Using a credit card in Germany

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.

If you’re taking along a variety of cards, debit cards and cash, read our full guide on spending money while traveling in Germany.

Which credit card issuers are accepted in Germany?

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.

	Merchant acceptance	ATM acceptance
Visa	High	High
Mastercard	High	High
American Express	Medium	High
Discover	Medium	Low

Potential credit card fees in Germany

Using your card for purchases in Germany could incur the following fees:

• Foreign transaction fees. You could pay up to a 3% fee on any purchase made abroad. This can add up.
• Currency conversion fees. Some retailers may give you the option to pay in US dollars. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion, and it comes with additional currency conversion fees — which are usually higher than if you pay in local currency.

Can I incur both fees?

Yes. To avoid this, use a credit card without foreign transaction fees and use local currency.

Compare cards for use in Germany

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.

Sort by:

Name	Product	Foreign transaction fee	Annual fee	Purchase APR	Filter values
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card		None	$95	15.99% to 22.99% variable		Earn a signup bonus worth $750 plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries with this popular travel card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Gold Card		None	$250	See Pay Over Time APR		Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 with this upper-mid tier travel card. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Platinum Card® from American Express		None	$550	See Pay Over Time APR		One of the most valuable premium travel cards, featuring two welcome offers worth up to $4,500, multiple travel credits and unrivaled lounge access. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Is it safe to use my credit card in Germany?

Yes, but it’s also good to exercise some caution.

• Select ATMs with care. ATMs located within a bank are generally a safer option. They are less likely to have card skimmers and you can more easily retrieve your card if it gets eaten by the ATM.
• Take two cards. Having a backup will ensure you’re covered in case something happens to your primary card.
• Keep your card in sight. Avoid card misuse by keeping your eyes on your card whenever you pay.

How to prepare before traveling to Germany

• Get a credit card without foreign transaction fees. Otherwise, you could pay up to 3% of the amount of each transaction made abroad.
• Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. But you can also pay with an American Express card. Discover cards are rarely accepted in Germany.
• Notify your bank. Inform your bank of your travel itinerary. Otherwise, you could end up with a blocked card.
• Get your bank’s phone number. In case your card is blocked or lost, a simple phone call could fix your issue.
• Get a backup card. And keep it in your hotel room safe.
• Get some cash. You’ll probably need cash in Germany. Consider using a debit card for ATM cash withdrawals to avoid high cash advance APR fees.

Should I use my credit card to get cash in Germany?

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.

Chip and PIN credit cards

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.

Bottom line

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.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I send money to Germany?

  Take a look at our money transfer page for the fastest and cheapest way to send money to Germany.

• Which currency is used in Germany?

  As a member of the eurozone, Germany uses the euro with a symbol €.

  If you make a cash withdrawal, you’ll get banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 euros.

• What is the US dollar to euro exchange rate?

• What is the most commonly used credit card network in Germany?

  Visa and Mastercard are almost on par. American Express follows at a distant third.

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