Credit Card Comparison
How to find the best credit card in germany

Charge cards are the most common type of credit cards in Germany. Banks check your creditworthiness before issuing a charge card, because with the card they allow you to use a short-term, interest-free loan. The full amount is automatically debited from your account at the end of the month. 

Revolving credit cards allow the cardholder to choose between repaying the total amount at once or in instalments. Interest is charged for payment by instalments. The instalments are usually between five and ten percent of the amount owed or a fixed minimum amount per month. After full repayment of the credit line, interest no longer accrues. A credit worthiness check is required for the revolving card.

A current account without a credit limit but with a debit card is a good alternative to a credit card. It is easier to open this type of bank account instead of getting a credit card, because banks do not check your creditworthiness. With a debit card, you can withdraw money from your account and make cashless payments without getting into debt. Amounts paid are debited directly from your account.

Prepaid credit cards need to be topped up with money before they can be used. They are ideal for foreigners with no financial history in Germany as they do not require a credit check. You can use a prepaid credit card wherever credit cards are accepted, but this type of card is often not suitable for making deposits on car hire or hotel bookings.

Online credit cards in Germany are also known as digital or virtual credit cards. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience. Virtual credit cards are compatible with digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay and are typically used for mobile payments or online purchases.