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Despite having one of the strongest economies in Europe, Germany isn’t known for obsessive credit card use. You can pay with plastic in most places, but Germans prefer cash.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted card networks in Germany, while American Express and Discovers cards aren’t as popular.
Consider a credit card without foreign transaction fees to avoid fees on purchases made abroad. If you often fly to Germany, an airline credit card could also help save you money on flights.
Both cards also let you earn and redeem miles on Lufthansa — the largest German airline — whenever you fly between the US and Germany.
Using your card for purchases in Germany could incur the following fees:
Yes. To avoid this, use a credit card without foreign transaction fees and use local currency.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Germany. You can also use American Express cards and Discover cards with the Diners Club logo; however, they’re accepted in fewer locations. While Germany ranks highly in Europe for the acceptance of new technology like contactless and mobile payments, it’s still a cash economy.
If you want to make an ATM cash withdrawal, the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) ATMs accepts Discover cards.
American Express card owners have more ATM options. Look for ATMs from Reisebank, Postbank, Sparkasse and Deutsche Bank, among others.
| Visa |  High |
High |
| Mastercard | High |
High |
| American Express |  Medium |
High |
| Discover | Medium |
 Low |
Given that more than 80% of payments in Germany are made using cash, you should carry cash with you at all times. Smaller shops, such as bakeries, bars and some restaurants, may only accept cash or the German EC card.
You can easily find ATMs — called Bankomat or Geldautomat — to make cash withdrawals. Using a credit card to do this, however, will incur a cash advance APR and a cash advance fee. One way to avoid this is to use a debit card.
Learn more: Travel money guide: Germany.
It depends on the city/district. In some cities, taxis will usually accept credit cards with an added surcharge.
Order a taxi that accepts credit cards from your hotel or use the mytaxi app to pay with your card.
This type of card is most common in Germany. You’ll be required to input your PIN number every time you purchase an item or withdraw cash from an ATM.
If you use a chip-and-signature card, you may have issues when trying to make a purchase at an unattended point of sale, like a gas station. For visitors traveling to Germany with only chip-and-signature cards, ask your bank for a PIN before you leave the US.
Yes, but it’s also good to exercise some caution.
Germany is predominantly a cash society. But most large hotels and establishments accept credit cards.
For cash withdrawals, consider getting a debit card. This could save you money on cash advance fees. Also, a travel credit card without foreign transaction fees would be your best choice to save money on your purchases.
See more guides on using a credit card in other countries.
Images: Shutterstock
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