American Express Germany
American Express PAYBACK Card
Germany's most popular free rewards credit card. Earn PAYBACK points on every purchase, collect double points at PAYBACK partners, enjoy Amex Offers, and pay no annual fee for life.
Highlights
Main benefits
- Purchase Protection
- Extended 90-day Return Protection
- Fraud Protection
- Emergency Card Replacement
- Lifetime free credit card
- 1 PAYBACK point per €3 spent
- Double points at PAYBACK partners
- 1,000 welcome points
- €20 Amazon gift card
- Apple Pay support
- Google Pay support
- Amex Offers discounts
- 24/7 customer service
- No PAYBACK point expiry
- Free supplementary card
Fees
Fees and charges
Joining fee
€0
Renewal fee
€0
Annual fee waiver
Lifetime Free
Who can apply
Eligibility
- Age 18+
- Primary residence in Germany
- SEPA bank account
- Successful credit check (SCHUFA)
Checklist
Documents required
- Government-issued ID
- German residential address
- German bank account (SEPA)
- Employment and income details if requested
Process
How to apply
1. Apply online through American Express Germany
2. Complete personal details
3. Verify identity via VideoIdent or PostIdent
4. Receive card by mail
5. Activate and start earning PAYBACK points
Value
Reward and cashback structure
Reward rate
1 PAYBACK Point per €3 spent at all American Express merchants;
Double points at many PAYBACK partner stores;
No point expiry while card is active.
Cashback
Approximately 0.33% base return;
Higher effective value through PAYBACK promotions and partner offers;
100 PAYBACK Points = €1 cash value
Good fit
Pros
- No annual fee
- Strong PAYBACK ecosystem
- Double points opportunities
- No point expiry
- Good welcome offer
- Free supplementary cards
- Apple Pay and Google Pay support
Watchouts
Cons
- No lounge access
- 2% foreign transaction fee
- 4% cash withdrawal fee
- American Express acceptance lower than Visa/Mastercard
- Limited travel benefits
Related
Related cards
Compare
Compare Cards
| Field | American Express PAYBACK Card | Hanseatic Bank GenialCard |
|---|---|---|
| Bank/provider | American Express Germany | Hanseatic Bank |
| Joining fee | €0 | €0 |
| Renewal fee | €0 | €0 |
| Best for | Shopping, PAYBACK Rewards, Everyday Spending | International Travel, Foreign Spending, Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad |
| Reward rate |
| No rewards program |
| Cashback |
| None |
| Lounge access | No | No |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | No | No |
| Welcome benefit |
| None |
| Annual fee waiver condition | Lifetime Free | Lifetime Free |
| Eligibility |
|
|
| Apply link | Apply | Apply |