Reward credit cards offer significant perks such as cashback on everyday purchases, airline miles for travel enthusiasts, and hotel or other points you can redeem for various rewards. These cards can give you access to usually unattainable perks such as business-class flights or sleepovers in a presidential suite. But they can also simply help you save money in the long run.
I have traveled extensively and have profound experience with various loyalty programs and credit card options. Being a points collector, I know that the German credit card market operates differently than other countries. Credit cards are less commonly used than in places like the United States or the UK, and options for rewards cards are relatively limited. Through my real-life experience using credit cards and screening the offers of all credit card companies in Germany, I created a list of all available rewards cards and evaluated them carefully. This article is designed to simplify your search by providing a detailed overview of the best reward credit cards for expats in Germany.
This feature is part of my larger guide on Best Credit Cards in Germany, highlighting the top options across different categories.
Best Credit Cards for Points and Miles in Germany
My Personal Opinion
- American Express suits everyone: The PAYBACK American Express is a good deal for the daily shopper; the Green Card suits the one looking for airline miles or hotel points, whereas the Platinum card represents the ultimate premium travel card.
- Eurowings Premium for globetrotters: This is one of the best travel credit cards in Germany. It collects Lufthansa’s Miles & More, airline status benefits, holistic travel insurance, and no fees abroad.
- Hilton Honors for hotel lovers: For everyone frequently staying at Hilton Group hotels, the status benefits of this card pay off quickly, and swiping the card pays for the next trip.
American Express: The Ultimate Rewards Card
American Express (Amex) is the global leader for rewards credit cards. They provide by far the most options to collect airline miles, hotel points, and cashback in Germany.
American Express has built a reputation for prestige and quality. However, their credit card range has become very accessible.
Today, American Express also offers free credit cards in Germany to help customers gain rewards and access attractive discounts. Moreover, Amex has become widely accepted by German retailersf and or online shopping. From my own experience, I can tell that – except for smaller cafés and restaurants – I rarely use another card since the company reduced merchant fees some years ago. Neither are their lower-tier models bound to rigid creditworthiness criteria so that expats can gain easy access.
Moreover, Amex still offers premium cards like the American Express Platinum that give you luxury perks such as lounge access, travel budgets, and hotel VIP status.
The cards are attractive for everyone looking to gain perks and flexibly redeem them. Amex is the only credit card in Germany that can collect miles for popular programs like SkyTeam, Oneworld, and Emirates Airlines or points for Radisson and Marriott hotels. And even the dedicated Miles & More or Hilton Honors cards oftentimes do not offer more perks.
Membership Rewards Earnings & Redemption
The American Express cards earn you 1 Membership Rewards point per each Euro spent. Using the popular “turbo” option, which you can purchase for 15 Euros yearly, you will get 1.50 points for each Euro spent. There are some exceptions, though:
- The Blue Card is Amex’s option without an annual fee. Still, participation in the Membership Rewards program costs 35 Euros per year, making it fairly unattractive as other cards (Green, BMW, PAYBACK) are also available without an annual fee and include point collection.
- For the BMW Cards, the “turbo” option is not available. On the other hand, you can collect 1% cashback or double points at gas stations.
- The PAYBACK American Express earns you PAYBACK points – Germany’s most extensive loyalty program, with all major retailers and hundreds of online shops participating – instead of Membership Rewards. You earn 1 PAYBACK point for 3 Euros spent. All other credit cards also allow you to exchange your Membership Rewards into PAYBACK points for the same ratio (3 Membership Rewards = 1 PAYBACK point).
Membership Rewards Points can be redeemed for:
- Point transfers: Convert points to airline miles, hotel loyalty programs, or PAYBACK. It is the most lucrative option.
- Travel: You can book flights, hotels, or car rentals on Amex’s booking portal.
- Card Statement: Pay selected transactions with accumulated points to pay your balance
- Shopping: Get gift cards or purchase directly with points at partner retailers (e.g., 1 Membership Reward point = 0.40 Euros at Amazon)
- Charity: Donate your points to support good causes.
Transferring Membership Rewards
You can transfer your points for desirable ratios from all global alliances, like Oneworld (British Airways, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, Qatar), SkyTeam (AirFrance-KLM, SAS, Delta), Star Alliance (Singapore), and independent airlines (Emirates, Etihad).
Furthermore, transfer to Lufthansa’s Miles and More program is possible when first converting your Membership Rewards into PAYBACK points. This option is very attractive as you can collect double points when shopping at PAYBACK partners. Please read all about this in my detailed American Express review here.
In terms of hotels, Hilton, Radisson, and Marriott take part in the transfer program.
Point Transfer Options: Overviews of Hotels & Airlines
Exchange Ratio
Participating Programs
1 Membership Reward Points
=
2 Program miles / points
Hotels: Radisson Rewards
1 Membership Reward Points
=
1 Program miles / points
Hotels: Hilton Honors
5 Membership Reward Points
=
4 Program miles / points
Airlines:
Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific), British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Flying Blue (Air France-KLM), Iberia Plus, Qatar Priviledge Club, SAS Eurobonus
3 Membership Reward Points
=
2 Program miles / points
Airlines: KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines), Delta SkyMiles
Hotels: Marriott Bonvoy
3 Membership Reward Points
=
1 Program miles / points
Airlines: Miles & More (Lufthansa via PAYBACK)
Amex Offers, Insurance, and Travel Perks
Amex Offers are changing promotions that can be activated in the Amex app. With certain partners, you can get attractive cashback – I recently collected 50 Euros for spending 200 Euros at a Holiday Inn – or collect extra points. Amex cards also include different insurance packages depending on the card type. With the Platinum card, you even get premium perks such as:
- Airport lounge access for 2 people
- VIP status for hotel stays and car rentals
- Yearly budget for travel booking, restaurant dining, and limousine services
Drawbacks of American Express
American Express is less accepted than Visa or Mastercard. However, I rarely experience problems in Germany when making purchases daily. Smaller coffee places or restaurants might ask for a different card or only accept cash. But all major retailers and online stores, where you usually spend the most money, accept Amex.
You should not use the Amex cards for cash withdrawals (4%, at least 5 Euros) or non-Euro transactions (2%) as high fees are due.
Most Popular American Express Cards in Germany
Eurowings: Miles & More by Barclays
The Eurowings Credit Cards are probably the most underestimated option for collecting Miles & More in the Lufthansa universe.
The co-branded cards are issued by the German entity of the British banking giant Barclays, one of the world-leading financial institutions. Their German credit cards are famous for their low fees in terms of annual subscription, international usage, cash withdrawals, and sound insurance packages.
Eurowings is the budget airline branch of Lufthansa group. It focuses on flights from major German airports (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart) and other European bases like Prague, Stockholm, or Salzburg. Since Eurowings retired its own loyalty program, “Boomerang Club,” in 2022, it is now a full affiliate of Lufthansa’s Miles & More program. Hence you can earn miles on Eurowings flights to spend on free flights with Star Alliance airline members and vice versa.
These credit cards are the best for everyone looking to collect airline miles with Lufthansa Miles & More, someone looking for a comprehensive travel credit card, or occasional Eurowings flyers. No other credit card lets you earn more Lufthansa miles per Euro spent. It is the only credit card with a long interest-free period of up to 59 days, free cash withdrawals, and Premium even skips foreign transaction fees. Perks like additional luggage or fee seat reservation can already compensate the yearly fee as of the first flight.
Miles & More Earnings and Redemption
The Eurowings credit cards give 1 airline mile per 2 Euros. It is the same as the Miles & More credit cards or the Amex rewards cards (with activated “turbo” option).
You can redeem Miles & More in the following ways:
- Free flights and upgrades (usually the most economical options) across all Star Alliance Airlines
- Offset the CO2 footprint when taking a flight
- Get a hotel or rental car with associated Miles & More partners
- Donate your miles for a good cause
- Shop gift cards by Cadooz or products in the Lufthansa Worldshop
Eurowings Credit Card Options and Variants
The Eurowings Credit Card is available in two options, each tailored to different user needs and preferences:
- Eurowings Classic
- Eurowings Premium
Both options are entirely free during the first year. Hence, in my opinion, it makes sense to always apply for Eurowings Premium, enjoy the additional perks, and then – in case you want to lower the fees – switch to the Classic Card. From my own experience with Barclays, you can easily do this by contacting customer service in the app or online banking.
Eurowings Classic
As with all Barclays credit cards, the Eurowings Classic card lets you withdraw cash outside Germany without paying withdrawal fees. For transactions in currencies other than the Euro, a 1.99% fee applies. The open credit card balance is only due in the consecutive month after receiving the bill. Hence, you receive an interest-free credit of up to 59 days. It is one of the longest available in Germany.
The Eurowings Classic includes travel cancellation and interruption insurance, which protects against costs in unforeseen events, such as illness or accidents. The card also enhances your Eurowings flying experience with two noteworthy perks:
- Security Fast Lane Access: Skip long security queues at Berlin, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Munich airports.
- 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.
- 500 Welcome Miles
Eurowings Premium
Eurowings Premium is one of the best travel credit cards in Germany. It features all the perks of the Eurowings Classic card. In addition, it also comes with zero foreign transaction fees. Hence, this card is the best option available if you want to collect miles abroad.
Eurowings Premium cardholders enjoy status-like privileges on Eurowings flights that can already pay off after the first flight:
- Priority check-in: Take the extra counter to reduce the waiting times.
- Fast lane access: Do not wait for security at major airports across Europe, namely Amsterdam (AMS), Bergamo (BGY), Berlin (BER), Birmingham (BHX), Bremen (BRE), Düsseldorf (DUS), Geneva (GVA), Hamburg (HAM), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), Leipzig (LEJ), London Heathrow (LHR), Milan (MXP), Manchester (MAN), Munich (MUC, Terminal 1), Nuremberg (NUE), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Paris (CDG), Prague (PRG), Stuttgart (STR) and Vienna (VIE).
- Free Sports Equipment: Bring one sports equipment item free of charge for yourself and one companion.
- Family Luggage: Check one regular baggage item for free for each child under 12 can
- Free Seat Reservation: You and your companion enjoy free seat reservations. BASIC fare gives you a standard seat, while SMART customers get a seat with more legroom.
- 3,000 Welcome Miles
The Eurowings Premium Credit Card also includes a very complete set of travel insurance:
- Travel health insurance: Worldwide coverage for medical expenses, even if the trip was not booked by credit card.
- Rental car collision damage waiver: Protection related to damage or theft of rental vehicles.
- Travel cancellation and interruption insurance: Coverage if you cancel your trip or it is interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or emergencies.
Eurowings
Classic
€0 for 1 year,
then €29 annual fee
500 Lufhansa Miles & More start bonus
Eurowings
Premium
Miles & More: Lufthansa Airlines Credit Card
Often referred to as the Lufthansa Credit Card, the Miles & More Credit Card is an established rewards credit card.
It is issued as a Mastercard in cooperation with DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank), a well-established German direct bank headquartered in Berlin. Founded in 1990, DKB is famous amongst customers for its flagship online bank account, “DKB Cash.”
This card is closely tied to Lufthansa’s Miles & More frequent flyer program, allowing travelers to earn miles on everyday purchases. However, it also has some drawbacks, especially for frequent international travelers.
The MyFlex card is best for those who want to collect Miles & More without paying an annual fee. The Blue and Gold are suited for people who look to stop their miles from expiring or buy qualifying points towards a frequent flyer status. In all other cases, probably Eurowings by Barclays and Amex are more attractive options for Lufthansa Miles & More collectors.
Miles Earning Potential and Redemption
The Miles & More credit cards allow you to earn 1 airline mile per 2 Euros. They are therefore using the same ratio as the Eurowings credit cards or the Amex rewards cards (with activated “turbo” option).
The following options exist to redeem your miles:
- Free flights and upgrades (usually the most economic options)
- Offset your CO2 footprint
- Book a hotel or rental car with Miles & More partners
- Donate your miles
- Pay a certain amount of your credit card bill (MilesPay), gift cards by Cadooz, or products in the Lufthansa Worldshop
Miles & More Card Options and Variants
The Miles & More Credit Card is available in three variants, each tailored to different user needs and preferences:
- Miles & More MyFlex Credit Card
- Miles & More Blue Credit Card
- Miles & More Gold Credit Card
Additionally, business customers and Miles & More status holders (e.g., Frequent Traveller, Senator, or HON Circle members) can receive special options for the cards with additional benefits.
Miles & More MyFlex Credit Card
The Miles & More MyFlex Credit Card is the simplest option. The main purpose is to collect miles for cashless payments in Euros. The card does not come with additional perks but with the significant advantage of no annual fees. The major drawbacks:
- Foreign Transaction Fee: A 1.95% surcharge applies to purchases made in foreign currencies. This is an issue when traveling, as the cost actually exceeds the value of the collected miles. The Eurowings Premium card solves this issue better.
- Cash Withdrawal Fee: Each withdrawal cost 2% of the withdrawal amount (minimum €5).
- Repayment: The MyFlex Card only supports automatic partial payments. In the card’s online banking, you can set the monthly repayment between 10% and 50%. This amount is automatically debited from your bank account. You must then manually transfer the remaining balance to avoid interest charges. The interest rate (APR) is 16.82%.
Miles & More Blue Credit Card
The Miles & More Blue Card costs 5.50 Euros per month. Compared to the MyFlex card, it offers the following advantages:
- Unlimited Mileage Validity: For holders of the Blue or Gold cards, miles never expire, provided the card remains active. It is a significant benefit if you have a lot of miles. Standard miles collected with Miles & More typically expire 36 months after earning, regardless of account activity.
- Repayment: You can set the repayment amount to 100%. Your outstanding balance is automatically deducted from your bank account each month so that you avoid interest charges.
- 500 Welcome Miles
Miles & More Gold Credit Card
The Miles & More Gold Credit Card is the premium option for a monthly fee of 11.50 Euros. Compared to the Blue Card, it has additional benefits:
- 2 free yearly cash withdrawals: Two annual cash withdrawals abroad with no fees. From the third withdrawal onwards, the usual fee of 2% of the withdrawal amount (minimum €5) applies.
- Qualifying Points for Status: Gold cardholders can exchange 25,000 award miles for 100 Qualifying Points (in increments of 5,000 miles for 20 points). This feature makes achieving or maintaining frequent flyer status easier within the Miles & More program.
- Travel Insurance: The Gold card variants include trip cancellation insurance, foreign travel health insurance, rental car collision damage waiver
- Data roaming abroad: Card holders can use three instances of 1GB free mobile data abroad.
- 4,000 Welcome Miles
Hilton Honors Credit Card: Collecting Hotel Points
The Hilton Honors Credit Card, introduced in the summer of 2024 by Advanzia Bank, is an exciting option for Hilton enthusiasts in Germany.
The card is issued by Advanzia Bank S.A., a digital bank established in Luxembourg in 2005. Known for its expertise in credit cards, Advanzia operates popular products such as the Gebührenfrei Mastercard Gold, widely recognized in Germany for its flexible terms and worldwide acceptance.
The Hilton Honors Mastercard credit card offers benefits, including hotel status privileges, travel insurance, and no international transaction fees.
This card is especially interesting for frequent Hilton Hotel users. The Hilton Hotel Gold Status perks and free-night redemption options make this reward credit card valuable. Only with the American Express Platinum, can you get the Gold status and earn a similar amount of points.
Hilton Points Earning Potential and Redemption
The Hilton Honors Credit Card allows you to earn Hilton Honors points for everyday spending to accumulate rewards:
- 1 Point per 1 Euro spent on all transactions.
- 2 Points per 1 Euro spent on Hilton hotel purchases.
There are several options to redeem your points:
- Spend them for free nights at Hilton Hotels. It is by far the most attractive option, one night costing between 5,000 and 120,000 points.
- Spend them on hotel activities such as Spa treatments or experiences.
- Convert them to approx. 30 different airline miles (e.g., ANA, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Flying Blue, Qantas, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, United; please note that a transfer to Lufthansa’s Miles & More is not possible). With an exchange rate of 10,000 Hilton Honors points equalling between 1,000 and 2,000 miles, this option is not very attractive.
- Book a rental car with Alamo, National, or Enterprise. Also, for this redemption option, the point value is fairly low.
- Donate your pointsard valuable.
Hilton Honors Gold Status
One of the most remarkable features of the Hilton Honors Credit Card is the automatic Gold Status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program. Unlike traditional hotel status, which requires meeting stay or spending thresholds, the Gold Status is granted simply for being a cardholder—no hotel stays are necessary. This status unlocks exclusive perks, including:
- Complimentary Continental Breakfast: For up to two people or a daily food and beverage credit, depending on the brand and region. With a couple traveling, the fee can already be compensated with one yearly trip only.
- Room Upgrades: Complimentary upgrades to better rooms (often Executive Level) based on availability, with potential access to lounges.
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 1,000 points as a welcome gift at check-in.
- Bonus Points: Earn an additional 80% bonus on points for eligible hotel spend.
- Early Check-In and Late Check-Out: Subject to availability.
- Complimentary Bottled Water: Two bottles in your room per stay.
The card also offers frequent travelers a pathway to Hilton’s Diamond Status, providing even greater benefits, including guaranteed lounge access and additional rewards.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
The Hilton Honors Credit Card includes a robust set of travel insurance benefits, provided you pay at least 50% of the travel cost with the card. Coverage extends to the cardholder, their spouse, legal partner, and dependent children. Key insurance features include:
- Foreign Travel Health Insurance
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Personal Liability Insurance
- Baggage Insurance (including baggage delay coverage)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Purchase Protection Insurance
Amazon Visa: Cashback for Online Shoppers
Germany is Amazon’s second-largest market in the world. It comes as no surprise that the online retailer has already been providing a dedicated Amazon credit card in Germany for several years.
In 2024, Amazon announced a new partnership. The Amazon credit card is now issued by a subsidiary of Spanish Santander, one of the largest financial institutions in the world. The entity Openbank has been growing quickly across Europe, focusing on technology-driven banking solutions.
The Amazon Visa Card is a no-frills card that allows frequent Amazon shoppers to save money on their purchases.
This card is most attractive to Amazon enthusiasts. Collected points are only redeemable with the online giant. Also, you gain extra points when shopping with Amazon, equalling up to 2% cashback. For infrequent users, a more versatile, such as American Express, can be an interesting alternative. Their Membership Rewards are also redeemable on Amazon.
Amazon Points Earnings and Redemption
The card operates like cashback, which rewards you with Amazon points for every Euro spend with the card:
- 1 point per 2 Euros on all regular purchases, regardless of the retailer
- 1 point per 1 Euro (double points) for shopping on Amazon.de.
- Up to 2 points per 1 Euro during special promotional events for Amazon Prime members.
The collected points are automatically added to your Amazon.de account, and you can pay your purchases. 1 point equals 1 cent. New cardholders also receive a welcome credit of 10 Euros on their Amazon.de account.
Features of the Amazon Credit Card
Amazon’s Credit Card is a no-frills credit card that rewards daily purchases and payments with cashback. The card has no annual fee without conditions or minimum spending, making it a risk-free option.
Frequent travelers should have an alternative available if they require a card for trips abroad, too. For transactions made in currencies other than Euros, Openbank charges a fee of 1.5%. The bank also charges 3.9% for cash withdrawals (with a minimum charge of 1.50 Euros per transaction) within the Eurozone. Adding the foreign transaction fees, it makes 5.4% of withdrawals in other currencies.
The card allows you to carry a balance through partial payments. However, with an interest rate of over 20%, this is not very sustainable. On the other hand, you can select the very consumer-friendly “full payment” option. The outstanding balance is automatically deducted from your bank account each month, and you avoid any interest payments.
Other Reward Cards
The cards listed above are the major credit cards used in Germany to collect points or miles. However, I would like to give you the complete picture of my research:
- Various cards like Hanseatic Bank Credit Cards give you access to their own cashback portals. You get special offers for products, vouchers, or travel cashback when using their portal. However, options are limited, and you do not collect points for regular use.
- The TARGOBANK Gold and Premium credit cards allow to collect 1% to 2% cashback. However, there is a yearly cap of 100 or 200 Euros respectively.
Some Debit Cards allow collecting cashback:
- N26 Business (0.1-0.5%): The cashback is directly paid out on your account each month.
- C24 Bank (0.05-1%): Points can be paid out in cash or redeemed at CHECK24.
- Trade Republic (1%): Amount is invested into investment savings plan of your choice.
- Vivid Money (depending on merchant): Cashback is immediately credited to your account.
- Revolut (0.4% to 1%): RevPoints can be converted into miles, hotel stays, and more.
Overview of Credit Card Reward Systems and How they Work
When it comes to reward credit cards in Germany, there are three main types of systems:
- Flexible reward cards for points
- Specialized reward cards for airline miles or hotel points
- Cashback Credit Cards.
However, the lines between these categories often blur, as many cards incorporate features from multiple systems. Below, I explain each type in detail, along with examples and insights into how they overlap.
Flexible Reward Cards for Points
Flexible reward cards offer the most versatility, allowing users to redeem points or rewards in multiple ways. These cards are perfect for individuals who value having options and want to maximize the utility of their rewards.
Programs like American Express Membership Rewards or PAYBACK are excellent examples. With an American Express card, you can earn Membership Rewards points and decide whether to use them to book flights, transfer them to a frequent flyer program, convert them to hotel points, or redeem them as cashback.
Specialized Reward Cards for Airline Miles or Hotel Points
Specialized reward cards are tied to a specific program, such as airline miles, hotel loyalty points, or even retail-focused systems. These cards often offer the best benefits within their niche but are less flexible for other redemptions.
For example, the Lufthansa Miles & More credit card is ideal for collecting airline miles. Those miles can also be used for non-flight rewards, such as hotel stays or gift cards. However, conversion rates from Miles & More are not very favorable, and the value you get from the converted hotel points is much lower than directly converting them into a flight.
Cashback Credit Cards
Cashback credit cards focus on providing straightforward savings by offering a percentage of your spending back as a cash reward. A cashback card might offer 1% on all purchases or higher percentages for specific categories, like 3% on fuel. While simpler to use, the cash value is usually not as attractive as, for example, booking a reward flight or hotel night.
Overlapping Features and Versatility
Many modern credit cards do not fit neatly into one category. For instance:
- American Express Membership Rewards is a flexible points system that allows you to transfer points to airline or hotel programs, but it also includes cashback offers via Amex Offers.
- Lufthansa Miles & More specializes in airline miles, which can also be used for hotels, car rentals, and shopping.
- PAYBACK combines elements of cashback and points, as points can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or even air miles.
The best reward system depends on your lifestyle and spending habits:
- If you value flexibility, a general rewards card like Amex is likely your best option.
- A specialized card will maximize your rewards if you are loyal to a specific brand, such as Lufthansa or Hilton.
- If you prefer straightforward savings, a cashback card is ideal.
Best Travel Credit Cards for Airline Miles
In the world of travel rewards, airline miles programs are among the most popular ways for frequent travelers to earn benefits. These programs let you earn miles for flights and redeem them for tickets, upgrades, or other travel perks. In this chapter, I will focus on key airline miles systems, including Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Flying Blue, and explore independent airline programs like Emirates Skywards. I will list the rewards credit cards that let you collect or convert miles. Selecting the right airline miles program depends on your travel habits, preferences, and location.
Credit Cards for the Star Alliance and Lufthansa Miles & More
Star Alliance is the largest alliance in Germany and central Europe due to Lufthansa’s dominant position. Most airlines have their own loyalty program. Lufthansa’s Miles & More allows you to earn and redeem miles with over 25 airlines globally, such as United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways. It provides access to an extensive network of flight options and travel benefits. You can also earn miles with the programs of other Star Alliance airlines programs and spend them on Lufthansa flights. The following options to collect Star Alliance miles with a credit card in Germany exist:
Credit Cards for the SkyTeam Alliance and Flying Blue
SkyTeam partners include airlines such as Delta Airlines, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. Flying Blue allows members to earn and redeem miles across these airlines and partner programs. Flying Blue is the joint program of Air France-KLM and probably the most popular SkyTeam program in Germany. The following German credit cards let you transfer points to SkyTeam.
Aeromexico Rewards
- Hilton Honors: 6.5 miles per 25 Euros spent
AirFrance-KLM Flying Blue, SAS Eurobonus:
Delta Airlines SkyMiles
Virgin Atlantic / Australia FlyingClub, Saudia AlFursan
Credit Cards for the Oneworld Alliance and British Airways Executive Club
The Oneworld alliance is the third prominent network of global airlines with airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Japan Airlines. The British Airways Executive Club with Avios is the key loyalty program in Europe. The following credit cards for collection Oneworld Miles are available.
British Airways Executive Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Iberia Plus, Qatar Priviledge Club
- American Express:
- 3 miles per 2 Euros spent with turbo option (available for Blue, Green, Gold, and Platinum)
- 3 miles per 4 Euros spent without turbo option
- Hilton Honors: 1 mile per 10 Euros spent
- American Express:
Japan Airlines
Malaysia Airlines Enrich
Qantas Airlines Frequent Flyer
Rewards Credit Cards for Independent Airline Programs
In contrast to alliance-based programs, independent airlines like Emirates offer their own loyalty programs, such as Emirates Skywards. These programs take part in coversions of credit card points:
Air Asia BIG
- Hilton Honors: 1 mile per 5 Euros spent
Emirates Skywards, EtihadGuest
Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Club
Credit Cards for Hotel Points Loyalty Programs
Credit cards linked to hotel loyalty programs are an excellent choice for frequent travelers who prefer staying within a specific hotel chain. These cards allow users to earn points directly tied to the hotel’s loyalty system, offering unique perks and benefits for loyal guests.
The points are generally awarded at higher rates for purchases made within the hotel chain, such as room bookings, dining, or spa services. Additionally, many of these cards are known for automatic elite status upgrades, which provide additional privileges without requiring frequent stays.
In Germany, only one Hotel credit card is available, namely the Hilton Honors Credit Card. You collect 1 point (or 2 Euros at Hilton) for 1 Euro spent. You also enjoy Gold status benefits, including complimentary breakfast and room upgrades.
Moreover, you can convert American Express Membership Rewards into Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson hotel points. With the Platinum card, you also get status upgrades for several hotels.
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA)
- Platinum status for Amex Platinum cardholders
Hilton
Marriott
Mélia
Radisson
Conclusion
Reward credit cards in Germany offer many benefits, whether focused on airline miles, hotel points, or cashback. From my own experience, these cards provide an excellent opportunity to earn rewards on everyday spending while enjoying perks like complimentary hotel stays, flight upgrades, and even cash savings – whether you are a student, expat, or local.
However, the offer of rewards credit cards in Germany is not as extensive as in other countries like the US. You should evaluate your needs and spending habits before choosing a card. Consider annual fees, foreign transaction costs, rewards earning potential, and additional perks like travel insurance or elite status upgrades.
- American Express provides flexibility as you can redeem your rewards for various perks such as airline miles, hotel points, rental cars, shopping, or even cash. There are risk-free options available that suit any lifestyle and situation.
- If you fly frequently, have spent in other currencies, and require insurance, a card tied to Miles & More, like the Eurowings, might offer the most value.
- As a regular Hilton guest, you can also consider the Hilton Honors credit card, which offers many status perks.
But in the end, the decision is on you to choose from the options and start turning your daily spending into valuable miles or points today!
