Are you planning to visit Germany and wondering which credit card to use? Although cash and girocard are the most common payment methods in Germany, owning a credit card can be beneficial in certain situations.
However, it is important to choose the right credit card to avoid unnecessary fees and charges. In this guide, we will review the best free credit cards in Germany for foreigners, including the TF Bank Mastercard Gold, American Express Payback credit card and Gebührenfrei Mastercard.
We will also discuss the different types of credit cards available in Germany and provide a step-by-step guide on how to get a German Credit Card.
Different Credit Card Types In Germany
In Germany, people often ask if they can use a card to pay for things. But usually, they mean using a debit or Girocard, not a credit card. In Germany, the term “Kreditkarte” is used for different card services. Here are the four types of credit cards in Germany.
1. Charge Credit Card
The most common type of credit card in Germany is called a charge credit card. With this card, all your purchases are collected over 30 days. After this period, you’ll get a statement showing the total amount owed, which is then taken directly from your bank account. If you don’t have enough money in your account, you’ll go into overdraft. The interest on overdrafts is usually lower than that of revolving credit cards.
This system might be unfamiliar if you’re from another country because it doesn’t give you actual credit. Charge credit cards are typically issued by traditional banks like Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank.
2. Revolving Credit Card
The revolving credit card is probably more like what you think of as a regular credit card. It gives you a certain amount of money to spend, let’s say 2,500 euros. Every time you buy something, it subtracts from that amount.
At the end of the month, you get a bill showing what you’ve spent. If you pay off everything you owe right away, you don’t have to pay any extra fees. But if you choose to pay over time, you’ll have to pay extra in interest fees.
3. Prepaid Credit Card
A prepaid credit card is not like a regular one. You have to put money on it before you can use it. It’s like topping up a mobile phone: if there’s no balance, it won’t work until you add more money.
For students or people with unsteady incomes who can’t get a normal credit card, prepaid cards are a good option. They help you control spending because you can only spend what you’ve loaded onto the card. There’s no risk of getting into debt or spending too much. And if someone steals the card, they can only spend the amount you’ve loaded onto it, so it’s a safe way to pay.
4. Debit Card
When you use a debit card, the money is taken directly from your bank account. Unlike credit cards, you’re not borrowing money – it’s your own cash. But you can still do many things with a debit card, like withdrawing cash, tapping to pay, and shopping online.
Debit cards are always linked to a checking account, so you can see your spending right away. They’re perfect if you want to keep track of your money closely.
“Go through the next page to see our top picks for the best free credit card in Germany.“
