Comparison
Getting a real credit card in Germany is tricky. Here are the best options that work for expats, even without a German credit history.
Reviewed 2026-06-10 · By Mahiuddin
Credit cards in Germany are not like credit cards in the US or UK. Most Germans use their EC-Karte (Girocard) for everyday payments, and true credit cards with a revolving credit line are surprisingly rare. But as an expat, you probably want one for online shopping, international travel, and building a financial safety net.
The challenge: German banks look at your SCHUFA score (credit history) before issuing a card, and new expats have no SCHUFA history at all. The cards below are specifically chosen because they work for people without an established German credit history.
We prioritized three factors: accessibility for expats (can you get approved without years of German credit history?), fees (annual fee, foreign transaction fees), and included benefits (travel insurance, cash-back). The Advanzia Mastercard Gold takes our top spot because it combines zero annual fees with free travel insurance and no foreign transaction charges, all without requiring a SCHUFA check.
Important: "Credit card" in Germany often means a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo (like what N26 provides). A true credit card gives you a credit line and a monthly billing cycle. The cards in this comparison are all true credit cards.
Free gold credit card with no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance included.
Free gold Mastercard with travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees. No German credit history needed.
Free Visa credit card with up to 2 months interest-free on purchases. Good for building German credit history.
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