A cashback credit card can give you up to 5 percent back on every payment. Is that more than just a marketing trick and are these credit cards really worth it? We took a closer look at the different offers and show you what’s truly attractive!
American Express Platinum Card
- Promotion: 85.000 points welcome bonus
- 150 euros in restaurant credit
- 200 euros in travel credit
- 200 euros in Sixt Ride credit
- Free lounge access with guest
- The best insurance package in Germany
SumUp Pay Mastercard
- 0 Euro annual fee
- 1% Cashback on all purchases worldwide
- Three free domestic withdrawals included
- Pay worldwide without fees
- No SCHUFA check
Payback American Express Credit Card
- Promo: 1.000 points welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Earn points (miles) with every payment
- Free additional card
Revolut Standard Debit Card
- Promotion: 10 euro welcome bonus
- Free credit card – permanently without an annual fee
- Collect valuable points with every euro spent on the card
- Free worldwide cash withdrawal
C24 Mastercard
- Promotion: 75 Euro Bonus
- Free Mastercard debit card
- Free payments possible worldwide
- Free bank account included
In addition to credit cards and debit cards, more and more banks in Germany are now offering so-called debit cards. These combine the immediate withdrawal from your checking account with the benefits of a credit card, making them a kind of hybrid between a credit card and a debit card. They can be used both for online payments and transactions abroad without any problems. For this reason, debit cards are also included in our credit card comparisons.
If you’re looking for a credit card, you’ve probably already come across so-called cashback credit cards. While these rarely play the leading role in credit card comparisons, using one can still make sense. In this guide, we want to introduce you to the topic and explain which cashback credit cards are truly worthwhile!
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- What exactly is a cashback credit card?
- Which cashback credit cards offer monetary rebates?
- Which cashback credit cards are available for business customers?
- What are the disadvantages of cashback credit cards?
- Who should get a cashback credit card?
- What are the alternatives to cashback credit cards?
- Our conclusion on cashback credit cards
What exactly is a cashback credit card?
Cashback is a term mainly known from the U.S. market that describes a rebate on payments. In relation to credit cards, this means that as the holder of such a card, you receive a cashback on every payment you make with it. However, there is no precise definition of what exactly qualifies as a cashback credit card. The term is used quite flexibly in advertising.
👉 Explanation: Basically, a cashback credit card is a payment method that gives you a rebate on your spending.
The fact that there are so many different interpretations comes down to the different forms of cashbacks. In principle, there are three types of cashback credit cards:
- 💶 Cards with monetary rebates
- 🎯 Cards with rebates in points or miles
- 🤝 Cards with rebates at specific partners
This means that, theoretically, even cards used for earning miles fall into the category of cashback credit cards, since you also receive a monetary value in return for your spending. However, as you can see, the definition of a cashback credit card isn’t entirely clear, which is why it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at the different offers.
Which cashback credit cards offer monetary rebates?
The classic cashback credit card provides a direct, monetary rebate on your spending. In Germany, however, such models are quite limited and in many cases available only for business credit cards. Only a few cards in Germany can truly be described as classic cashback cards.
The SumUp Pay Mastercard is an attractive cashback credit card because it allows users to benefit financially from every purchase. It offers a straightforward 1 percent cashback on all transactions, regardless of the retailer or category. This makes it rewarding not only for larger purchases but also for everyday spending.
SumUp Pay Mastercard
- Free debit Mastercard
- 1% cashback on all purchases worldwide
- Pay worldwide without fees
- Free transfers possible
- Apple Pay and Google Pay compatible
- No SCHUFA check
Also the Revolut Standard debit card is an attractive option as a cashback credit card. The regularly available cashback promotions – the “boosts” – offer up to 1 percent back on purchases. Combined with competitive exchange rates for international payments and the easy management provided through the Revolut app, the card delivers flexibility, transparency, and modern financial benefits.
Revolut Standard
- Promotion: 10 Euros welcome bonus
- Free transfers in 36 currencies
- Free top-ups with credit cards
- Free VISA debit card
- No foreign currency fees
- Quick account opening without a SCHUFA credit check
- Earn 1 RevPoint for every 10 Euros
Another example is the C24 Credit Card, which offers a percentage cashback on all payments. The amount of cashback varies depending on the account model of the mandatory C24 checking account. Since the standard account is a permanently free checking account, there’s no risk involved.
You’re essentially only benefiting. A special highlight: the credit card itself comes with no fees, making it one of the few free cashback credit cards. For the application, no Schufa credit check is carried out, which is why the card is also perfectly suitable as a credit card for asylum applicants.
C24 Credit card
- Various account options
- Free debit-credit card
- Cashback on all payments
- Includes CHECK24 Reise GoldClub
- Includes travel insurance package
The Targobank Gold Credit Card is one of the few real cashback credit cards in Germany. What makes it special is that the rebate is completely unlimited, meaning the €59 annual fee can be recouped quite quickly. In addition, the card also offers a 5 percent travel discount at Urlaubsplus, which we’ll discuss later in this guide.
All of these cards are very attractive cashback options that can definitely pay off!
Which cashback credit cards offer rebates in points or miles?
In addition to cards with monetary rebates, there are also cashback cards that provide cashbacks in other forms, such as miles and points. Here, the selection is much larger, since the exact value of the rebate is more opaque.
The precise cashback rate for these cards can’t easily be stated. Depending on how you redeem them, values can range between 0.5 and 5 cents per euro spent, which translates to 0.5 to 5 percent cashback. Those who maximize this range can enjoy a very attractive cashback card. However, this requires a good understanding of frequent flyer programs.
Among the most attractive cashback credit cards in this category in Germany are the American Express® cards. Through participation in the Membership Rewards® program, cardholders can earn valuable points with every purchase and then convert them into miles.
💡 Note: For almost all American Express credit cards, participation in the Membership Rewards program is automatically included. The only exception is the free American Express Blue Card, where participation requires an annual fee of 30 euros. However, with smart usage, the value of the miles far exceeds this fee.
With all these cards, you can collect points or miles per euro spent, which have a specific value:
- American Express Credit Cards: 1 to 1.5 points per euro spent
- Payback Visa Flex+ Card: 0.2 points per euro spent
- Miles & More Credit Cards: 0.5 to 1 points per euro spent
- Payback American Express Credit Card: 0.5 points per euro spent
As you can see, the values vary widely. Additionally, the value of the different currencies also differs. An American Express Membership Rewards point can be worth as little as 0.2 cents, but with clever use, it can reach up to 5 cents.
Miles & More miles are similarly variable. Payback points, on the other hand, have a fixed cash value of 1 cent per point, meaning collecting with these cards guarantees cashback of 0.2 to 0.5 percent, depending on which card you use. But since Payback points can also be transferred into Miles & More miles, you can potentially extract significantly higher value. As a rule of thumb, we estimate the average value of a Miles & More mile at around 2 cents.
Overall, it’s clear: the best cashback credit card is usually an American Express card, especially if you activate the so-called Amex Turbo. With it, you always earn 1.5 points per euro spent, which, when redeemed smartly, can yield up to 5 percent cashback on every payment. Other cards can rarely compete with this, although the Miles & More Credit Card can also be a very good cashback option under certain circumstances.
Which cashback credit cards offer rebates with partners?
Besides cards that let you earn points or miles on all payments at home and abroad, there are also cards that only give cashback with specific partners. The selection here is actually quite large, as many providers have partnerships with certain merchants.
Cashback credit cards with fuel discounts
One such benefit comes with the American Express BMW Credit Card. With this model, you receive a 1 percent discount on fuel, meaning you save cash at every gas station.
American Express BMW Card
Promotion: 22 Euro welcome bonus
- 1% credit on fuel purchases and charging at electric charging stations
- Integrated vehicle insurance
- 10% discount on rental cars from BMW Rent | Mini Rent
- Collect Membership Rewards with every euro you spend
The Santander Credit Card is also particularly beneficial if you want to save money when filling up. This makes it a strong choice for a cashback card, even if the benefit is limited in scope.
Cashback credit cards with travel discounts
Some cards also offer unique benefits that aren’t available elsewhere. One example is the so-called travel discount, which some providers highlight as an advantage. Usually offered through a travel agency such as Urlaubsplus GmbH, this discount often amounts to 5 percent.
The discount is fully applied and can mean savings of several hundred euros — real cashback. However, you should compare, as the benefit only makes sense if the trip isn’t more expensive with this provider compared to others.
One of the best free cashback credit cards offering a travel discount is the TF Bank Mastercard Gold. This travel credit card is appealing not only because of no foreign transaction fees and solid travel insurance, but also before your trip begins: through the TF Bank Advantage Club, cardholders receive 5 percent cashback on travel bookings via Urlaubsplus.
TF Bank Mastercard Gold
- Free credit card
- Payments worldwide without any fees
- Travel cancellation insurance included
- Foreign health insurance included
The Advanzia Gebührenfrei Mastercard Gold offers equivalent benefits. With this gold card, too, you get a 5 percent discount on bookings through Urlaubsplus — giving you another free cashback credit card that only benefits you.
💡 Note: It’s worth comparing the different offers, as it may be that a trip is already cheaper with another provider, making the cashback less attractive than it first appears.
Which cashback credit cards are available for business customers?
There are also attractive business credit cards offering cashback for corporate clients. This can be especially appealing for freelancers and self-employed individuals. The following business accounts currently offer cashback cards in Germany:
- N26 (0.1-0.5 percent cashback on all purchases)
- FINOM (2-3 percent cashback on all card spending)
Both direct banks, the N26 Business account and the FINOM account, offer multiple plans tailored specifically to business customers. At FINOM, higher-tier accounts even offer 3 percent cashback on all business purchases.
N26 Business Standard
- Permanently free business account
- Only for self-employed and freelancers
- Free Mastercard included
- 0,1% cashback on all business purchases
- Free cash withdrawals in Europe
Finom Business Credit card
- Up to 3 percent cashback on all card transactions
- Free physical and virtual cards available
- Free digital business account with German IBAN within 48 hours
- All-in-one: banking, invoicing, and accounting
What are the disadvantages of cashback credit cards?
There’s no real downside to having a cashback credit card. However, you should always make sure the benefits fit your actual needs. Otherwise, alternative credit card offers might simply be more attractive.
👉 Expert tip: Don’t choose a card just for a few cents of cashback. The overall package must be right; otherwise, it’s not worth signing up for a cashback card.
The only real drawback is that people often get dazzled by the promise of cashback and overlook high fees in other areas. If you can avoid that and instead always keep an eye on all important fees and cost traps, a cashback credit card shouldn’t cause any problems and overall, you’ll mainly benefit from its many advantages.
Who should get a cashback credit card?
In most cases, applying for a cashback credit card is an attractive option, especially for those who spend higher amounts with their card. For example, with an average cashback of 1 percent, the following values result:
- 1,000 euros annual spending: 10 euros rebate
- 5,000 euros annual spending: 50 euros rebate
- 10,000 euros annual spending: 100 euros rebate
This example shows clearly who benefits from a cashback credit card. For spending of only around 1,000 euros per year, it probably isn’t worth it. But from 5,000 euros and up, a cashback card is definitely worth considering, as the annual savings can amount to €50 or more.
💡 Note: The higher your spending, the more attractive a cashback credit card becomes.
👉 Expert tip: Especially with cards that let you earn miles, savvy collectors can get even more out of it. Still, a cashback card is only worthwhile if you actually use it. A good benchmark is around 5,000 euros of annual spending, at that level, a cashback credit card is always worthwhile.
For those who only make small purchases with a card or primarily want it for travel or ATM withdrawals, it’s better to focus on other factors and opt for a card with the lowest possible fees.
What are the alternatives to cashback credit cards?
A cashback credit card only makes sense with higher monthly or annual spending. If you’re instead looking for a free credit card with low fees and ideally free withdrawals, you should focus on the following cards.
Among the free credit cards, you’ll find many different models from a wide range of banks. Our top three free credit cards are:
Hanseatic Bank GenialCard
The Hanseatic Bank GenialCard is an excellent choice for anyone who values financial freedom and fair terms. With 0 euro annual fee, free worldwide payments and free cash withdrawals abroad, it clearly stands out from other credit cards.
Thanks to its ease of use and flexible repayment options, it’s a reliable companion not only for travel but also for everyday life. For us, the Hanseatic Bank GenialCard is the number one recommendation for anyone who values convenience and transparency.
Hanseatic Bank GenialCard
- 0 euro annual fee
- Free payments worldwide*
- Free cash withdrawals worldwide**
- Repayment in small and flexible installments
awa7 Visa Credit Card
The awa7 Visa Credit Card is also one of our favorites. With the awa7 Visa, you benefit from a 0 euro annual fee as well as numerous travel perks and flexible repayment options.
Specifically, the awa7 Visa offers free worldwide payments and free withdrawals abroad. This means no fees for transactions in foreign currencies and no extra charges for cash withdrawals. Also worth mentioning are the flexible repayment terms, which give you financial freedom at any time.
awa7 Visa Credit Card
- 0 Euro annual fee
- Pay worldwide without fees*
- Withdraw cash abroad without fees**
- Repayment in small, flexible rates
- Up to 2,000 Euro instant payout
- Recommended by Stiftung Warentest (06/2025)
Barclays Visa Credit Card
The Barclays Visa Credit Card also performed strongly in our comparison and ranks among the top 3 free credit cards in Germany. Along with free worldwide payments and cash withdrawals, it offers an especially long interest-free grace period of up to 8 weeks.
Barclays Visa Credit card
- Free credit card
- Free cash withdrawals worldwide
- Free payments worldwide
- Free loan up to 2 months
In any case, a cashback credit card is still the better choice compared to a credit card from a traditional branch bank. This is especially true because most cashback cards aren’t tied directly to a checking account.
That means you can simply apply for one in addition to your existing checking account. This way, you enjoy cashback benefits while continuing to use your regular bank — without having to settle for less attractive cards from banks like Commerzbank, Volksbank, or HypoVereinsbank, which definitely aren’t viable alternatives to a cashback credit card.
Haven’t found the right model yet? In our credit card comparison, you can select as many features as you like and quickly find the perfect card for you.
Our conclusion on cashback credit cards
A cashback credit card is without a doubt a very attractive option for anyone who spends significant amounts with their card or plans to do so in the coming months. Annual rebates can easily exceed 100 euros, making them highly appealing.
If you want simplicity, go for a card with a classic cashback system. Alternatively, cards with category-specific cashback or mileage-earning credit cards can also be very rewarding. If you understand the true value of collected points, you can extract even higher returns and thus achieve an even better overall cashback!
American Express Platinum Card
- Promotion: 85.000 points welcome bonus
- 150 euros in restaurant credit
- 200 euros in travel credit
- 200 euros in Sixt Ride credit
- Free lounge access with guest
- The best insurance package in Germany
SumUp Pay Mastercard
- 0 Euro annual fee
- 1% Cashback on all purchases worldwide
- Three free domestic withdrawals included
- Pay worldwide without fees
- No SCHUFA check
Payback American Express Credit Card
- Promo: 1.000 points welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Earn points (miles) with every payment
- Free additional card
Revolut Standard Debit Card
- Promotion: 10 euro welcome bonus
- Free credit card – permanently without an annual fee
- Collect valuable points with every euro spent on the card
- Free worldwide cash withdrawal
C24 Mastercard
- Promotion: 75 Euro Bonus
- Free Mastercard debit card
- Free payments possible worldwide
- Free bank account included
