There are various types of credit cards in Germany. The problem is that most people confuse the diffrent kinds available in Germany. So let me explain the most common types of credit cards you will find here in Germany.
Debit credit card
Lets start with something which does not exist the “Debit Credit Card”. Banks often use the word credit card to define their normal Debit Card as a Credit Card in Germany. Unfortunately, you will see this written on many websites.
So do not get confused when you see it. A so-called “debit credit card” is just a debit card. Transactions are deducted directly from the linked account when using this card. There is no credit limit but It can be used for payments both domestically and internationally, as well as online. Mainly becuase of Visa or Mastercard co-branding these debit cards are accepted by many vendors.
Charge Credit Card
The charge card is probably the most common type of credit card in Germany. With a charge card transactions are billed at the end of the month. No interest is charged for the period between payment and the debiting of the balance. At the end of the billing cycle the bill is automatically paid and the balance is cut from the associated bank account.
Prepaid Credit Card
A prepaid credit card works on a credit basis. With a prepaid card, the card is first loaded with funds before it can be used. The best thing about Prepaid credit cards in Germany is that they cannot be overdrawn, making them one of the safest payment methods available.
As a prepaid credit card cannot go into overdraft, people with poor credit or negative entries in their credit report (SCHUFA) can get a credit card.
Revolving Credit Card
A revolving credit card is whats most commonly known as a Credit Card in most of the world. A Revolving Credit Card in Germany is a credit card with partial payment options and functions like an installment loan. With a revolving credit card you have an option to pay either the whole credit in full or make partial payments. However, interest applies when you make partial payments. That said most revolving cards allow you to repay the entire outstanding balance at any time.