Credit Card for Foreigners in Germany
Blue Card, work visa, student visa, EU passport? You can get a credit card in Germany. Here is how.
Short answer
Yes, foreigners can get credit cards in Germany in 2026. The fastest way: open a free account at a fintech bank (N26, Revolut, or Trade Republic), then apply for a real credit card from TF Bank or Hanseatic Bank after a few months. Most fintechs accept customers without German credit history. Prepaid cards are available regardless of your Schufa status. Some providers issue a virtual credit card within minutes of signing up, so you do not have to wait for plastic.
How to get a credit card as a foreigner in Germany
When I moved to Germany, the credit card thing threw me off. Everyone talked about Schufa, and I had zero idea what that meant for my chances. Turns out it is simpler than people make it sound.
Schufa is Germany's credit scoring system. Think of it like a credit score in the US or UK. As a newcomer, you have no Schufa record. You are invisible to the system. That makes traditional banks nervous. Fintech banks? They run their own checks and mostly do not care about your Schufa history.
One thing worth knowing: most "credit cards" from fintechs are actually debit cards. They pull money from your account immediately. Not sure about the difference? Our debit card vs credit card guide breaks it all down. If you need a real credit card with an actual credit line (for hotel deposits, car rentals, or building German credit history), look at TF Bank, Hanseatic Bank, or Advanzia. More on that below.
What you need to apply
- A registered German address (Anmeldung)
- Valid residence permit, visa, or EU passport
- A German bank account (Girokonto)
- Regular income (salary slips or employment contract)
Do not have a German bank account yet? Start with our guide to opening a bank account in Germany as a foreigner. You can usually set one up within a day. If you want to compare your options first, see our free bank account comparison to find the best fit.
Can I use my foreign credit card in Germany?
Yes, but it will probably cost you. Most foreign cards charge 1-3% on every Euro transaction. Cash withdrawals from German ATMs often come with extra fees on top of that.
Here is the real catch: many German shops and supermarkets only accept Girocard (the local debit system), not Visa or Mastercard. You will run into this at discount supermarkets and smaller stores.
Practical tip: Keep your foreign card as a backup, but get a German card for daily use. N26 or Trade Republic take about 10 minutes to set up, and the card works everywhere that accepts Mastercard or Visa.
Not sure which card to get? For a ranked comparison of the best cards, see our best credit cards for foreigners in Germany.
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Credit cards that work well for foreigners in Germany
Based on acceptance rates for applicants without long German credit history. All fees verified April 2026. Check the provider website for current terms.
True credit cards (with credit line)
| Provider | Annual Fee | FX Fee | APR | Why foreigners pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TF Bank Mastercard Gold | 0 EUR | 0% | 24.79% | Accepts thin credit files. Travel insurance included. Credit limit grows over time. |
| Advanzia Mastercard Gold | 0 EUR | 0% | 20.70% | Up to 7 weeks interest-free if paid in full. Apple Pay and Google Pay. Travel insurance. |
| Hanseatic GenialCard | 0 EUR | 0% | varies | No foreign transaction fees worldwide. Free cash withdrawal outside Germany. |
| awa7 Visa | 0 EUR | 0% | varies | Issued by Hanseatic Bank. Plants trees with each purchase. No income proof required for basic approval. |
Watch the interest rates. These cards charge 20-25% APR if you carry a balance month to month. Pay the full amount every month to avoid interest charges entirely.
Debit cards (popular with expats, no credit check needed)
| Provider | Annual Fee | FX Fee | Why foreigners pick it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Republic | 0 EUR | 0% | 4% APY on account balance. Free ATM withdrawals from 100 EUR. No Schufa check. |
| N26 Standard | 0 EUR | 0% card, 1.7% ATM* | Full English app. 10-minute setup. Popular among international students. |
| Revolut Standard | 0 EUR | 0%** | 30+ currencies. Instant transfers. Can open before Anmeldung with EU ID. |
| bunq | from 2.99 EUR/mo | 0% (0.5% non-EUR) | No Schufa check. No Anmeldung needed. German IBAN included. |
| Vivid Money | 0 EUR | 0% | Cashback on purchases. Accepts newcomers without credit history. |
| Wise | 0 EUR | 0.3-0.6% | Best exchange rates for sending money home. Holds 40+ currencies. |
*N26: 0% on card payments in any currency. 1.7% fee only on ATM cash withdrawals outside the Eurozone.
**Revolut: 0% FX within 1,000 EUR/month exchange limit. Fair usage fee applies above that. Weekend markup of 1% on Standard plan.
Looking for no-annual-fee options? Compare free credit cards in Germany. Need a card without any credit check? See prepaid credit cards. Not sure which type fits your situation? Browse the full credit card comparison to see all options side by side.
Credit card types in Germany
German banks use terms differently than you might expect. Here is how the four types work:
Debit cards
Money leaves your account immediately. N26, Trade Republic, and Revolut issue these. Not always accepted for hotel deposits or car rentals.
Charge cards
You spend during the month, then pay the full balance. No interest. American Express works this way. Builds your credit history well.
Revolving credit cards
True credit line. Pay in full or in installments. TF Bank, Advanzia, and Hanseatic GenialCard fall here. Watch the interest if you carry a balance.
Prepaid cards
Load money first, spend after. No credit check. Works for everyone regardless of visa status. Good stepping stone while you wait for a real card.
Heads up: If a rental car company or hotel asks for a "credit card," they usually mean a card with a credit line (charge or revolving), not a debit card. Check before you travel. For travel-focused options, see our best travel credit cards in Germany guide. Planning a USA trip? Our USA travel credit card page covers what you need for car rentals and hotels in America.
How to apply: step by step
Pick a card that fits your situation
Just arrived? Start with N26, Trade Republic, or Revolut (debit). Been here a few months with regular income? Go for TF Bank or Hanseatic GenialCard (real credit).
Apply online
Fill in the application on the provider website. You need your German address, passport details, and income info. Takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Verify your identity (Video-Ident)
Most banks use video identification. 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. Some providers (N26, Trade Republic, Revolut) give you a virtual card number right after approval so you can shop online immediately.
Already comparing? If you also need a personal loan in Germany, check our loan comparison tool. And if your Schufa score worries you, read our Schufa guide for foreigners.
What if your application gets rejected?
It happens. Do not take it personally. Banks have different criteria, and a rejection at one does not mean rejection everywhere. Here is the recovery plan:
Try a different provider
TF Bank said no? Apply at Hanseatic or awa7. Criteria vary significantly between banks.
Get a prepaid card first
No credit check, works everywhere. Use it for 3 to 6 months while your Schufa builds up. See our prepaid credit card options.
Open a fintech debit account
N26, Trade Republic, or Revolut. Use it for salary deposits. This creates a paper trail in the German banking system.
Wait and reapply after 3-6 months
With a German salary and regular account activity, your Schufa profile improves automatically. Reapply then.
Tip: Do not apply at five banks in one week. Each application triggers a Schufa inquiry, and too many inquiries in a short period look bad on your record.
Your options based on residence status
EU Blue Card holders
Banks like applicants with Blue Cards. The high income threshold signals stability. You can qualify for premium cards with higher credit limits, including Gold and Platinum options.
Work visa / residence permit
Banks check how long your permit runs. An unlimited work contract helps. If your visa expires in 6 months, some traditional banks hesitate. Fintechs are usually more flexible.
EU citizens
Same rights as German citizens for financial products. No special restrictions. Register your address (Anmeldung) and you can apply for any card on the market.
International students
N26 is the most popular choice. No income proof needed for the free account. Your university enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) helps with some banks. After graduation and first job, upgrade to a real credit card.
Your first year: building German credit history
Open N26 or Trade Republic. Get a debit card. Use it for daily payments so the German banking system starts registering your activity.
Apply for a real credit card (TF Bank, Hanseatic, awa7). Your salary deposits and regular account activity have built a basic Schufa profile by now.
With good payment behavior, your credit limit grows. You can consider premium cards or apply for a personal loan if needed.
Why you want a credit card in Germany
Car rentals and hotels
Many German rental companies and hotels require a credit card for the deposit. Debit cards get rejected more often than you would expect.
Trips home
Pay in your home currency without extra fees. Cards like Hanseatic GenialCard or awa7 charge 0% on foreign currency transactions.
Build your Schufa
A positive credit history makes everything easier: apartment hunting, phone contracts, future loan applications.
Business travel
Conferences, flights, hotels. Easier to manage and track with a separate card.
Purchase protection
Credit cards offer chargeback rights. If an online purchase goes wrong, dispute the charge through your card provider.
Support family abroad
Send money home or buy gifts online for family in another country. Cards with low FX fees (Wise, Revolut) save you money on transfers.
Planning your finances in Germany? Also compare life insurance for family protection.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners get a credit card in Germany?
Yes. With a registered address, valid residence permit (or EU passport), and a German bank account, you can apply. Fintech banks like N26 or Revolut are more flexible than traditional banks. Prepaid cards are available without any credit check.
Do I need a Schufa score as a foreigner?
Not always. If you just arrived, you probably have no Schufa record. Many fintech banks run their own checks and accept customers without German credit history. Prepaid cards never require a Schufa check.
What documents do I need to apply for a credit card in Germany?
Passport or national ID, residence permit or visa, registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), and proof of income. Some fintechs only require a passport and German address.
What is the difference between a debit card and a credit card in Germany?
A debit card takes money directly from your bank account. A credit card gives you a credit line that you pay back monthly. Many fintechs issue debit cards, not true credit cards. For hotel deposits and car rentals, some providers require an actual credit card.
Which credit card is easiest to get as a foreigner in Germany?
TF Bank Mastercard Gold and Hanseatic GenialCard accept applicants with thin credit files. For a debit card, N26 Standard or Trade Republic are the fastest to set up.
Can I get a credit card without Anmeldung?
Most German banks require a registered German address. Revolut and bunq allow account opening from other EU countries without German Anmeldung. Once you complete your registration, you can switch to a German-based provider.
How long does it take to get a credit card in Germany?
Online applications at fintech banks take about 10 minutes. Video identification usually same day. Physical cards arrive in 3 to 7 business days. Some providers offer a virtual card immediately after approval.
What should I do if my credit card application gets rejected?
Try a different provider. Criteria vary between banks. If a regular credit card is denied, apply for a prepaid credit card (no credit check). After 3 to 6 months with a German salary and address, your Schufa profile builds up and you can reapply.
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