credit card in germany

• Im searching some informations about the credit card market in germany. is the population actracted by the credit card? we have a the debt problem in france, due to this kind of card, is it the same in germany? is it easy to get it?

  30 Nov 2005, 07:47 Anonymous

Replies

• germany credit card market

  I am also preparing a reserch about german credit card market..
  I was wondering if any documents (salary slips, work permit etc) are required while applying for credit..
  please reply back to [email removed]
  thanks.. Burak..

  Anonymous 12 Dec 2005, 10:44 - Report

• getting a credit card in Germany

  It is not too complicated to get a credit card in Germany.
  
  We see credit card offers in commercials (TV, magazines) and also get offers by letters.
  
  If you decide to request a credit card, you just fill out the request sheet and send it to the credit card provider (usually a bank located in Germany).
  
  The newest commercial "gag" has been recently introduced by "payback" (www.payback.de):
  They send original (!) credit cards (VISA) as commercials-by-letter to their customers, although the customer did not make any request for the card! The customer can then request payback (actually a bank standing behind payback) to switch the card "free".
  
  Generally, when you send a request for a credit card to the provider (bank), they request your "credit behaviour" from the German organization "Schufa" (www.schufa.de).
  
  Schufa has information about almost all German people, knowing e.g. what credits they have, debts etc.
  
  Schufa then tells the bank whether the requester is - in terms of money - a "good guy" or not. You are e.g. a "bad guy", when you missed to pay for something. Or when you have too many debts.
  
  If you are a "good guy", you should receive the requested credit card within some days.
  
  Some statistics from an article:
  http://www.die-bank.de/index.asp?channel=131010&art=292&issue=112003
  44% of the Germany own a credit card.
  
  Maybe, you find more information HERE:
  http://www.handbuch-deutschland.de/book/en/005_009_004.html
  

  Anonymous 29 Dec 2005, 01:37 - Report

• Credit

  I have seen people talking about credit cards in germany, I am moving to Germany this year, I see that there are many credit cards and banking cards available but I was wondering if credit in Canada or the US will help or hinder application process for credit cards in Germany. I have good credit , so does the credit companies in Germany check with American credit companies before issueing credit cards to people in Germany. Any help would be great. Would like to have a heads up thanks.

  Anonymous 05 Feb 2006, 01:10 - Report

• credit card in germany

  Evaluation of your American credit history unfortunately is not possible (even between German and American branches of the same financial institutions such as CitiBank there's usually no way to have it transferred). Getting your SCHUFA score transferred to the US is not possible either. Usually this is of no matter as long as you have proof of permanent employment and a continuous salary. The German SCHUFA system does not require you to build up a "positive history" (e.g. by past credit cards or loans) but not to have any negative entries (bad marks).

  Anonymous 10 Feb 2006, 11:57 - Report

• Credit Cards

  Thanks for the reply. So no matter what the history in America or Canada you have to start from scratch in Germany. Well thats not bad I guess. Oh well the job is not a problem so credit cards and Car loans shouldn't be a problem from what you are saying. Thanks alot if you have any other helpful info regarding this let me know . Cheers.

  Anonymous 20 Feb 2006, 02:36 - Report

• Start with a debit card

  If you want a credit card in Germany you will probably need to start with a debit card (a Visa card linked directly to your bank account). You will need to build up some history with your bank and show a decently maintained bank account. Then you might be able to apply for a credit card.

  Jesse Hilden 14 Jul 2008, 05:31 - Report

• Credit score reporting

  To people who may return to their country of origin after being in Germany you should check if this applies in your country too: American credit score companies recommend keeping some of your American credit lines open and using them only the minimum to keep them active. If not, when you return you will have hurt your credit score by losing all of the borrowing power you had earned.

  Ness 22 Jul 2008, 01:35 - Report

• scores

  i am moving to germany next year from the uk. will my credit scores change are be carried over from here

  Natoya 15 Dec 2008, 11:18 - Report