Quick Answer

For frequent flyers, the Platinum Card (€60 a month, €720 a year) for over 1,550 lounges, hotel status and €650 in annual credits. For point collectors who don’t need lounges, the American Express Card (€60 a year, free from the second year if you spend €9,000) or, for anyone using SIXT and FREENOW, the Gold Card (€240 a year). If you don’t want to pay anything, get the free PAYBACK American Express Card. As of 13 September 2026.

Read the full guide: Best Amex Card in Germany 2026: Platinum, Gold or Free?

Is there a free American Express card in Germany?

Yes, three: the PAYBACK American Express Card, the dm PAYBACK American Express Card and the Blue Card all cost €0 a year permanently. The two PAYBACK cards earn 1 PAYBACK point per €3 spent, and the Blue Card only earns Membership Rewards points if you add the program for €30 a year. None of the three has lounge access or travel credits.

Is American Express accepted everywhere in Germany?

No. Supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations, online retailers and most hotels accept Amex, while many bakeries, kiosks, small restaurants and doctors take only girocard or Visa and Mastercard. Always plan for a second card with no annual fee, for example a free Revolut.

All six cards with fees, credits and welcome bonuses are compared in the Amex comparison for Germany; the second card for foreign currency is covered in Amex vs Revolut. More quick answers live in our travel answers guide, including whether Amex cards charge foreign transaction fees.