraging its global expertise to meet diverse financial needs. Additionally, Barclays offers international banking services designed to simplify money management for clients with cross-border financial interests.
In July 2024, Barclays announced the sale of its German consumer banking business to the Austrian Bawag Group, making it a new player among the credit card companies in Germany. This strategic move indicates Barclays’ shift to focus more on corporate clients and investment banking within Germany. For existing Barclays credit card holders, this transition may lead to account management and service changes as operations are integrated into Bawag’s systems. Nevertheless, the credit cards’ core functionalities and benefits are expected to remain in place.
General Costs and Fees for Barclays Credit Cards
Barclays offers several options. You can choose between basic cards without annual fees or premium options with comprehensive insurance packages. There are even cobranded options with Eurowings keen to gain rewards and perks in the Lufthansa universe. I will give you an overview of the key fees that differentiate the credit cards in Germany.
Annual Fees
The annual fee is an essential differentiator between cards. Free credit cards are dedicated to efficient payment, while premium cards offer further advantages that can offset their cost. Here is an overview of the base fees for each card:
Overview: Barclays Credit Cards and Fees in Germany
Location
Annual Fee
€0 (no annual fee)
Usage Fees
There are further fees that can occur based on your usage behavior. The most important variable fees are the following:
Interest Rates
All Barclays cards are charge credit cards that offer flexible payment terms, allowing you to pay in installments. However, the charges are significant, with annual interest rates at 22,71 % (December 2024) for revolving balances. Paying off the full balance each month avoids these charges.
International Transaction Fees
While some cards come with a fee of 1.99% for use outside the Eurozone, other cards waive this fee. It is particularly beneficial for expats who travel frequently or make purchases in foreign currencies.
Cash Withdrawal Fees
A standout feature of Barclays credit cards is the lack of cash withdrawal fees. Some cards charge fees for cash withdrawals in Germany, but all cards feature free cash withdrawals when traveling; for some models, foreign currency transaction fees can apply.
Additional cards
Additional cards for partners or friends are sometimes free, sometimes require to pay an annual fee. The same is applicable for replacement cards.
Perks and Rewards Across All Barclays Cards
Barclays credit cards come with a variety of advantages that can be a nice incentive for signing up or using the card extensively. The amenities are especially beneficial for a frequent traveler.
8 Weeks of Interest-Free Period
Barclays cards are a powerful tool for managing cash flow and temporary expenses. Billing occurs 30 days after receiving the statement, offering up to 59 days of interest-free credit. Afterwards, you can settle your balance in full or in instalments.
Worldwide Acceptance
Barclays issues only Visa and Mastercard. These are the leading brands for credit cards worldwide, and they have a high acceptance globally for cashless payments and withdrawals. Usually, you will not require any backup solution as it is beneficial with American Express.
Rewards Programs
The Eurowings Cards allow you to collect miles with every purchase, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. Moreover, some allow you to enjoy travel perks like free seat reservations or additional luggage.
Travel Insurance and Assistance
Barclays cards like the Gold Visa, Platinum Double, or Eurowings Premium come with comprehensive travel insurance packages. These typically include trip cancellation or interruption coverage and emergency medical assistance abroad.
Special Offers for New Customers
Barclays frequently runs promotions for new customers, such as sign-up bonuses (e.g., cash or miles) and interest-free periods for the first few months.
Barclays Visa
The Barclays Visa is one of Germany’s most popular free credit cards, a versatile and cost-effective option.
The most significant advantage is that the Barclays Visa is permanently free of annual charges without requiring a minimum spend. Moreover, you can request up to three additional cards for family members or partners, all free of charge. Each cardholder gets a separate online banking account to manage their transactions.
Unlike other cards that charge around 2% for foreign currency payments, the Barclays Visa allows you to shop abroad or make international purchases without extra costs. It is also very positive that you can withdraw cash for free at ATMs worldwide. The minimum amount for withdrawals is 50 Euros.
You can pay back your balance in full or in installments. Unfortunately, if you want to pay back your entire balance automatically via direct debit, it incurs a monthly fee of 2 Euros. It is one of the major drawbacks and hidden fees of the card.
Barclays Visa
No annual fee
€25 start bonus
When is the Barclays Visa Right for You?
The Barclays Visa is especially suitable if you look for annual fee-free credit card and do not require additional perks such as insurance, cashback, or rewards.
The absence of foreign currency fees makes the Barclays Visa an excellent travel companion. Whether booking hotels, dining abroad, or shopping on international websites, you save significantly by avoiding conversion fees. The same goes for free cash withdrawals – whether in Germany or Asia, a lot of countries still depend on cash. However, if you do not opt for the direct debit option, costing 2 Euros monthly, you should be good with organizing your payments. Otherwise, high interest charges might occur.
You may benefit from starting with the Eurowings Premium Card instead. This card is completely free during the first year. It comes with a generous welcome bonus of 3,000 Miles & More, and you can collect miles for every transaction. This can easily earn you a free award flight with Eurowings, Lufthansa, or other Star Alliance Airlines. Furthermore, you get an advanced insurance package and free flight perks with Eurowings – e.g., additional luggage and free seat reservation. After the first year, you can easily downgrade to the Barclays Visa online.
Barclays Gold Visa
One of the main reasons to consider the Barclays Gold Visa is its extensive travel insurance package, which includes travel health insurance to cover medical expenses abroad with no upper limit and travel cancellation and interruption insurance.
Outside the Eurozone, cash withdrawals and purchases incur a foreign currency fee of 1.99%, which is reasonable but higher than the standard Barclays Visa, which does not charge such fees. Otherwise, there are no additional charges for cash withdrawals at ATMs, including in Germany. The minimum withdrawal amount is 50 Euros.
Automatic full payment of your monthly balance via direct debit is free, unlike the standard Barclays Visa, which charges 2 Euros for this feature.
You can also request up to three additional cards for family members or partners for 29 Euros annually each.
Barclays Gold Visa
€59 annual fee
When is the Barclays Gold Visa Right for You?
The Barclays Gold Visa is particularly suitable for frequent travelers who want more comprehensive travel coverage and require free cash withdrawals.
Medical emergencies abroad are fully covered without cost limits, a significant advantage for expats visiting their home country or exploring new destinations. Travel cancellation insurance is ideal for covering non-refundable expenses if plans change unexpectedly, though you need to pay for the trip with the card to activate this coverage.
If you mainly travel within the Eurozone, you will not mind the additional fees for payments and withdrawals outside the Eurozone. However, you should be mindful of the foreign currency fee when traveling to non-Euro countries. Also, if you require additional cards for your partner or family, you could consider the Barclays Platinum Double or Eurowings Premium credit cards. They waive foreign currency fees and include complementary additional cards.
Barclays Platinum Double
The Barclays Platinum Double is a premium credit card package offering both a Visa and a Mastercard. This dual-card system provides flexibility and worldwide acceptance, making it a top choice for frequent travelers.
With the Platinum Double, you can withdraw cash at any ATM displaying the Visa or Mastercard logo completely free of charge. It applies in Germany and abroad, with no restrictions or hidden fees.
One of the most valuable features is the complete elimination of foreign currency fees. You will not incur any extra charges if you pay in Euros or foreign currencies. This makes the Platinum Double particularly advantageous for frequent international travelers. The Platinum also Double includes an impressive suite of travel insurance policies:
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Travel health insurance
- Car rental collision damage waiver
The policies cover the cardholder, up to six accompanying travelers (regardless of their relationship), and are valid for trips lasting up to 90 consecutive days. This extended duration is rarely offered by other credit cards in Germany.
Beyond travel, the Platinum Double enhances everyday life with features like additional warranty coverage for household appliances and purchase protection covering items for up to 90 days after purchase.
The Platinum Double allows you to issue up to four partner cards (Visa and Mastercard pairs) at no additional cost. This benefit ensures that family members or other cardholders enjoy the same perks, including insurance coverage, even when traveling separately.
Barclays Platinum Double
€99 annual fee
€50 start bonus
When is the Barclays Platinum Double Right for You?
The Barclays Platinum Double is an excellent choice if you often travel within and outside the Eurozone. The absence of foreign currency fees and free global cash withdrawals make this card indispensable. The insurance policies, ensure financial protection in case of emergencies. Whether you are traveling with family or friends, everyone is covered. The extended warranty and purchase protection benefits make this card particularly appealing to those who frequently buy electronics or high-value items online.
However, the Platinum Double costs 99 Euros per year. If you only travel occasionally, do not rent a car, or primarily stay within the Eurozone, a simpler card such as the Barclays Gold Visa might be sufficient. On the other hand, it does not allow the collection of miles or points. For rewards seekers, the Eurowings Premium is an attractive alternative.
Eurowings Classic
As with all Barclays credit cards, a standout advantage of the Eurowings Classic card is the ability to withdraw cash outside Germany without paying withdrawal fees. Outside the Eurozone a 1.99% foreign transaction fee applies.
One of the card’s most attractive features is that it is a credit card for earning miles with every transaction. For every 2 Euros you spend, you earn 1 mile in Lufthansa’s Miles & More program. Therefore, you can maximize your reward potential for everyday spending.
The card enhances your Eurowings flying experience with two noteworthy perks:
- Security Fast Lane Access: Skip long security queues at airports like Berlin, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Munich.
- Free Sports Equipment: On any Eurowings flight paid for with the card, you can check one piece of sports equipment for free, saving up to 50 Euros per trip.
The Eurowings Classic includes travel cancellation and interruption insurance that protects against costs if unforeseen events, such as illness or accidents, force you to cancel or cut short a trip.
Eurowings
Classic
€0 for 1 year,
then €29 annual fee
500 Lufhansa Miles & More start bonus
When is the Eurowings Credit Card Classic Right for You?
The Eurowings Classic is ideal for travelers keen on collecting airline miles with Lufthansa or Star Alliance. The card’s seamless integration with Miles & More ensures that everyday spending contributes to future travel rewards. If you fly with Eurowings occasionally, the Fast Lane access and free sports equipment benefits can save time and money. Even a single trip can make the card worthwhile.
The travel cancellation and interruption insurance is a nice add-on. However, it is missing the essential travel health insurance. Also, if you frequently travel outside of Europe, you want to opt for the Eurowings Premium, which has no foreign currency fees.
The Eurowings Premium Credit Card stands out as a top-tier travel companion, offering exclusive benefits tailored for frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts.
One of the card’s most valuable advantages is the elimination of foreign transaction fees. You can transact globally without extra charges, whether withdrawing cash or making purchases. Additionally, the card allows you to withdraw cash from any ATM outside Germany for free, making it a reliable option for international travelers.
The Eurowings Premium Credit Card provides a robust set of travel insurance benefits, ensuring peace of mind during your trips:
- Travel health insurance: Offers worldwide coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling.
- Rental car collision damage waiver: Protects against costs related to damage or theft of rental vehicles.
- Travel cancellation and interruption insurance: Covers costs if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or emergencies.
With every purchase, the card lets you earn Miles & More points, Lufthansa’s renowned frequent flyer program. Earn 1 mile for every 2 Euros spent, helping you accumulate rewards effortlessly on daily purchases.
Cardholders enjoy status-like privileges when flying with Eurowings, making it the ideal companion for loyal customers of this Lufthansa subsidiary. Benefits include:
- Priority Check-In: Skip long queues and start your journey smoothly.
- Fast Lane Access: Breeze through security at major airports, including Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, Palma de Mallorca, London Heathrow, Vienna, Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, and others.
- Free Sports Equipment: Bring one sports equipment item free of charge for yourself and one companion if the booking is made with the Premium Credit Card.
- Family Luggage: Each child under 12 can check one regular baggage item for free.
- Free Seat Reservation: A free seat reservation for you and your companion is included. BASIC fare gives you a standard seat, while the SMART fare gives you a seat with more legroom.
Eurowings
Premium
€0 for 1 year,
then €99 annual fee
3,000 Lufhansa Miles & More start bonus
When is the Eurowings Premium Credit Card Right for You?
The card is great for any traveler with a comprehensive insurance package, free ATM withdrawals, and purchases abroad. It is one of the best cards for Lufthansa Group mileage collectors. You can earn miles for everyday shopping, and thanks to a generous welcome bonus, your first award flight will not be far away.
For Eurowings flyers, even a single trip can make the card worthwhile. Savings on fares for additional luggage or free seat reservations can quickly build up.
The card is completely free for the first year, allowing you to explore its benefits risk-free. From the second year onward, the annual fee is 99 Euros. Considering that you do not require the additional benefits, you can easily switch the card by contacting customer service online after the first year. Cheaper or free options like the Eurowings Classic or Barclays Visa are available.
How Easy Is It to Manage a Barclays Credit Card?
For an online bank, especially online banking and customer service are important aspects. Below are the key aspects in a nutshell.
Mobile App and Online Banking
Barclays provides an app and online banking platform for the German market. It is user-friendly and offers all essential services, such as
- View your statements and track spending instantly
- Perform bank transfers
- Change personal data
- Contact customer service
Customer Service
Barclays German customer service is available via chat, phone, and e-mail. The reviews on Trustpilot show low satisfaction with the quality of customer service. Especially the slow respoinse tmes and low are criticized. People especially criticize the slow response times for emails and long waiting times for the hotline. I personally had satisfying experiences with the customer service. On the phone, they were friendly, and the email responses were helpful. However, I never had very urgent issues like card locking or loss. I was asking for information about insurance coverage and changing the card type.
Integration with Digital Wallets
All Barclays credit cards in Germany are compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, enabling you to make payments with your smartphone or smartwatch.
How to Apply for a Barclays Credit Card in Germany
Applying for an American Express credit card in Germany is straightforward; it follows the regular credit card application process. In this section, I will guide you through the application steps and the requirements and give some tips.
Steps to Apply for a Barclays Credit Card
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure that you meet the following essential eligibility criteria:
- You must be a resident Germany with a valid address.
- A German bank account is required for bill settlement
- You must provide a passport or national ID card.
- You must have regular income.
- Schufa Check: Like most credit card applications in Germany, a Schufa creditworthiness check will be performed to assess your financial standing. Schufa is a credit bureau that collects information about your financial history, including loan payments, existing credit cards, and any debts. You shall not have any negative entries because of missed payments.
Conclusion: Is a Barclays Credit Card Right for You?
Barclays is an established player globally and in Germany. Being a customer myself, I have regularly enjoyed their perks and tried different options. They offer a variety of credit cards, each tailored to meet specific needs, making them an attractive option for many expats. Whether you are looking for a basic Visa card with no annual fees, one to gain frequent flyer miles for regular use or a premium option with comprehensive insurance, Barclays likely has a card that fits your lifestyle.
- If you are looking for a no-fee credit card with free cash withdrawal and no foreign transaction fees, the Visa Barclays is for you. Just make sure that you are good at managing your bills. The manual payment process is cumbersome and can quickly lead to high-interest payments. In any case, I would start applying for the Eurowings Premium Card. You can take advantage of a comprehensive insurance package, flight upgrades, get a start bonus, and collect miles for everyday use. The card does not have an annual fee for the first year, and – in case you want to keep the card free – you can easily downgrade to Barclays Visa by contacting customer service at the end of your first year.
Suppose you want a solid travel card with a proper insurance package. You can also go for the Eurowings Premium Card, or if you require fewer airline perks but a more solid insurance package, the Barclays Platinum Double Card.
What are the Alternatives?
If you are not sure whether a Barclays Credit Card is the best fit, here are a few options that might suit your needs:
- The Hanseatic GenialCard and the awa7 credit card, both issued by the established Hanseatic Bank, are very similar to the Barclays Visa: no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and complementary cash withdrawals. But they have two advantages:
- You can easily set a full automatic settlement of your credit balance every month. Hence, you do not run into the danger of paying high interest charges.
- The Hanseatic GenialCard comes with an attractive sign-up bonus. awa7 customers contribute to forest protection when signing up and using their credit cards.
- If you require a comprehensive travel card, consider the Hanseatic Bank GoldCard. It offers a comprehensive insurance package like Barclay’s premium credit card. However, the monthly fee of 4.90 Euros is significantly lower.
- If you are looking for cashback and reward options, you can also check American Express and the Hilton Honors cards. With Hilton, you get hotel instead of airline perks and points. American Express Membership Rewards are flexibly redeemable. Amex even offers three attractive options without an annual fee: the PAYBACK American Express, the Green Card, and the BMW Card.
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.
