Quick Answer

For frequent flyers, the Platinum Card (€60 a month, €720 a year) for lounge access, hotel status and €650 in annual credits. For anyone who wants to earn points but doesn’t need lounges, the Gold Card (€20 a month, €240 a year) or the American Express Card (€60 a year, free from the second year if you spend €9,000) is the better fit. If you don’t want to pay anything, get the free PAYBACK American Express Card. Count last year’s airport visits to decide.

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

Is there a free American Express card in Germany?

Yes, two of them. The PAYBACK American Express Card costs €0 permanently and earns 1 PAYBACK point per €3 spent. The Blue Card is also €0, but it only earns Membership Rewards points if you add the program for €30 a year. Neither 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 five 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 .