Yes, a credit card despite a negative SCHUFA is absolutely possible. The key lies in cards that do not require a traditional credit line. We are talking here about prepaid credit cards or debit cards. As they work on a credit basis, a credit check is usually superfluous.
Your quick way to the right card with negative SCHUFA
A negative SCHUFA entry can feel like a financial blockade. Suddenly, everyday things like online shopping, booking a rental car or making hotel reservations become a challenge. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you’re excluded from modern payment transactions. There are smart alternatives to traditional credit cards that give you back your financial flexibility without your credit rating becoming a stumbling block.
The principle behind it is very simple: these cards deliberately do without a credit line. Instead of borrowing money from the bank, you use your own, already deposited credit. This is precisely the reason why the providers do not carry out a SCHUFA check – there is simply no risk of you slipping into the red.
Three cards that work straight away
In practice, three options in particular have proven to be the quickest and easiest way to obtain a card:
- Prepaid credit cards: work like a prepaid cell phone. You load the card with a certain amount and can spend exactly this credit. No more and no less. This is the perfect way to keep a firm grip on your budget.
- Debit cards: These cards are linked directly to your current account. Every payment is immediately debited from your account, just as you know it from the old EC card (now Girocard). Many modern current accounts, including the so-called basic accounts, now come with a fully-fledged debit card from Mastercard or Visa as standard.
- Secured credit cards: A lesser-known but very effective option. You provide the bank with a security deposit, for example €500. This deposit then serves as your personal credit line. This reduces the risk for the bank to zero, which greatly increases your chances of being approved.
This infographic sums up the main differences between the three types of card:
It is immediately apparent that all three models are based on prepayment or direct debit. This eliminates the credit default risk for the banks from the outset.
A fair chance for your finances
Incidentally, you are not alone with this issue. According to estimates, around 13 million people in Germany have to contend with negative SCHUFA information – a real hurdle when looking for financial products. Credit-based cards were developed precisely to fill this gap. They enable millions of people to participate in cashless life without the risk of falling further into debt. If you would like to delve deeper into the subject, you can find out more about the background in our article on SCHUFA information.
The biggest advantage of these cards is the built-in cost control. As you can only spend what is on the card or account, you cannot possibly incur new debts. Studies even show that users of such cards have an over-indebtedness rate that is up to 30 percent lower.
These cards are therefore far more than just an emergency solution. They are a smart tool for responsible financial management. They can be a bridge back to financial normality and help to make everyday life easier again – from online orders to hotel bookings abroad. Further insights into how millions of Germans are finding financial solutions despite creditworthiness problems can be found at verivox.de.
Card alternatives with negative SCHUFA in direct comparison
Which card is really right for you? The following table gives you a quick overview of how the individual card types work, the SCHUFA check and the ideal areas of application.
| Card type | Functionality | SCHUFA check | Ideal for | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid credit card | Works on a credit-only basis. Must be topped up before use. | As a rule, no. | Budget control, online shopping, young people and people without a fixed income. | Pay attention to charging fees and annual fees. |
| Debit card | Directly linked to the current account. Payments are debited immediately. | Only when opening an account, but often also possible with a basic account. | Daily payment transactions, cash withdrawals and as a replacement for the Girocard. | Acceptance by car rental companies or hotels may be limited. |
| Secured credit card | The credit line corresponds to the deposit paid. | Often yes, but the negative entry is usually not a reason for rejection. | Creditworthiness, people who need a “real” credit card with a frame (e.g. for travel). | Requires a one-off security deposit, which is only repaid on termination. |
As you can see, each card has its own strengths. Your personal situation and what you mainly need the card for will determine which alternative is best for you.
Which card really suits your everyday life?
Theory is all well and good, but what really works in the end when you’re at the till or want to book something online? Let’s take a practical look at the three most important card types for a credit card despite a negative SCHUFA – with all the rough edges.
Prepaid credit cards: full control, no risk
The best way to think of a prepaid credit card is like a digital wallet or a reloadable gift card. You top up an amount – let’s say €100 – and you can spend exactly this amount. After that, it’s over until you top up your credit again.
This simple principle is worth its weight in gold if you have a fixed budget or simply want to keep your spending under control. This card is perfect for young people who are learning how to handle money or for secure online shopping. Getting into debt is simply impossible here.
But there is a small catch. Try using it to book a rental car. Most providers block a deposit on the card, which often doesn’t work with a credit-only card. There can also be difficulties with some hotels.
My practical tip: Use the prepaid card specifically for online purchases and subscriptions such as Netflix or Spotify. This way you protect your main account from data theft and keep a full overview of your fixed costs.
Debit cards: the new standard for every day
Nowadays, a Visa or Mastercard debit card is part of almost every modern current account. Unlike the old debit card, which often only worked domestically, you can pay worldwide with these cards. Every payment is debited directly from your current account. Immediately or after one or two days at the latest.
Debit cards are simply unbeatable for everyday purchases. Whether in the supermarket, in the café around the corner or for a quick Amazon order – they are accepted almost everywhere where a “real” credit card works.
This is where an important point comes into play: Your legal right to a basic account. Since 2016, every bank in Germany has had to offer you such an account on a credit basis, regardless of your credit rating. And this account almost always comes with a debit card. If you want to find out which account suits you best, you can find useful tips in our current account comparison on Finanz-Fox.de.
But the debit card also has its limits. Similar to the prepaid version, it reaches its limits when it comes to deposits for rental cars or in some hotels. The reason: there is no function to reserve an amount without debiting it directly from the account.
Secured credit cards: the insider tip for a fresh start in creditworthiness
The secured credit card, often referred to as a “secured credit card”, is the least well-known but perhaps the smartest solution for anyone who wants to actively improve their credit rating. It is, so to speak, the link between a prepaid and a real credit card.
The principle behind it is ingeniously simple:
- Deposit security: You pay a deposit to the bank, for example €500.
- get a credit line: Exactly this amount becomes your personal credit limit. You can now use the card like a normal credit card up to this limit.
- Monthly billing: At the end of the month, you will receive an invoice for your expenses, which you then pay.
Your deposit means that the bank has no risk whatsoever. However, this has a huge advantage for you: the use of this card is often reported positively to SCHUFA. If you pay your bills on time, you signal reliability – and this can noticeably improve your score over time.
Imagine you simply use it to pay for your monthly fill-ups or weekly shopping and always settle the bill on time. Your SCHUFA profile needs just such positive signals. The secured card is therefore more than just a means of payment; it is a real tool for your financial future.
How to get your new card smoothly
Fortunately, getting a new card today is much less complicated than most people think. Forget complicated paper forms and weeks of waiting. Modern providers have optimized their processes so that you can reach your destination in just a few clear steps.
First things first: you need to find a trustworthy partner. Unfortunately, the market for a credit card despite a negative SCHUFA is full of black sheep. They lurk with high upfront costs or hide nasty fees in the small print.
How you can recognize a reputable provider
A good provider plays with open cards. Transparency is the be-all and end-all. Pay attention to a few clear features and you’ll be on the safe side:
- No upfront costs: Reputable companies never ask for money before you even have the card in your hands. Fees for issuing or shipping are okay, but they are clearly communicated and only due after the contract has been signed.
- Transparent price list: All possible costs – from the annual fee and fees for withdrawing money to the costs for topping up – must be easy to find and understand on the website. If there is no such overview, alarm bells should ring.
- German or European company headquarters: A clear legal notice with an address in the EU gives you legal security. With overseas providers, things can quickly get complicated in the event of a dispute.
- Real customer reviews: Check out what other users are saying. Independent portals such as Trustpilot are worth their weight in gold here. Many positive reviews are a strong sign of a reliable partner.
As soon as you have one or more suitable providers in mind, you can get started. The actual application is now almost always completely digital and can often be completed in less than 15 minutes.
The digital application process – simply explained
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a financial expert. The online applications are structured in such a way that they guide you logically through all the necessary steps.
First enter your personal details. This is your full name, your current registration address in Germany and your date of birth. Accuracy is required here – pay meticulous attention to the correct spelling, otherwise there will only be unnecessary delays in the identity check later on.
Then comes the crucial step that used to require a trip to the post office: the legitimacy check. Legislation stipulates that financial service providers must establish the identity of their customers beyond doubt. Fortunately, there are now two very convenient ways to do this.
The Video-Ident process is now the absolute standard. All you need is your smartphone or laptop with a camera, a stable internet connection and your valid ID card or passport. An employee will guide you through the process via a short video call, during which you simply hold your ID document up to the camera. It only takes a few minutes.
Alternatively, some providers still offer the classic Post-Ident procedure. To do this, you print out a coupon, grab your ID and go to the nearest post office. An employee will confirm your identity there. However, you should allow one to two working days for this to be completed.
Checklist: What you should have ready for the application
The best news comes now: You hardly need any documents for a prepaid or debit card. Proof of income is hardly ever necessary, as you are not taking out a loan.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly, prepare the following:
- Valid identification document: identity card or passport with current registration address.
- Tax ID: Some providers ask for it. It doesn’t hurt to have your tax identification number to hand.
- Email address and cell phone number: You need both for communication and secure two-factor authentication.
As soon as your identity has been confirmed, your card goes into production and is sent to you by post. Your PIN usually follows shortly afterwards in a separate letter. Once you have received it, all you have to do is activate the card online or in the app – that’s it!
The entire process from application to the first payment often takes less than a week with the fastest providers. You can find valuable tips that apply not only to card applications but also to credit applications in our comprehensive guide on how to finance properly.
How to cleverly avoid cost traps and risks
A credit card despite a negative SCHUFA can be a real blessing if you want to get back on your feet financially. But unfortunately, where there is light, there is often shadow. Precisely because providers know that their customers are often in a dilemma, there are a number of pitfalls and nasty, hidden fees lurking in the market. But armed with the right knowledge, you can navigate safely through this jungle.
Ultimately, it’s about separating the wheat from the chaff. A fair partner gives you a real chance, while black sheep just want to make a quick buck at your expense. A watchful eye on the small print is therefore an absolute must.
Focus on the typical fees
Forget what you know from traditional credit cards, which often only charge a simple annual fee. Cards without a SCHUFA check usually have a much more complicated fee model. It’s incredibly important to understand these costs before you even think about signing up.
The most common fees you will encounter are:
- Annual or monthly fee: A basic fee just so you can have the card. This ranges from €0 to over €60 per year.
- Top-up fees: A fee is charged for every deposit to your prepaid card. This is often between 1% and 5% of the top-up amount – for a top-up of €200, that’s up to €10 that is simply gone.
- Fees for cash withdrawals: A quick cash withdrawal from an ATM? Rarely free of charge. Expect to pay a flat rate of €5 to €7 per withdrawal, regardless of the amount.
- Foreign currency fees: If you pay abroad in a currency other than the euro, many providers add 1.5% to 2.5% to the transaction. This adds up very quickly when traveling.
A look at the reality shows that around 2.8 million consumers in Germany use cards without a credit check. Providers are aware of this and design their pricing models accordingly. Although the prepaid system prevents over-indebtedness, high interest rates of up to 15 percent on top-up credit can become the next cost trap. Read more about the background and statistics on cards without Schufa in the Handelsblatt.
Warning signs: How to recognize black sheep
Unfortunately, there are plenty of them: providers who shamelessly exploit the plight of people with poor credit ratings. So be on your guard if you come across any of the following warning signs. They are almost always a clear indication of a dubious offer.
The surest sign of a dubious provider is upfront costs. If you are asked to pay a fee just to submit the application or to receive an alleged “guarantee” for the card, you should immediately keep your hands off it. Reputable companies only charge fees when a contract is actually concluded.
Also be skeptical of unrealistic promises. Slogans such as “Credit card with €10,000 limit guaranteed – without SCHUFA!” are pure bait. There is simply no such thing as a real credit card with a real credit limit without a credit check. Period.
Other red flags are:
- Missing imprint: A website without clear information about the company headquarters and without contact options? An absolute no-go.
- Based in a non-EU country: In the event of legal problems, it will be almost impossible to enforce your claims.
- Pressure and haste: If you are pressured into making a quick decision, there is usually a reason – and rarely a good one for you.
Don’t underestimate practical hurdles in everyday life
Even if you have a reputable card in your pocket, unexpected obstacles can arise in everyday life. It’s important to be aware of these so that you don’t end up in embarrassing or expensive situations.
The biggest hurdle is often booking rental cars or hotels. These companies usually block a deposit on the credit card. With prepaid cards and most debit cards, this is technically not even possible, as the amount would not only have to be “reserved” but also debited directly. The reality is that only around 70 percent of hotels and car rental companies accept these types of cards for deposits. So always, always ask in advance!
Another sticking point is offline acceptance. In parking garages, airplanes or at toll booths, payment terminals are sometimes used that do not have a direct online connection to check your balance. Your card may be declined here even though it is actually full.
The following table helps you to compare offers at a glance and uncover the hidden costs.
Frequent fees for cards without SCHUFA
A transparent comparison of costs so that you can find the fairest offer for you.
| Type of fee | Average costs | What you should look out for |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | 10 € – 60 € | Look for offers with a low or no annual fee, especially if you only use the card infrequently. |
| Top-up fee | 1 % – 5 % of the amount | Pay attention to whether the first top-up of the month is free or whether there are cheaper top-up options (e.g. by bank transfer). |
| Cash withdrawal | 5 € – 7 € per transaction | Think about how often you need cash. Frequent withdrawals can be extremely expensive. |
| Foreign currency fee | 1.5 % – 2.5 % of turnover | Crucial for travelers. A few providers waive this fee. |
By being aware of these potential cost traps and risks, you can make an informed decision. This way, your new card will become a real helper in your everyday life and not a new financial burden. Remember that such cards are often a first step. To get better conditions in the long term, it’s worth considering other financing options. In our guide to comparing loans on Finanz-Fox.de, we show you what really matters.
How to actively improve your SCHUFA score
Getting a credit card despite a negative SCHUFA is a huge relief. It gives you back some of your ability to act in everyday life. But see this card for what it is: a bridge, not a permanent condition. The real goal should always be to get your financial health back on track and build up your credit rating step by step. This sounds like a mammoth task, but with the right strategy it is absolutely achievable.
The very first and most important step on this path? Get a crystal-clear overview. Many people are downright afraid of what might be lurking in their SCHUFA file. But you can only change things if you know your data. It’s like going to the doctor: without a precise diagnosis, there is no effective treatment.
The first step: Request your data copy
Before you do anything else, request a free copy of your data from SCHUFA. According to Article 15 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you are entitled to this free of charge once a year. Don’t worry, the process is more straightforward than many people think and can be done conveniently online.
Simply go to the SCHUFA Holding AG website and search for “Data copy according to Art. 15 GDPR”. Enter your data there and upload a copy of your identity card to verify your identity. A few weeks later, you will receive a detailed list of all the information stored about you by post.
Really take the time to check your data copy. Studies show that every third SCHUFA report is incorrect. A single incorrect entry can significantly lower your score and make it more difficult for you to access financial products.
When you have the documents in your hands, go through every single entry meticulously. Is your personal data correct? Are all accounts and contracts listed correctly? And crucially, can you find entries for loans or debts that you have long since paid or that may already be time-barred?
Find errors and have them corrected
If you discover an error – and the likelihood is not small – you have a right to rectification. A classic example from practice: An old mobile phone provider has reported an unpaid bill, even though you paid the amount ages ago.
This is how you proceed to get rid of an incorrect entry:
- Collect evidence: Dig out all relevant documents that prove the error. This could be payment receipts, confirmations of termination or bank statements.
- Confront the company: First write to the company that caused the incorrect entry. Ask them to have the SCHUFA entry revoked and set a clear deadline of 14 days.
- Inform SCHUFA: Report the error directly to SCHUFA at the same time. Enclose a copy of your evidence and request the deletion. SCHUFA is legally obliged to check the facts of the case.
This process may require some patience, but the effect is often huge. Correcting a single negative entry can raise your score by 20 percentage points or more. Suddenly, doors open that previously seemed firmly closed.
Setting positive signals with discipline
Parallel to data cleansing, you can actively start sending positive signals. Every bill paid on time is a small plus for your financial standing. A disciplined basic account with a debit card is the perfect tool for this. Use it for all your regular payments such as rent, electricity and insurance.
By proving that you have your finances reliably under control, you will slowly but surely rebuild trust with financial partners. Every month without a single late payment is an important building block for a better future.
Cleverly reschedule expensive debts
It is often expensive old loans or a constantly overdrawn overdraft that make the financial burden overwhelming. This is where debt restructuring can bring enormous relief. The idea behind it is simple: you combine several expensive loans into a single, cheaper loan. This has several advantages:
- Lower interest rates: you save money every month.
- Lower installment: Your monthly payment is noticeably reduced.
- Better overview: You only have to pay one installment to one creditor.
A successfully rescheduled and thus repaid debt is also reported to SCHUFA as a “settled loan”, which in turn can have a positive effect on your score. If you would like to find out more about your options and work strategically on your creditworthiness, you will find valuable information in our articles on the subject of Increase creditworthiness. Think of these steps as your personal roadmap back to financial strength.
Answers to your most urgent questions
If you are looking for a credit card despite a negative SCHUFA, there are often many questions buzzing around in your head. From countless conversations, I know what worries and uncertainties most people have. That’s why I’ve collected the most frequently asked questions for you here and answered them directly – without any technical jargon, just the way I would explain it to a good friend.
Am I guaranteed to get a credit card without SCHUFA?
Yes, the chances are excellent if you choose the right type of card. Prepaid credit cards and debit cards are generally not subject to a SCHUFA check. The reason is simple: as you only spend your own, previously topped-up credit, banks take no risk. Your creditworthiness from the past is therefore simply not relevant for the providers.
What many people don’t know: In Germany, everyone has a legal right to a basic account. Every bank must offer you such an account on a credit basis, and this almost always includes a fully-fledged debit card. This means you are fully involved in modern payment transactions again. With secured credit cards, the commitment is also as good as certain, as you pay a deposit that reduces the risk for the bank to zero.
Can I rent a car or check into a hotel with a prepaid card?
Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest practical pitfalls. The honest answer is: in most cases, no. Car rental companies and many hotels block a deposit on the card to protect themselves against damage or outstanding bills. This process is called “authorization” and technically only works with a “real” credit card that has a credit limit.
A prepaid card that only runs on credit cannot simply reserve an amount. A few providers now also accept debit cards, but I wouldn’t rely on this if I were you.
My practical tip: Always clarify this before you book. A quick call or email to the car rental provider or hotel will clarify the situation and save you a nasty surprise at the counter. This is the safest method.
Will a card without a SCHUFA check worsen my score?
No, quite the opposite. A prepaid or debit card is not even reported to SCHUFA because it has no credit limit. Their possession therefore has absolutely no influence on your score – neither positive nor negative. This card is, so to speak, invisible to SCHUFA.
What can have a very positive effect, however, is how you handle the associated account. If you pay your rent, electricity and other bills on time from this account and do not overdraw it, you show that you are financially reliable. It is precisely this behavior that will help you rebuild trust over time and improve your credit rating step by step. The card itself is neutral, but how you use it can send a strong signal.
What costs do I have to expect with a credit-free card?
You really need to take a close look here, as the fee models are often very different from those of traditional credit cards. Pay particular attention to these typical costs:
- Annual or monthly fees: The range is huge, from €0 to over €60 per year.
- Top-up fees: Especially with prepaid models, topping up credit often costs extra, usually between 1% and 5% of the amount.
- Fees for cash: Withdrawing money from ATMs can quickly become expensive. Flat rates of €5 to €7 per withdrawal are not uncommon.
- Foreign currency fees: If you pay outside the euro zone, many providers add up to 2.5% to your turnover.
A close look at the list of prices and services is therefore essential. This is the only way to find a card that really helps you and doesn’t turn into an expensive cost trap.
At Finanz-Fox, we help you to keep an overview and find the right financial solution for your individual situation – transparently and fairly. Compare offers now free of charge and without obligation at https://www.finanz-fox.de.
