Credit Cards in Comparison: The Best Credit Card in Germany December 2025

Finding the best credit card doesn’t have to be difficult! For our detailed credit card comparison, our reisetopia financial experts have extensively tested more than 100 credit cards in Germany. Based on transparent criteria and many years of experience with financial products, we show you the best recommendations for every payment behavior. These are our top 5 credit cards in comparison.

Credit card comparison: Our top 5 in December 2025

best credit card germany

Hanseatic Bank GenialCard

• 0 Euro annual fee
• Free withdrawals abroad*
• Free payments worldwide**
• Repayment in small, flexible installments

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TF Bank Mastercard Gold

• Aktion: 30 Euro Bonus
• 0 Euro Jahresgebühr
• Weltweit gebührenfrei bezahlen
• Reiserücktrittkostenversicherung inkl.
• Auslandskrankenversicherung inkl.

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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

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Barclays Visa

• Deal: 40 Euro bonus
• Free credit card
• Free cash withdrawals worldwide
• Free payments worldwide
• Free loan up to 2 months

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Barclays Visa

• Deal: 40 Euro bonus
• Free credit card
• Free cash withdrawals worldwide
• Free payments worldwide
• Free loan up to 2 months

Zur Beantragung Alle Details

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What is a credit card?

A credit card is a payment method that allows you to make payments in stores or online and withdraw cash from ATMs. The card is very similar to a giro card (formerly known as a debit card), but unlike the latter it also offers the option of paying abroad and online without any problems.

In addition, credit cards differ in the way they are debited, which, unlike giro cards, is not usually done directly from the current account.

The term credit card comes from the fact that every credit card originally had a credit facility that could be accessed flexibly. This meant that you did not have to pay directly, but could use liquidity before the amounts paid were actually debited from your account.

Nowadays, this is still common with many credit cards, but not with all of them. The term is therefore no longer easy to differentiate, but in Germany a credit card is often defined by the fact that it is issued by one of the four major credit card companies.

👉 The best-known credit card providers in Germany:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Diners Club

There are also several other credit card issuers, particularly in the USA and Asia. However, these are less relevant and generally do not issue cards in Germany or Europe, which is why our credit card comparison focuses in particular on the widely used cards from Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

How do credit cards work?

The credit card is the most widely used cashless payment method in the world. With a credit card, you can make cashless payments at millions of acceptance points worldwide and also withdraw money from ATMs.

Although the term seems quite obvious at first glance, the principle and the different ways in which the means of payment work are not the same everywhere. As explained above, not even the term can be directly defined.

It is by no means necessarily a card that promises credit in payment transactions. This is only the case with some of the four variants of credit cards.

We have created an overview of a classic credit card for you, which includes all the components of a credit card. We have opted for a credit card in portrait format, as more and more credit cards are currently being designed in this format.

👉 Types of credit cards:

• Prepaid credit card
• Charge credit card
• “Classic” credit card
• Debit card

Prepaid credit card

The prepaid credit card is a model that must be topped up with credit before use. This means that no credit is granted, but only previously deposited funds can be used. As a rule, all virtual credit cards are also issued as prepaid cards.

Charge credit card

As the term “charge” suggests, the charge credit card is topped up with payments over a longer period of time. The amounts spent are advanced by the bank and collected in a credit card account.

The amount is then debited in full, usually on a monthly basis. With a few exceptions, these models are predominantly credit cards without a current account.

“Classic” credit card

The “classic” credit card works in a similar way, with the only difference to the charge credit card being that the entire amount issued does not have to be repaid on the due date.

The unpaid credit is granted over a longer period of time and bears interest. In this way, most banks also earn money with credit cards and can offer them completely free of charge.

As reisetopia financial experts, we therefore always warn against the so-called “installment facility”, as there is a risk of getting into debt here. In many cases, however, classic credit cards can now also be switched to full repayment by direct debit, which significantly minimizes the risk.

Usually credit cards are issued by banks, for example Sparkasse or Volksbank, but use the infrastructure or payment technology of one of the two major credit card companies Visa and Mastercard.

In addition, there are a few other providers that issue their own credit cards directly, such as American Express or Diners Club, the latter being the inventor of the credit card. With an American Express credit card, Amex is the direct contractual partner, with a Visa or Mastercard credit card it is the issuing bank.

Debit card

The last variant that should be explained in the area of credit cards is the debit card. Although this is also from one of the major providers Visa and Mastercard, it works more like a giro card. Amounts paid are not collected and advanced by credit, but debited directly from the current account.

This model is particularly common with direct banks, which issue a free credit card for travel with the account, but which then works without credit and debits the amounts paid directly from the account.

One advantage over the classic current card, however, is that payments can still be made online and the card can be used worldwide at all Visa and Mastercard acceptance points without any problems.

How do you pay with a credit card?

A credit card is often useful for everyday payments, as it can be used practically both in retail stores and online. But how exactly does the payment process work at the checkout? In-store, the process depends on the individual retailer, although it is now common practice, particularly in Europe, to enter the PIN at the till after inserting the card into the reader.

Abroad (especially in the US), it is still common in some cases to have to sign a receipt instead of entering the PIN. The magnetic strip of a credit card, which is rarely used in Germany any more, is often still used in the US.

A newer payment method is contactless payment, which works via NFC (Near Field Communication) and can be used for payments under 50 euros. You do not have to sign or enter a PIN, but simply hold the credit card up to the card reader.

Most new credit cards can now be used contactless. There are also payment methods via Google Pay and Apple Pay. To do this, you simply need to link your credit card to your smartphone and then use your cell phone for the payment process. Some banks also offer their own apps.

The fact that a credit card can be worthwhile in everyday life for various payment activities is particularly noticeable when shopping online, but how secure is the digital payment method? When paying by credit card, the following data must usually be provided:

• 🧑 Name of the cardholder
• 💳 Card number
• 📅 Expiry date
• 🔒 Card verification code (CVC)

The latter number ensures that the online payment is processed securely. This can be found on the back of the card. The 3D Secure procedure is now also the norm. When making a payment online, after entering the data you must also enter an SMS TAN or verify yourself as the cardholder in another way.

This is possible with some banks, for example, via an app that works with a push release. In some cases, a PIN may also be required here, but alternatively, approval in this case often also works via functions such as Face ID or approval with a fingerprint.

How secure is a credit card?

Due to the above-mentioned security measures for payment transactions, it is easy to see that credit cards are secured in several ways to prevent unauthorized use.

However, there are other features that protect a credit card from fraudulent intentions and guarantee security. We have already mentioned the card verification number on the back of the card in the paragraph above; it checks whether the credit card is physically present to the consumer.

In addition, credit card models today are equipped with a so-called EMV chip, which prevents the card from being easily duplicated. Furthermore, the cards have another security feature that is only visible under ultraviolet light, as well as a hologram. Which symbol is used for these features depends on the respective credit card company.

Important tips on credit card security:

• 🔑 Do not give your PIN to third parties
• 👜 Keep your PIN and credit card separate
• 🛡️ If possible, use the 3D Secure procedure for digital purchases
• 🌐 Only transfer credit card details in a secure environment
• 🚫 Do not enter card details when prompted (phishing)
• 📋 Check credit card statements regularly for anomalies

If there is a justified suspicion of fraud in relation to the use of the credit card, it is advisable to block it immediately. This should also be done immediately if the credit card is lost in order to avoid further damage.

In the event of loss, the liability of the credit card holder is limited by law to a maximum of 50 euros, provided there is no gross negligence.

To block the credit card, you should either contact the issuing bank or, if possible, use the general blocking hotline (116 116). In addition to the general blocking hotline, the card providers themselves also offer additional numbers.

📞 Blocking hotlines for domestic credit cards:

• Mastercard: 0800/0713542
• Visa: 0800/8118440
• American Express: 069/97971000
• Diners Club: 069/900150135 or 069/900150136

📞 Blocking hotlines for credit cards from abroad:

• Mastercard: 0016367227111
• Visa: 0013036971096
• American Express: 00496997971000
• Diners Club: 0049699001503135 or 0049699001503135

If you have not lost your credit card but still have it to hand, you will usually find the specific number of your bank for blocking on the back of the card. In general, it is a good idea to save the number in your cell phone for emergencies.

The hotlines are usually available 24 hours a day. As soon as you have blocked the card, no more payments can be made with it. However, you will usually receive a replacement card within a few days, which can then be used for payments again.

Credit cards in comparison: What are the requirements?

The requirements for applying for a credit card can vary depending on the type of card. The respective providers also sometimes have different criteria that must be met in order to obtain the desired model. The following requirements may therefore apply, but vary depending on the card model:

• 🏠 Permanent residence in Germany
• 🎂 Completion of the 18th year of age
• 📑 Credit report from SCHUFA
• 💶 Information on creditworthiness (for example in the form of proof of income)

As already mentioned, not all requirements apply to all credit cards. For example, a SCHUFA check is usually required when applying for credit cards with a credit limit, i.e. charge or classic credit cards.

But what about those who cannot prove that they have a good credit rating? In these circumstances, you don’t have to do without a credit card completely, as there are models that only work on a credit basis. Prepaid cards are often credit cards that can be applied for without a credit report.

The age of majority is also not always mandatory for these credit card models, meaning that younger people can also access the benefits. However, credit cards for young people are rather rare, so it is often necessary to use an adult’s partner card if you want to use a credit card under the age of 18.

You should also note that some credit card models also require you to open a current account with the bank in question. You can of course also find the best combinations of current account and credit card in our comprehensive current account comparison.

How does applying for a credit card work?

The application process is relatively straightforward, if the credit card provider’s requirements are met.

The entire process of applying for a credit card usually takes just one week for cards recommended in the reisetopia credit card comparison, including sending and activating the card.

The six steps to applying for a credit card:

1️⃣ Choosing the right credit cards in the credit card comparison

2️⃣ Applying for the card via the bank’s website

3️⃣ Identification via Videoident or Postident

4️⃣ Submitting further documents (only in some cases)

5️⃣ Issuing & sending the credit card

6️⃣ Activating the credit card

❗️ In some cases, when applying for a credit card, further proof may be requested after identification, such as proof of salary. The respective bank usually informs you of this either by e-mail or by post.

Credit cards in comparison: The best models by category

The fact that we dedicate a detailed guide to credit cards is also due to the sheer enormous choice. The reisetopia financial experts regularly take a close look at more than 100 credit cards for the credit card comparison and identify the best options. To make it easier for customers, they classify them into different categories, which go beyond the type of card.

👉 There are the following categories of credit cards:

• Free credit cards
• Chargeable credit card without additional services (not recommended)
• Credit cards for earning miles and points
• Premium credit cards
• Business credit cards for business expenses

Free credit cards are undoubtedly particularly popular, as these cards come with no annual fee and therefore almost always offer good value for money. Customers generally use these models to avoid unnecessary costs when making payments and in some cases to obtain cash free of charge.

However, there are numerous other advantages that many of the free credit cards in the comparison offer, even though they can be used completely free of charge. These models are also very often the best option as a credit card for students.

Contrary to popular belief, there is by no means always a catch with free credit cards. In some cases, there are even free additional services that can be quite something!

On the other hand, there are chargeable credit cards that do not offer any additional services. These models are sometimes the most common ones in Germany and are often issued by branch banks for an additional fee in addition to the current account.

These cards are generally not recommended because the price-performance ratio is poor. If you currently only have one of these cards in your wallet, you should definitely take a look at the credit card comparison and look for an alternative!

Credit cards for earning miles or so-called cashback credit cards can also be a very good choice, because with these you can receive a refund for every payment in everyday life. This is not only worthwhile for frequent flyers, but also for anyone who spends a lot of money with credit cards and can quickly earn substantial refunds or miles, which can then be used for free flights.

However, it is worth taking a closer look at the different models to find out which is the best model for your needs. You should also calculate whether such a credit card is really worthwhile in terms of your own payment behavior or whether you would be better off opting for a free credit card in the credit card network.

A premium credit card is always recommended if the additional services it offers are worth more than the annual fee that is usually charged for them. These additional services vary greatly and range from insurance, such as travel cancellation insurance, to exclusive benefits in hotels, at airports and more.

In the vast majority of cases, the focus of premium credit cards is on travel benefits. However, there are now also cards with other additional benefits, such as the American Express Platinum Card. This includes various lifestyle benefits such as a restaurant credit.

The last type of credit card in the comparison is only relevant for certain people, as these are business credit cards that can only be applied for by the self-employed and freelancers or entrepreneurs. These are then used to pay for business expenses and can also have the advantages of credit cards from one of the other categories, such as the option to earn miles.

Furthermore, there are also credit card models that are only relevant in certain countries. For example, there is also a large selection of credit cards in Austria, which you should take a look at if required.

Free credit cards

There are basically two types of free credit cards that need to be distinguished. On the one hand, there are the real credit cards, i.e. cards that can be applied for without a current account and are equipped with a credit line. After applying for a credit card, a credit card account is opened in which your payments for a billing period (usually one month) are collected.

At the end of this period, either the entire amount is automatically debited from your current account or you use the partial payment option and only pay a portion of this amount. However, we do not advise you to do this under any circumstances, as it incurs high interest rates.

👉 The best free credit cards:

• Hanseatic Bank GenialCard
• TF Bank Mastercard Gold
• Barclays Visa credit card
• Awa7 credit card
• N26 Standard Mastercard
• Payback American Express credit card

The other type of free credit card is always issued with a free current account – here too, we have taken a close look at dozens of models in our credit card comparison to identify the best cards for you.

As a rule, repayments also differ from “real” credit cards, as the payments made are usually debited from the current account on file and not first collected in a credit card account.

So why are these models also referred to as credit cards? Because they are usually also Visa or Mastercard cards, which means that all the benefits of a real credit card also apply to these models. These include, for example, worldwide use or easy blocking around the clock.

👉 The best free credit cards with a current account in the reisetopia test:

As you can see at first glance, most of these are direct banks. Which of the two credit card options is the better choice for you if you want a free credit card depends very much on what you personally find more convenient.

With a monthly debit, you naturally have the advantage of an interest-free loan, but you also run the risk of exceeding your financial limits. In this case, a credit card with an interest-free payment term is worthwhile. A free current account can be a good alternative, but usually only if you actually use it.

💡 Credit cards from branch banks are rarely actually attractive in Germany. However, if you have an account with a branch bank, you can easily apply for an additional free credit card, which is then automatically debited from your existing account.

A free model is always suitable as a travel credit card, as many of the benefits are already on board. Free payments and withdrawals are worth their weight in gold when you’re traveling around the world.

However, other important benefits of a good travel credit card, such as insurance, are usually only offered by premium models, which we take a closer look at below.

The best credit cards for earning miles

At first glance, the landscape of credit cards for earning miles is rather sobering. There are only two models with which you can earn miles directly, namely the Miles & More credit card in various versions, which logically earns miles in Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program. In addition to this, there is only the Eurowings credit card, both as a Classic and Premium model. These also earn miles in the Miles & More program.

The Hilton credit card can also be used to collect points in the Hilton Honors program. As a travel credit card, a model is not always suitable for earning miles, at least not necessarily for use abroad. Many models charge high fees for payments in foreign currencies and should therefore be used domestically. However, the Eurowings credit card, which does not charge a foreign currency fee, is suitable for use abroad.

In addition to the credit cards mentioned, you can also earn miles with other cards through alternative methods. There are two programs in which you can collect points that can then be transferred to miles. These programs are Payback and Amex Membership Rewards.

👉 All of these models are American Express credit cards and are divided into the following attractive cards:

As you can probably guess, only the last two models are credit cards for collecting Payback points, all other models collect points in the Membership Rewards program. In our guide to earning miles with credit cards, we show you exactly how earning with credit cards works and which model is best for which user.

It should also be noted that you will also receive a correspondingly high starting balance as a welcome bonus for the credit card models. Depending on your spending habits, these cards can also be a very good choice when comparing credit cards.

Reimbursement in another form: Cashback credit cards

In a credit card comparison, so-called cashback credit cards also fall into the category of miles credit cards. In contrast to miles, these credit cards with a bonus program offer direct reimbursement in the form of money.

For every payment made with the credit card, a certain percentage is refunded as cashback. Unfortunately, this model is not particularly widespread in Germany or the EU due to the capped credit card fees, but there are still some models that you should have on your radar. We have summarized the most important cashback credit cards on our detailed page.

Premium credit cards

Although credit cards for earning miles are generally also premium credit cards, unsurprisingly other aspects also play a role here. These include insurance and the waiving of fees. Some models of credit cards for earning miles, for example from Barclays, also have premium benefits, but in this overview we would like to focus on the other premium travel credit cards.

👉 Premium credit cards are offered by the following branch banks, for example:

However, the branch banks’ cards did not convince us in the test in terms of value for money and are only worthwhile if you are a customer of the respective bank.

This is especially true because there are alternative premium credit cards that you can easily link to an existing current account and where the annual fee is significantly lower and the benefits are much better.

👉 An overview of the best-known premium models in the credit card comparison:

The Barclays Platinum Double and the Barclays Gold Visa or the Hanseatic Bank GoldCard with slightly lower benefits are particularly recommended. These are often grouped together as gold credit cards or black credit cards. In addition, some of the credit cards listed above are also recommended as premium credit cards for earning miles. The American Express Centurion Card is another very special credit card that is only issued by invitation.

In our detailed guide to premium credit cards, we have summarized for you once again what is decisive when deciding on a suitable premium credit card in our credit card comparison and which services are particularly valuable!

Comparison of credit cards for the self-employed and freelancers

Finally, we would like to take a look at business credit cards in our search for the best credit cards. It’s always worth applying for one as a self-employed person or freelancer, as few models in the credit card comparison offer such a good benefits package. With most models, you also benefit from the fact that it is a credit card for earning miles and in many cases also offers insurance and other benefits of a premium travel credit card.

Among the available business credit cards, we must of course first mention the branch bank models, which, however, perform rather poorly compared to our favorites in this category. The most important candidate when choosing the best credit card for the self-employed is without doubt an Amex Business Card, which offers many advantages.

👉 Among the Amex Business Cards, the following two models are the most convincing in the credit card comparison:

• Amex Business Gold Card
• Amex Business Platinum Card

Both cards offer a good combination of benefits and a comparatively low annual fee, which convinced us in our extensive test of various business credit cards. A business credit card is also particularly attractive due to the fact that it allows you to earn miles purely through business spending. It happens almost effortlessly – bringing you one step closer to your next free flight.

Credit cards in comparison: Our experiences

The credit card market in Germany is in a constant state of flux, meaning that the best credit card from the credit card comparison changes frequently. In some cases, it can also be worthwhile for customers to switch products more often in order to benefit from better conditions or starting bonuses, for example. In our experience with the best credit cards, there is a constant pattern that should be observed when looking for a suitable free credit card as well as when researching a tailor-made premium credit card.

👉 The following evaluation criteria are therefore included in our credit card comparison compiled by the reisetopia financial experts:

• Credit card fees (annual fee, withdrawal and foreign currency fee)
• Credit card repayment options (partial payment, full payment, direct debit, bank transfer and potential interest)
• Experience of the reisetopia financial experts with the credit cards
• Additional credit card services (insurance, lounge access, credit balance and other services)

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as the best credit card in a credit card comparison. This is because every customer’s requirements are different. However, when weighing up the various factors, our reisetopia financial experts have identified selected cards that are universally recommended.

📌 According to our evaluation criteria and experience, the current best credit cards in Germany are

• Hanseatic Bank Genial Card
• TF Bank Mastercard Gold
• American Express Platinum Card
• Barclays Visa Credit Card
• Barclays Platinum Double

Of course, these recommendations change regularly and may vary depending on the profile. Nevertheless, we are convinced that the cards mentioned are a good option for everyone and represent an excellent recommendation in the credit card comparison!

Credit cards in comparison: What you should look out for

With so many credit cards on the market, you should think carefully about which credit card to choose. That’s why it’s important that you know how you should compare. So what criteria are important to make a good decision when applying for a credit card? And what makes the best credit card?

• 💳 Use of the credit card
• 🏦 Credit card with or without a current account?
• 💰 Fees and costs compared to the card’s benefits

Use of the credit card

The most important question you should ask yourself when choosing a credit card is how you want to use the card, i.e. what exactly you want to do with your new credit card. For example, if you only want to use it for everyday and online payments, a free credit card such as the TF Bank Mastercard Gold is a good choice.

However, if you have a high credit card turnover, a refund via miles or cashback is definitely worthwhile. The situation is similar with premium additional services, which not everyone needs, but if you do, a premium credit card is often the best option. In our credit card comparison, you can filter by different models to find the best card for you!

Credit card with or without a current account?

The second important question you should ask yourself is whether you want to apply for a credit card with or without a current account. Cards without a current account have the advantage that you can get them quickly and with less bureaucracy, but many free credit cards with numerous benefits are only available with a free current account. This limits the choice of cards that you can apply for without a current account.

Fees and costs compared to the card’s benefits

The next obviously important aspect when comparing credit cards is the issue of fees. In addition to the annual credit card fees, there are other areas where costs are incurred:

• 🌍 Foreign currency fees
• 💸 Fees for cash withdrawals
• 💰 Interest for partial payments

With all these fees, you should also always remember the first point, namely your intended use for the credit card. A good example of this is the Amex Platinum, which costs 720 euros per year in fees.

However, almost the entire reisetopia team has this credit card, precisely because it is extremely worthwhile if you travel. So you always have to compare the advantages with the benefits of the credit card before making a decision.

So before you make your decision for or against a credit card simply on the basis of what fees are incurred, you should always take a look at the benefits of the cards. Depending on your profile, credit balances, insurance or other benefits may make them more worthwhile than other credit cards.

Credit cards in comparison: the best in 2025

If you weigh up all the criteria for the best credit card, you should be able to narrow down your choice to the ideal card model. However, as you can already see from the models listed for the different types of credit cards, there are a large number of suitable cards on offer in Germany.

Finding the perfect model from this selection often proves to be complicated. In our analysis of more than 100 credit cards based on numerous criteria in our credit card comparison, a few favorites have emerged. However, which card is the perfect choice in the end always depends on your own profile.

We therefore recommend defining in advance certain services that a credit card must provide so that it perfectly matches your own payment and spending behavior. Among the free models, the Barclays Visa credit card and the TF Bank Mastercard Gold, which are particularly suitable for use abroad, stand out.

If you are looking for a credit card that includes premium services such as insurance or charges fewer additional fees, the models from American Express or Miles & More, for example, may be more attractive.

best credit card germany

Hanseatic Bank GenialCard

• 0 Euro annual fee
• Free withdrawals abroad*
• Free payments worldwide**
• Repayment in small, flexible installments

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TF Bank Mastercard Gold

• Aktion: 30 Euro Bonus
• 0 Euro Jahresgebühr
• Weltweit gebührenfrei bezahlen
• Reiserücktrittkostenversicherung inkl.
• Auslandskrankenversicherung inkl.

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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

Zur Beantragung Alle Details

Barclays Visa

• Deal: 40 Euro bonus
• Free credit card
• Free cash withdrawals worldwide
• Free payments worldwide
• Free loan up to 2 months

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Barclays Visa

• Deal: 40 Euro bonus
• Free credit card
• Free cash withdrawals worldwide
• Free payments worldwide
• Free loan up to 2 months

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That’s why our credit card comparison is worthwhile

Our credit card comparison helps you to find the best model for you, as you can filter according to different purposes and conditions. In addition, you can often benefit from attractive offers, as some providers often offer a bonus, for example in the form of a starting balance, when new customers apply. Of course, we also provide daily updates on current promotions in our credit card comparison!

However, which credit card is the best depends heavily on your own user behavior. In all cases, it is worth comparing several models, as you can only determine which credit card is best suited to your own financial needs.

How do the reisetopia financial experts test credit cards?

Are you wondering how we arrived at our ranking in one of the most detailed credit card comparison in Germany? At reisetopia, not only do over 30 employees use different credit cards every day at home and when traveling.

We also scrutinize every new financial product – from current accounts and credit cards to investment products – and update our assessments of existing cards several times a year. Thanks to our years of expertise with financial products, we take a look at the most important fees and services so that we can make a well-founded recommendation for free credit cards as well as premium credit cards.

When making an independent recommendation, we always ensure that the end result is a high added value for customers – this is what we have stood for with our name for years!

In order to find the best financial products for you, we have been conducting independent and comprehensive comparisons for years. To do this, we test offers according to fixed criteria such as fees, services, and customer service, and compare the results transparently. This way, you can be sure to make a well-informed decision.

Have our reisetopia financial tips helped you? Then please rate us on Trustpilot!

What are the latest developments in credit cards?

The credit card comparison is always on the move, so hardly a day goes by without us changing our assessments with regard to changes in fees or services. In this way, we ensure that we take account of all current developments in the German credit card market.

Whether it’s a change in interest rates or fees, a new card design or other updates, we always incorporate these promptly into our credit card test. This has been particularly important in recent years, as the number of providers in Germany has increased significantly. Due to the greater competition, the price-performance ratio of many cards has also improved.

We recommend the Hanseatic Bank GenialCard as a credit card with no annual fee. This credit card from Hanseatic Bank comes with no annual fee and has no hidden fees in subsequent years.

The Visa is particularly impressive when traveling due to its worldwide acceptance and the fact that there are no foreign currency fees, which means that payments can be made free of charge anywhere in the world.

A decisive advantage over many other credit cards is that the card can be used digitally immediately after successful application, even before you receive the physical card. Overall, the black credit card from Hanseatic Bank offers a combination of attractive travel conditions and worldwide acceptance with no annual fee.

A lot has also happened with other credit cards. For example, the new Miles & More credit card, which is no longer be issued by DKB but by Deutsche Bank since 2025, is something to look out for.

Our aim as reisetopia finance experts is to keep you up to date on all developments and, of course, to constantly adapt our credit card comparison to the changing market environment!

Credit card comparison 2025: Our conclusion

Choosing the best credit card is not easy, partly because there is are so many choices. There is no perfect credit card for everyone, which is why we would like to suggest that you choose one of the different types of credit card we have presented and then select a model from our credit card comparison based on various evaluation criteria and experiences.

All the cards in the top positions have undergone our detailed test based on numerous criteria. In our experience, a combination of several models can also be very lucrative, such as using a free credit card and one for earning miles.

best credit card germany

Hanseatic Bank GenialCard

• 0 Euro annual fee
• Free withdrawals abroad*
• Free payments worldwide**
• Repayment in small, flexible installments

Zur Beantragung Alle Details

TF Bank Mastercard Gold

• Aktion: 30 Euro Bonus
• 0 Euro Jahresgebühr
• Weltweit gebührenfrei bezahlen
• Reiserücktrittkostenversicherung inkl.
• Auslandskrankenversicherung inkl.

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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

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Barclays Visa

• Deal: 40 Euro bonus
• Free credit card
• Free cash withdrawals worldwide
• Free payments worldwide
• Free loan up to 2 months

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Barclays Visa

• Deal: 40 Euro bonus
• Free credit card
• Free cash withdrawals worldwide
• Free payments worldwide
• Free loan up to 2 months

Zur Beantragung Alle Details

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