Best Credit Cards in Germany 2026 (Also for Foreigners)
The same free cards that top every "best credit card in Germany" list also work with zero Schufa history. Your foreign bank card charging 3% on every purchase? We ranked the top cards for everyone in Germany, debit and credit, and marked which ones work without German citizenship or credit history.
Compare Credit Cards for Foreigners
Find the right card for your situation. Filter by Schufa requirement, annual fee, and card type.
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Your 3 options as a foreigner
Not every card works the same way. What you can get depends on your Schufa status and how long you have been in Germany. Need a step-by-step application walkthrough? Jump to how to apply below.
Fintech Debit Cards
No Schufa Required
- N26, Wise, Revolut, Trade Republic
- Virtual card within minutes
- English apps, Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Works for online payments, subscriptions
Credit Cards
Flexible Schufa Approval
- easybank Visa, GenialCard, TF Bank
- Real credit line (spend now, pay later)
- Free ATM worldwide
- Needed for hotel/car rental deposits
Prepaid Cards
Last Resort Only
- High issuing fees (up to 70)
- Annual fees and ATM charges on top
- Does not build your Schufa record
- Free debit cards do the same thing for 0
If you truly need one, see our prepaid credit card comparison for Germany for a fee-by-fee breakdown.
Top Debit Cards Without Schufa
These work like credit cards for everyday payments but charge your account right away. No credit check, no waiting period.
N26 Standard
Mastercard Debit
German IBAN, instant virtual card, Apple Pay and Google Pay ready
Wise
Visa Debit
Best exchange rates, send money home cheaply
easybank Visa (ex-Barclays)
Visa Credit Card
Free everywhere, long interest-free period, real credit line
Hanseatic GenialCard
Visa Credit Card
Good for building credit history, flexible repayment
Trade Republic
Visa Debit
Unlimited free ATM, cashback into ETF, interest on deposits
Side-by-side comparison
All 7 cards for foreigners in Germany at a glance. Every card has zero annual fee. Not sure whether you need a debit or credit card? Our debit vs credit card guide explains the difference.
| Card | Type | Annual Fee | Schufa | Free ATM | English | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N26 Standard | Debit | 0 | No | 3x/month free | Best for Newcomers | |
| Wise | Debit | 0 | No | Up to 200/mo | Best Multi-Currency | |
| Revolut Standard | Debit | 0 | No | Up to 200/mo | Best Budgeting | |
| Trade Republic | Debit | 0 | No | Unlimited (min 100) | Best Cashback | |
| easybank Visa (ex-Barclays) | Credit | 0 | Yes (flexible) | Free worldwide | German | Best All-Rounder |
| GenialCard | Credit | 0 | Yes (flexible) | Free worldwide | German | Best Starter Credit |
| TF Bank Gold | Credit | 0 | Yes (flexible) | Free worldwide | German | Free Travel Insurance |
All listed cards have 0 annual fee. Debit cards charge your account immediately; credit cards bill monthly. Features and limits may change.
Not just for foreigners: the full comparison
Looking for the best credit card in Germany overall, not just a no-Schufa starter card? These three add travel insurance, cashback, or a longer track record, and all charge 0 annual fee.
Advanzia Mastercard Gold
Best for travelers
- 0 annual fee, 0% foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals worldwide
- Travel insurance included
- No German bank account required
Hanseatic GenialCard
Best for online shoppers
- 0 annual fee, 0% foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM abroad, 3.95 EUR per withdrawal inside Germany
- Up to 7% cashback at partner merchants
- Good starter credit line for building Schufa
easybank Visa (ex-Barclays)
Best all-rounder
- 0 annual fee, forever, not just year one
- Free ATM worldwide, 0% foreign fees
- Rebranded from Barclays after BAWAG Group's February 2026 acquisition
- Same product, same terms, new name
Carry a balance instead of paying in full? Expect 17-25% APR depending on the card. See our full fee breakdown for exact rates per card.
EU citizens vs. non-EU citizens
Your nationality affects what documents you need, but most fintechs treat both groups similarly.
EU citizens
- Passport or national ID
- German registered address (Anmeldung)
- No residence permit needed
- Can open N26, Wise, Revolut, Trade Republic on day one
Non-EU citizens
- Passport plus valid residence permit or Blue Card
- German registered address (Anmeldung)
- Some banks ask for proof of income
- Fintechs are less strict than traditional banks
Before Anmeldung: Wise and Revolut let you open an account with just an EU address. You will not get a German IBAN yet, but you can start using the card right away and switch later.
Which card fits your situation?
Just Arrived
0 - 3 Months in Germany
Get: N26 Standard + Wise
- Open account online in minutes
- No Schufa needed at all
- German IBAN for rent and bills
- Start building Schufa history
Want something even faster? Our virtual credit card guide shows how to get a digital card in under 15 minutes, ready for Apple Pay right away.
Settling In
3 - 12 Months in Germany
Add: Trade Republic
- Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
- 1% cashback into ETF savings
- Interest on your cash balance
- Still no Schufa needed
Established
12+ Months in Germany
Apply: easybank Visa or GenialCard
- Schufa score now established
- Real credit line for deposits
- Free ATM worldwide
- Hotel and car rental deposits accepted
Pro tip: Start with a free debit card on day one. Pay all your bills on time for 6-12 months. Then apply for a real credit card when your Schufa is established. This two-step approach gives you the best chance of approval.
Practical tips for getting started
Getting Your First Card
Getting Your First Card
- 1Register your address first: Complete your Anmeldung (city registration). Most card providers need a German address before you can apply.
- 2Have your passport ready: VideoIdent requires a valid passport or EU ID. The video call takes about 10 minutes and is available in English.
- 3Use your virtual card immediately: Add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can start shopping while the physical card is in the mail.
- 4Open two accounts: N26 for daily German banking (IBAN for rent/bills) and Wise for international transfers back home.
Building Your Schufa Score
Building Your Schufa Score
- 5Pay every bill on time: Rent, phone, internet, streaming - every on-time payment builds your Schufa score over time.
- 6Get a phone contract: A monthly mobile contract (not prepaid) reports to Schufa and shows regular payment behavior.
- 7Do not apply for too many things: Each credit inquiry hits your Schufa. Space applications at least 3 months apart.
- 8Check your free Schufa report: Request your free annual Schufa Datenkopie at meineschufa.de to track your progress.
Also useful for foreigners in Germany
How to apply for a credit card in Germany
Pick a card that fits your situation
Just arrived? Start with N26, Trade Republic, or Revolut (debit, no Schufa). Been here a few months with regular income? Apply for TF Bank Mastercard Gold or Hanseatic GenialCard (real credit line).
Apply online (5-10 minutes)
Fill in the application form with your German address, passport details, and income info.
Verify your identity (Video-Ident)
Hold your passport up to your phone camera and answer a few questions. Under 10 minutes, works with most international passports.
Receive your card
Physical card arrives by mail in 3 to 7 business days. N26, Trade Republic, and Revolut give you a virtual card number right after approval so you can shop online immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions - Credit Cards for Foreigners
Everything you need to know about getting a credit card in Germany as a foreigner
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Partner Program Notice: CheckAlle.de participates in partner programs with credit card providers. We may receive compensation for successful referrals. This does not affect the products or rates you see. All comparison results are objective and based on actual card features and fees.