Credit card without SCHUFA: which options really exist
Even with negative or no SCHUFA you don't have to go without a card. We explain prepaid and debit cards without a credit check — and where their limits lie.
6 min read
Why some cards don't check SCHUFA
A true credit card grants you a credit line — so the bank takes on risk and therefore checks your creditworthiness via SCHUFA. With prepaid and many debit cards this risk disappears, because you only spend a balance or pay directly from your account. That's why they usually skip a hard SCHUFA check.
These card types are available without SCHUFA
If SCHUFA is an obstacle, these options are especially relevant:
- Prepaid credit cards: balance only, no credit risk, therefore no SCHUFA
- Neobank debit cards (e.g. from smartphone banks): usually only a soft check or none
- Balance-based Visa or Mastercard cards: usable worldwide online and in person
- Basic account with card: a legal right under § 31 ZKG, independent of SCHUFA
Where the limits are
Prepaid and debit cards are not always accepted for deposits. Hotels and especially car rental companies often require a real credit card with a credit line to block a security amount.
In addition, pure balance cards offer no payment deferral and usually no extras such as insurance. For everyday use and online shopping, however, they are perfectly sufficient.
Tip: improve your SCHUFA score over time
A card without SCHUFA is a good interim solution. In parallel you should improve your score: pay bills on time, cancel unused accounts and check your free annual SCHUFA data copy for errors. Over time, more card offers will open up to you again.