Can I use my credit card in Germany?

So you’re heading to Germany. Whether you’ll be tasting some of the world’s best beers at Oktoberfest, paying a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial or hiking the Bavarian Alps, you’ll need to have a way to pay for your adventures in Deutschland. 

Fortunately, credit cards are widely accepted throughout much of Europe, including in Germany. 

What you’ll learn:

• American credit cards are generally accepted throughout Germany.

• If your card is lost or stolen, you can lock it to help prevent unauthorized charges.

• If you use a rewards card, you can continue to earn rewards on qualifying purchases while you’re away.

• It may also be helpful to carry some cash with you.

Credit cards are accepted in Germany just as they are in many other European countries. You may also be able to tap your phone to pay and use digital wallets like Apple Wallet® and Samsung Wallet®.

Using a credit card while traveling in Germany can offer a few advantages.

• Security: If you lose your credit card, you can lock it to prevent anyone else using it. Capital One cardholders can lock their cards using the Capital One Mobile app. Capital One also offers $0 liability for unauthorized charges if your card is lost or stolen. It may not be so easy to recover stolen or lost cash.

• Rewards: If you have a rewards credit card, you’ll continue earning rewards on eligible purchases you make while you’re away.

• Favorable exchange rates: When you use your credit card to make purchases, the transaction amounts are converted into U.S. dollars behind the scenes. The currency conversion rate that your credit card processor or network uses is likely to be lower than the rate you’d be charged for exchanging currencies in cash or when making withdrawals from an ATM.

• Travel insurance: Some credit card issuers offer travel insurance through their cards. Depending on the card, you could be covered for things like trip delays, lost luggage and rental car damage. Some Capital One cards come with travel insurance and concierge access that can help you plan your trip at no cost to you.

There are benefits to taking both cash and credit cards to Germany. Credit cards will be accepted for most of your needs in Germany. And considering all their benefits, some travelers may prefer to use a credit card in Germany whenever they can. But it’s generally recommended to also take euros. That’s in case you encounter a merchant or vendor who only accepts cash.

Generally, you should be able to use a credit card in German taxis. For example, Berlin’s official tourism organization says credit and debit card payments should be possible in all taxis. But to be sure, you might want to ask before you get in the car. Some drivers may prefer or only accept cash.

Credit cards are a convenient way to make purchases when you’re visiting Germany. And having a travel rewards credit card can help you earn rewards that you can use to cover airfare, car rentals, hotel stays and more.

You can compare Capital One’s travel rewards credit cards and check whether you’re pre-approved at no risk to your credit scores.