What costs does a credit card incur?

Annual fee, foreign currency, withdrawal & interest — we make all cost points transparent.

5 min read

Annual fee

Many cards are permanently free, others cost between €30 and over €600 per year. Premium cards often justify the fee with extras like lounge access or insurance.

Foreign currency fee

For payments outside the euro zone, a fee of 1–2% is often charged. Good travel cards waive it entirely — an important criterion for frequent travelers.

Cash withdrawal fees

Withdrawing at the ATM can be subject to fees depending on the card and country — usually 2% of the amount or a minimum charge. Some cards offer free withdrawals worldwide.

Debit interest

If you use installment payment on a real credit card, debit interest is charged — often between 15 and 24% effective per year. Paying the full amount on time avoids these costs.