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. 

Fortunately, credit cards are widely accepted throughout much of Europe, including in Germany. But there are a few more things that are worth knowing about using a credit card while you’re there. 

What you’ll learn:

• American credit cards are accepted throughout Germany.

• Some credit card issuers charge a foreign transaction fee for purchases while traveling abroad. Capital One doesn’t. View important rates and disclosures.

• 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. Cards with the Visa® and Mastercard® payment networks are the most widely accepted. You may also be able to use contactless payment and digital wallets like Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay®.

Some credit card issuers may charge foreign transaction fees for purchases you make overseas. Those fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction’s total. 

The credit card, debit card or ATM network may also charge the card issuer a currency conversion fee for converting euros to American dollars. Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or pass on currency conversion fees to its cardholders. View important rates and disclosures.

Another type of currency conversion fee you might encounter when traveling is a dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fee. DCC lets you see and pay the price for your items in dollars instead of euros right at the point of purchase. That can be handy but also expensive. You can avoid the fee by declining this optional service.

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

If cash gets stolen or lost while you’re sightseeing, you may not be able to recover it. But 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. Plus, Capital One offers $0 liability for unauthorized charges if your card is lost or stolen.

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

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.

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 protections. You can check your card’s benefits guide to see what you’re covered for.

Credit cards will be accepted for most of your needs in Germany. And considering all their benefits, some travelers may prefer to use a card whenever they can. But it’s generally recommended to also keep some euros available. That’s in case you encounter a merchant or vendor who only accepts 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. 
Compare Capital One’s travel rewards credit cards and learn more about how they can help you travel smarter while earning rewards on travel bookings and everyday expenses. You can even check whether you’re pre-approved at no risk to your credit scores.