🇩🇪 Credit Card Requirements in Germany

Comparing cards in Germany is mostly about avoiding fees: many cards from DKB, N26, Deutsche Bank and Hanseatic Bank carry no annual fee and no foreign-transaction charge, which matters because Germans use debit heavily and true credit cards are less common. Lenders check your SCHUFA score (expressed as a percentage where roughly 95%+ is generally considered good as of 2026), and a thin or negative SCHUFA record can sink an application outright. Watch for cards that quietly charge for cash withdrawals or carry a monthly account fee. Confirm fee structures and Apple/Google Pay support with the issuer.

The score that matters

Banks in Germany lean heavily on your SCHUFA Score (it runs 0–100%). Clear 95%+ and the premium cards open up; sit below it and you'll still find secured and starter cards built for thinner files.

What you'll usually need

• To be old enough — 18+, sometimes 21+ on certain cards
• ID that checks out (passport, national ID or the local equivalent)
• Something that proves where you live
• Evidence you earn — payslips, bank statements or tax records
• A SCHUFA Score in the qualifying range
• Residency, or a visa/work permit that allows it

Tilting the odds your way in Germany

• Pull your SCHUFA Score first — most bureaus let you see it free.
• Apply only for cards that match your score band; scattershot applications mean needless rejections.
• Keep balances low and never miss a due date.
• No history yet? Begin with a secured or entry-level card and build from there.

Regulator: BaFin. Every issuer sets its own bar — confirm on the official application page before you apply.