Easy access to financial services for asylum applicants and refugees is of immense importance, as they have a decisive influence on their integration, everyday life and financial independence. But is it possible to get a credit card as an asylum seeker or migrant from abroad – and if so, how does it work?
In this article, we will explore the complexities of this topic and answer any questions you may have about German credit cards for immigrants.
bunq Prepaid Mastercard
- Free Mastercard prepaid credit card
- Includes free money account
- Without Schufa entry
- Online application in 5 minutes
N26 Flex Mastercard
- No SCHUFA check
- Mastercard debit card included
- Bank account included
- Worldwide without foreign currency fees
Revolut Mastercard
- Promotion: 10 Euro Welcome bonus
- No SCHUFA check
- Withdraw cash free of charge worldwide
- Free transfers in 29 currencies
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
C24 Mastercard
- Free Mastercard debit card
- Free payments possible worldwide
- Free bank account included
Wise Debit Mastercard
- Digital Debit Mastercard included free of charge
- Withdraw up to 200 euros per month free of charge
- Pay in local currencies at the live exchange rate
- No SCHUFA Check required
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Importance of financial services for immigrants
- Legal situation
- Which credit cards are suitable for asylum seekers?
- Prepaid credit cards
- Bank account with debit card
- What documents do asylum seekers need to apply for a credit card?
- Which banks are eligible?
- What tips are there for applying for a credit card for asylum seekers?
- Conclusion on credit cards for refugees
Importance of financial services for immigrants
There’s no question about it: when you immigrate to Germany, easy access to a bank account and a bank card plays an essential role. After all, being able to buy groceries and the like effortlessly is the first step towards coping with everyday life. Using only cash is no longer in keeping with the times, which is why credit cards and debit cards are of crucial importance not only for Germans, but also for asylum seekers and refugees of all kinds.
By having a bank account and a credit card, migrants can store money safely, make transfers and carry out cashless transactions. On the one hand, this makes it easier to deal with financial matters in everyday life, but also promotes safer and more efficient money management in times of uncertainty.
This also supports the economic integration of immigrants from crisis regions. This is because a stable financial basis opens up many opportunities: Many employers prefer to transfer salaries to bank accounts and a bank account is also often a prerequisite for signing a rental agreement. A bank account therefore not only serves as a financial tool, but is also a basic requirement for various areas of life.
However, in an increasingly digitalized society in particular, the bank account also offers another decisive advantage: simple cashless payments with a debit card or credit card.
Responsible use of a credit card undoubtedly helps to build creditworthiness. This is particularly important if migrants are staying in Germany long-term and have long-term financial goals such as buying a home or car.
When arriving in a new country where everything is different from their home country, migrants typically have to rely on processes that they themselves do not yet understand. This makes them particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation. The use of bank accounts and credit cards offers a higher level of protection, as cashless transactions are more transparent and traceable. Finally, credit cards therefore help to protect against situations of financial abuse. But can you even get a credit card in Germany as a refugee?
Legal situation
The regulations regarding credit cards for asylum seekers and refugees in Germany are subject to various factors, including legal requirements, bank guidelines and specific programs of financial institutions. In general, however, certain aspects are relevant when it comes to the legal framework for credit cards for immigrants.
A fundamental principle is the protection against discrimination and the guarantee of equal treatment. In Germany, discrimination based on origin or residence status is prohibited by law. This means that banks may not reject asylum seekers or migrants because of their nationality or origin.
However, this does not necessarily mean that immigrants can choose any bank account and credit card they want. It is not uncommon for German banks to only grant asylum seekers a so-called basic account – and this has no credit limit and therefore no fully-fledged credit card.
Verification of legitimacy and identity is another aspect where many prospective customers from abroad encounter complications. German banks are required by law to verify the identity of their customers – but this is difficult if you, as a refugee, may not have an identification document such as a passport. However, you may be able to confirm your identity with other documents, which we will explain shortly.
Which credit cards are suitable for asylum seekers?
As already mentioned, it is not exactly easy to get a traditional credit card as a migrant or refugee, let alone a credit card with installment payments. This is because the requirements of most German banks are neither transparent nor easy to meet for new arrivals. As you do not yet have a credit history in Germany, the banks are cautious and generally do not grant you a credit line.
However, this does not mean that you as an immigrant have to do without cashless payments. Instead of the classic credit card with a credit limit, you can use one of the following options:
Prepaid credit cards
Prepaid credit cards are a particularly suitable alternative for asylum seekers. Instead of paying for your expenses afterward, as with a traditional credit card, with a prepaid card you charge money to the card in advance. This means that you can only spend the amount that you have previously loaded onto the card.
Once topped up, you can use the prepaid credit card to pay wherever credit cards are accepted. The only exception is that these cards cannot mainly be used as a guarantee for hotel or car rental bookings.
One of the main advantages for asylum seekers is the fact that prepaid credit cards do not require a credit check. Although you do not yet have an established credit history in Germany, you can still obtain a prepaid card, as you only use the credit loaded onto the card.
Avoiding unforeseen debts is another decisive factor in favor of using a prepaid card. Traditional credit cards offer a line of credit that allows you to borrow money up to a certain limit, so to speak. This is risky for migrants who are in a new financial environment, as they may not have sufficient experience in dealing with credit.
Another plus point is the flexibility of obtaining a prepaid credit card. This is because these cards are often available without extensive bureaucratic hurdles – without the need for a fixed income. This means that the prepaid credit card is also suitable for those who do not wish to stay in Germany permanently.
To apply for a prepaid credit card, an identity document will usually be presented on site or as part of the Post-Ident verification procedure. In addition, a registration certificate and a written justification of the asylum seeker’s residence should be submitted. If none of these documents are available, a foreign passport or other written documents can be used to apply for a prepaid credit card.
If you are interested in a prepaid credit card, you can get some ideas in our comparison:
bunq Prepaid Mastercard
- Free Mastercard prepaid credit card
- Includes free money account
- Without Schufa entry
- Online application in 5 minutes
N26 Flex Mastercard
- No SCHUFA check
- Mastercard debit card included
- Bank account included
- Worldwide without foreign currency fees
Revolut Mastercard
- Promotion: 10 Euro Welcome bonus
- No SCHUFA check
- Withdraw cash free of charge worldwide
- Free transfers in 29 currencies
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
C24 Mastercard
- Free Mastercard debit card
- Free payments possible worldwide
- Free bank account included
Wise Debit Mastercard
- Digital Debit Mastercard included free of charge
- Withdraw up to 200 euros per month free of charge
- Pay in local currencies at the live exchange rate
- No SCHUFA Check required
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
Bank account with debit card
A bank account with a debit card is another viable option. Compared to credit cards, the requirements for opening a bank account are often less stringent. Asylum seekers can use a debit card to access the money in their account and carry out cashless transactions without getting into debt.
In a country like Germany, where cashless transactions are widespread, a debit card linked to a bank account offers more convenience than a prepaid credit card that needs to be topped up before use.
If you are an immigrant planning to stay in Germany long-term and carry out regular financial transactions, a bank account with a debit card is undoubtedly the better option. It allows you to make various payments, such as rent, bills and receiving salaries – all in one central account. Even if you receive regular financial support, a bank account is essential for easy processing.
We have put together a selection of the best bank accounts with debit cards for you here:
ING Girokonto
- Aktion: 100 Euro Startguthaben
- Kostenloses Girokonto bei 1.000 Euro Gehaltseingang
- Kostenlose VISA Card [Debitkarte] inklusive
- Kostenlos Bargeld abheben in Eurowährungen
- Kostenloses Tagesgeldkonto mit 3 Prozent Zinsen
bunq Girokonto
- Kostenloses Girokonto – dauerhaft ohne Jahresgebühr
- Kostenlose Mastercard enthalten
- Smartes Mobile-Banking und schnelle Kontoeröffnung
- Ohne Schufa-Eintrag
Trade Republic Girokonto
- Kostenloses Girokonto – dauerhaft ohne Jahresgebühr
- Kostenlose Zahlungen weltweit
- Kostenfreie Bargeldabhebungen weltweit
- Kostenlose Visa Karte mit Saveback inklusive
N26 Girokonto
- Kostenloses Girokonto – dauerhaft ohne Jahresgebühr
- Kostenlose Zahlungen weltweit
- Kostenlose Bargeldabhebungen in Euro
- Kostenlose virtuelle Mastercard inklusive
C24 Girokonto
- Kostenloses Girokonto
- Zinsen auf das Girokonto
- Kostenlose Mastercard-Debitkarte inklusive
- Optional: Tagesgeldfunktion mit 2 Prozent Zinsen p.a.
What documents do asylum seekers need to apply for a credit card?
The documents required to apply for a debit card or prepaid credit card vary depending on the bank. As a rule, identification documents such as a passport or residence permit are required – however, more relaxed regulations often apply to asylum seekers or refugees in order to support financial integration even in crisis.
Note: If you do not have a passport, you can also use a document from the German immigration authorities to identify yourself at most banks. This document must contain all important personal details and a current photograph. Valid documents are, for example, emergency travel documents, travel documents for refugees or stateless individuals.
Many banks also offer online applications in English so that asylum seekers can apply for a credit card online.
It can also be a residence permit, certificate of suspension of deportation, registration certificate, home pass, fictitious certificate, certificate of registration as an asylum seeker or the certificate of forwarding an asylum seeker. Nevertheless, we recommend that you inform yourself in advance about the specific requirements of the respective bank. But which banks are suitable for applying for a bank account with a debit card or a prepaid credit card?
Which banks are eligible?
Choosing the right bank is crucial to the success of your application. Some banks have developed special programs and products to meet the needs of migrants and asylum seekers. These programs include more flexible requirements and services, making it easier to access financial services in Germany.
An important point here is the difference between asylum seekers, who presumably do not have an identity document, and tolerated individuals or individuals with asylum, as they presumably have an identity document with them. This is important to bear in mind, as not every bank offers a credit card for asylum seekers without an ID document.
The following banks have set themselves the task of promoting financial inclusion:
- GLS Bank: GLS Bank is committed to socially and ecologically sustainable banking and strives for inclusive banking practices. It therefore offers a special bank account for refugees, which is free of charge for the first year and allows you to withdraw cash free of charge from over 15,000 Volksbank ATMs.
- Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken: Many local cooperative banks, as part of the Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, also offer special services for migrants and refugees. However, the offer may vary from region to region. As a rule, the account can be opened in different languages.
- Savings banks: You also have a good chance of opening an account with the local savings banks – but here, too, the offer depends on the region. Sparkasse Nürnberg even offers refugees two different accounts, including a fee-based account and a bank account that is free for the first year.
- Deutsche Bank: Deutsche Bank has an account designed to make it easier for refugees to access banking services. Deutsche Bank not only allows you to open an account without a fixed registration address, but also exempts you from account maintenance fees.
What tips are there for applying for a credit card for asylum seekers?
Applying for a credit card as an asylum seeker requires some thought and preparation. The German banking system can be complex and opaque, especially for new arrivals. For this reason, we are giving you a few tips here that will help you on your way to a bank account with a debit card or a prepaid credit card:
- Find out about special offers: Take a look at the banks that offer special account types for migrants and refugees. Check the conditions and fees and see if the product meets your needs.
- Gather the necessary documents: Prepare all the necessary identification documents that the respective bank requires opening an account.
- Ask for support: If you have difficulties with the language or are unsure about the banking processes, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many banks offer multilingual services and there are staff on hand to help you open an account. You can also bring a trusted person with you to help with translation.
- Consider your intended use: think about how you want to use the account or card. If you mainly want to carry out cashless transactions and want better control over your spending, a prepaid credit card could be the right choice.
- Seek advice from refugee organizations: Often, refugee organizations can offer you valuable support in choosing the right bank. This is because these organizations usually already know which banks are suitable for you and which documents you need to bring with you.
Conclusion on credit cards for refugees
Access to financial services, especially credit cards, is a crucial step for the successful integration of asylum seekers and migrants. Prepaid credit cards and bank accounts with debit cards offer flexible options for cashless payments, which are essential for life in Germany.
The choice between a bank account and a prepaid credit card depends on individual circumstances, with factors such as long-term residence, intended use and personal preferences playing a role. While bank accounts enable comprehensive financial integration and create a stable basis for everyday life, prepaid credit cards offer a flexible and controlled option for cashless transactions. Of course, selecting the right bank and careful preparation of the necessary documents are also crucial.
bunq Prepaid Mastercard
- Free Mastercard prepaid credit card
- Includes free money account
- Without Schufa entry
- Online application in 5 minutes
N26 Flex Mastercard
- No SCHUFA check
- Mastercard debit card included
- Bank account included
- Worldwide without foreign currency fees
Revolut Mastercard
- Promotion: 10 Euro Welcome bonus
- No SCHUFA check
- Withdraw cash free of charge worldwide
- Free transfers in 29 currencies
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
C24 Mastercard
- Free Mastercard debit card
- Free payments possible worldwide
- Free bank account included
Wise Debit Mastercard
- Digital Debit Mastercard included free of charge
- Withdraw up to 200 euros per month free of charge
- Pay in local currencies at the live exchange rate
- No SCHUFA Check required
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
