To create a holistic overview of all German virtual credit cards, I screened the list of credit card companies in Germany. In this article, I will present each card’s features, benefits, and drawbacks so that you have all the available information to pick the best option for you.
Commercial partners
Best Virtual Credit Card in Germany: My Favorites
Complete Package
C24 Virtual Mastercard
- Free physical and virtual cards
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cashback, interest and overdraft
Most Free Cards
Wise Virtual Visa
- 3 virtual card creations daily
- Multi-currency account
- Easy registration with worldwide
Cashback & Interest
Trade Republic Virtual Card
- Free virtual card
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1% cashback and overdraft
- EU residence
User Favorite
N26 Virtual Mastercard
- Free virtual card
- No foreign transaction fees
- Interest and overdraft
- EU residence
This page is part of my guide on Best Credit Cards in Germany highlighting the top credit card options across different categories.
List of Virtual Credit Cards in Germany
Currently, there are eight online Visa and Mastercard available in Germany.
All options are debit or prepaid credit cards, meaning you require sufficient funds on your account to perform a transaction. The cards do not have a credit line; however, some banks offer overdraft options on their connected current accounts. The list is in alphabetic order with our commercial partners at the top.
C24
Virtual Mastercard
No annual fee
Trade Republic
Virtual Visa
No annual fee
Unitplus
Virtual Mastercard
No annual fee
Wise
Virtual Visa Currency Card
No annual fee
bunq
Virtual Mastercard
No annual fee
Revolut
Virtual Visa or Mastercard
No annual fee
What Are Types of Virtual Cards?
A virtual credit card or online credit card is entirely digital. It provides a flexible, secure, and convenient solution for managing financial transactions. They do not exist as physical credit cards and are typically generated through mobile banking apps or payment service providers. They allow you to shop online, make online payments or use them on your smartphone, i.e., with Google Pay or Apple Pay. Some virtual debit and credit cards have a temporary or one-time validity, enhancing security for online purchases.
Virtual cards are often issued instantly and can be activated directly through an app. This is a significant advantage compared to traditional cards, which may require more application, approval, and delivery time.
Why Expats in Germany May Need Online Credit Cards
Moving to Germany as an expat can be exciting, but setting up a financial foundation often comes with challenges. Traditional credit cards in Germany often come with rigid application requirements, credit checks (Schufa), and relatively slow approval processes. These obstacles can make the transition more difficult, especially when immediate financial solutions are needed.
Virtual and online credit cards offer a practical solution for expats, simplifying to bridge the gap.
Features of a Virtual Credit Card and Drawbacks
Instant Issuance and Activation
One of the greatest advantages of virtual and online credit cards is their immediate availability. Virtual credit cards can often be issued and activated within minutes through a mobile app or website, allowing you to start making payments without delay.
Secure Transactions
Virtual credit cards prioritize security, offering features like temporary or disposable card numbers. These can be generated for one-time use or specific transactions, reducing the risk of fraud. It is also beneficial if you purchase an item from an unfamiliar online store.
Flexibility for Those Without a Permanent Address
For expats who are new to Germany, obtaining a traditional credit card may require proof of a permanent address, which can be a hurdle if you are staying in temporary accommodations or still searching for a long-term home. Virtual credit cards bypass this requirement in many cases and even allow you to register with a foreign address.
Not Accepted Everywhere
Although virtual cards work seamlessly for online transactions, they may not be accepted in physical retail stores. In Germany, many shops still rely heavily on Girocard or cash payments, and virtual cards without a physical counterpart cannot be used for these transactions. Most virtual cards are debit cards. Hence, they cannot be used for hotel reservations or rental car bookings.
Criteria for Using a Virtual Credit Card
When selecting a virtual or online credit card in Germany, it is important to consider the features that will best suit your needs as an expat. In my opinion, focusing on the following criteria can help you identify the most suitable card for your lifestyle and financial habits.
Low or No Fees
Cost is a critical factor when choosing a virtual credit card. Many virtual and online credit cards come without monthy fees. Some also waive fees for currency conversions.
Flexibility and Strong Security Features
Security is often a core requirement when choosing a virtual credit card. But not all are created equal. Look for features such as:
- Disposable or one-time-use virtual card numbers
- Temporary deactivation of the card
- Real-time transaction notifications via mobile apps
User-Friendly Apps with English-Language Support
As an expat, navigating banking apps in German might be overwhelming if you are not fluent in the language. You may prefer a virtual card provider with an intuitive app that offers English-language support.
Conclusion: Getting A Virtual Credit Card in Germany
In conclusion, virtual and online credit cards offer a high level of flexibility and convenience, especially for expats in Germany. They provide a quick and secure way to manage payments for everyday expenses like subscriptions, booking travel, or making online purchases. A key advantage is the ability to generate disposable card numbers for one-time transactions or temporarily block the card. However, as with any financial tool, it’s important to consider the limitations – such as potential fees.
In my opinion, the best virtual card depends entirely on your personal circumstances and how you plan to use it. If you need a card primarily for online purchases or subscriptions, cards like N26 or Trade Republic could be great options. On the other hand, if you require multi-currency support or need to continuously create new card numbers, something like Wise might be better suited to your needs.
I encourage you to compare the top 10 options discussed and choose the one that aligns best with your financial habits and goals.
