3. American Express Payback Credit Card
Annual fee: €0.00
Cash withdrawal: 4%
The American Express Payback credit card is recognized as one of the best cashback credit cards in Germany.
It is the only free AMEX credit card that offers points with almost every card payment, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking to maximize savings and rewards through the Payback program.
This card is excellent for online shopping, where American Express is widely accepted compared to physical stores and restaurants in Germany. However, it’s not suitable for travel due to a 2% foreign currency fee and a 4% cash withdrawal fee.
Requirements For A PAYBACK American Express Card
- You must be 18 years or older.
- You must be registered in Germany.
- You must receive a regular monthly income.
- You must possess a German mobile phone number.
- You must have a German bank account.
- You must hold a valid passport.
- If you’re a Non-EU national, you need a valid residence permit.
- You must have a good SCHUFA score (credit history).
Pros and Cons of American Express Card
Pros:
- No annual fee
- No requirement for a checking account
- Earn double PAYBACK points at partner stores
- Monthly payment with no annual interest rate
- Mandatory and fully supported SEPA direct debit
- Convenient contactless payment options with Apple & Google Pay
- Accessible user-friendly app for card management (available only in German)
Cons:
- 2% fee for transactions in currencies other than the euro
- 4% fee for cash withdrawals from any ATM
- Limited acceptance at shops in Germany for American Express credit cards
- No reimbursement for foreign ATM fees
- Exclusive German-language website and customer service support
Repayment
The PAYBACK American Express card operates as a charge credit card, eliminating the need to worry about timely debt payments.
The credit you accumulate is automatically deducted from your linked checking account every month. Therefore, annual interest rates are not applicable as long as your checking account maintains sufficient funds.
More Details
| Card name | American Express PAYBACK |
| Credit card company | American Express |
| Card type | Credit card (Charge) |
| Annual Fee | €0.00 |
| Credit check | ✔️ |
| Contactless pay | ✔️ |
| Apple Pay | ✔️ |
| Google Pay | ✔️ |
| Current account | ❌ |
| Liability | €50.00 |
| Cash withdrawal in Germany | |
| ATM fee / domestic | 4% |
| Min. ATM fee | €5.00 |
| Cash withdrawal within Eurozone | |
| ATM fee Eurozone | 4% |
| Min. ATM fee | €5.00 |
| Cash withdrawal in foreign currency within European Economic Area, EEA | |
| ATM fee non Euro withdrawal within European Economic Area, EEA | 4% |
| Min. ATM fee | €5.00 |
| Cash withdrawal worlwide / outside European Economic Area, EEA | |
| ATM fee worldwide / outside European Economic Area, EEA | 4% |
| Min. ATM fee | €5.00 |
| Fee for card use | |
| In the Eurozone | Free of charge |
| Foreign currency within European Economic Area, EEA | 2% |
| Foreign currency outside European Economic Area, EEA | 2% |
| Limits | |
| Cash withdrawal limit / week | €750.00 |
| Travel Insurance | |
| Overseas health insurance | ✔️ |
| Travel cancellation insurance | ✔️ |
| Travel accident insurance | ✔️ |
| Luggage insurance | ✔️ |
| Travel interruption insurance | ✔️ |
| Transport accident insurance | ❌ |
| Rental Car | |
| Rental car comprehensive insurance | ❌ |
| Rental car legal protection | ❌ |
| Rental car liability | ❌ |
| Other insurance | |
| Purchasing insurance | ✔️ |
| Car cover | ❌ |
| Mobile phone insurance | ❌ |
