Business Credit Cards Germany

A business credit card in Germany can streamline your company’s finances — if you choose the right one. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or managing a growing team, business cards help separate expenses, improve cash flow, and unlock travel and purchase perks.

But not all cards are built equally. Some offer real value; others bury limits in fine print. Here’s what to know before applying.

How to Apply for a Business Credit Card in Germany

Applying for a business credit card in Germany is different from getting a personal card. You’ll need to provide company-related documents, show stable business income, and sometimes undergo both a personal and business credit check.

The process varies by provider, but the steps below apply to most banks and fintechs offering cards to freelancers, self-employed individuals, and companies.

Application steps

1. Define your business structure
2. Compare business card offers
3. Prepare necessary documents
4. Choose a suitable provider
5. Complete the application form
6. Verify your identity and business
7. Wait for approval and card delivery
8. Set spending limits and employee access (if applicable)

1. Define your business structure

Before applying, determine whether you’re applying as a sole trader (Einzelunternehmer), freelancer (Freiberufler), or for a registered company such as a GmbH or UG. Your business structure affects which cards you’re eligible for and what documentation is required.

For example, freelancers usually apply in their personal name, while companies apply with a legal entity. Some providers only accept registered companies with a Handelsregisterauszug (commercial register excerpt).

2. Compare business card offers

Not all business credit cards offer the same features. Key differences include monthly fees, employee card options, cashback or rewards, and expense tracking tools. Some cards offer charge-based billing (balance paid in full monthly), while others allow revolving credit with interest.

Look for cards that match your operational needs: international usage, travel perks, integration with accounting tools, or virtual cards for online subscriptions.

3. Prepare necessary documents

Documentation varies depending on your legal structure and provider, but commonly includes:

• Valid photo ID of the applicant (passport or national ID)
• Proof of business registration (e.g., Gewerbeanmeldung, Handelsregisterauszug)
• VAT number (USt-IdNr.), if available
• Business bank account details
• Recent financial documents (e.g., Umsatzübersicht, tax returns)
• For new businesses: a business plan or projected revenue

Having these ready in advance speeds up the application process.

4. Choose a suitable provider

Decide between traditional banks (e.g., Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank) and fintechs (e.g., Pleo, Qonto, Holvi, N26 Business). Fintechs usually offer faster onboarding, digital management, and no paperwork, while traditional banks may require in-person appointments but provide higher credit limits and tailored support.

If you need multiple employee cards or expense control tools, choose a provider that offers multi-user access, card limits, and accounting integrations (DATEV, Lexoffice, etc.).

5. Complete the application form

Apply online via the provider’s website or app. You’ll be asked to enter both personal and company information, including legal name, registration number, business type, turnover, and contact details.

Answer accurately and consistently. Incomplete or mismatched information can delay approval or trigger manual review.

6. Verify your identity and business

Most providers will verify your identity via VideoIdent or PostIdent, and may also verify your business via submitted documents or public registers. In some cases, a quick phone call or business email verification may be required.

Companies applying for higher credit limits may undergo a business credit check or be asked to submit additional revenue proofs.

7. Wait for approval and card delivery

Approval can take from a few minutes (with fintech providers) to several business days (traditional banks). Once approved, your physical card is sent to your business or registered address. Many providers also offer instant virtual cards you can start using right away.

Some cards require you to top up before use, while others offer a credit line based on your revenue and creditworthiness.

8. Set spending limits and employee access

Once active, configure your card in the app or admin dashboard. You can usually set:

• Monthly or daily spending limits
• Merchant category restrictions
• Employee card access and permissions
• Expense tags for bookkeeping

This gives you full control and visibility over business-related expenses, especially if multiple users are involved.

Requirements and Eligibility for Business Credit Cards in Germany

Getting a business credit card in Germany is easier than applying for a business loan – but you still need to meet certain criteria. These vary depending on the card provider, your business type, and the requested credit limit. Understanding the key requirements in advance increases your chances of approval and helps you prepare the right documents.

Common requirements for business credit cards in Germany

• Registered business entity or freelance status
• German business address
• Business bank account (IBAN)
• Valid ID and proof of ownership
• Sufficient business revenue or funding
• Positive SCHUFA or business credit history
• Tax identification number (Steuernummer or USt-IdNr.)

Registered business entity or freelance status

You must have an officially registered business. This includes:

• Freelancers (Freiberufler) registered with the local Finanzamt
• Self-employed individuals (Einzelunternehmer) with a Gewerbeanmeldung
• Companies (e.g., GmbH, UG, GbR) registered in the Handelsregister

Some fintechs accept new or pre-revenue startups, while most banks require a business track record. The type of registration determines whether you apply as an individual or legal entity.

German business address

Most providers require a German business address for verification and card delivery. This address must be valid and traceable — virtual office services or mailbox-only addresses are often rejected.

For sole traders or freelancers, your home address may be used if it’s listed as your official business location. Some fintechs are more flexible with digital businesses or remote founders.

Business bank account (IBAN)

You’ll need an active business bank account, typically with a German IBAN. This is used for verifying financial activity, setting up repayments, and managing account integration.

Providers may also use your account history to assess cash flow and creditworthiness. Some fintechs, like Qonto or Holvi, offer both business accounts and cards in one package.

Valid ID and proof of ownership

The card applicant (usually the business owner or authorized representative) must submit a valid government-issued ID (passport or Personalausweis). For companies, you’ll also need to show ownership structure, especially for GmbH or UG.

This confirms who controls the account and prevents fraud. Some providers may also request shareholder agreements or director authorization documents if multiple partners are involved.

Sufficient business revenue or funding

Most providers require proof of regular business income, such as monthly revenue statements, tax returns, or incoming payments. Startups may be asked to show initial capital, funding rounds, or sales forecasts.

The required revenue varies: fintechs may approve cards for businesses earning €1,000–€2,000/month, while traditional banks expect higher, especially for cards with a large credit line.

Positive SCHUFA or business credit history

If you apply as a sole trader, your personal SCHUFA score will often be checked. For registered companies, some banks run a business credit check (e.g., via Creditreform or Bürgel).

A clean payment history and no outstanding debts improve your chances. Some prepaid or charge-based cards may skip this step but will limit your credit access accordingly.

Tax identification number (Steuernummer or USt-IdNr.)

You’ll often be asked to provide your Steuernummer (tax number) or Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer (USt-IdNr.), especially for VAT-exempt transactions or international use.

It helps confirm the legitimacy of your business and is usually required for invoicing, expense management, or integration with accounting tools.

Pros and Cons of Business Credit Cards

Pros:

• Keeps business and personal expenses separate
• Improves cash flow with deferred payment terms
• Simplifies expense tracking and accounting
• Allows multiple employee cards with spending controls
• Integrates with accounting tools (e.g., DATEV, Lexoffice)
• Card fees and interest may be tax-deductible
• Offers cashback, rewards, or travel perks for business use

Cons:

• Often requires a positive SCHUFA or business credit history
• Some cards charge annual or monthly fees
• Credit limits may be low for new or small businesses
• Additional paperwork for company verification
• Rewards are usually lower than personal cards
• Risk of misuse if employee cards aren’t properly managed
• Foreign transaction and ATM fees may apply

Tips for Using a Business Credit Card Effectively

A business credit card can be a powerful financial tool — but only if used strategically. To get the most out of it, reduce risks, and stay compliant with accounting and tax regulations, here are practical tips that every freelancer, founder, or finance team should follow.

Use the card strictly for business expenses

Avoid mixing personal and business purchases. This keeps your bookkeeping clean, simplifies tax deductions, and helps maintain financial transparency — especially in audits.

Automate expense tracking

Choose a card with real-time tracking, receipt uploads, and accounting integration. Sync with tools like DATEV, Lexoffice, or Debitoor to automate monthly reporting and reduce errors.

Set employee card limits

If you issue cards to staff, define monthly or category-specific limits and enable alerts. This prevents overspending and gives you full control of operational budgets.

Always pay the balance on time

Late payments can harm your business credit score and trigger high interest. Set up automatic full payments or reminders to maintain financial credibility and avoid fees.

Use rewards strategically

If your card offers cashback or travel points, use it for recurring expenses like ads, subscriptions, or inventory purchases to maximize returns. Track expiration dates and redemption methods.

Monitor card usage regularly

Use your provider’s app or dashboard to review transactions, detect anomalies, and flag non-authorized purchases early. Consider monthly reviews for cards used by multiple employees.

Keep documentation in order

Save receipts and invoices for every purchase to back up tax deductions. Some apps let you attach receipts directly to each transaction for easy reference during audits.