Top Credit Cards for Car Rentals in Germany

Are you like me, someone who loves renting a car when traveling abroad? Few things feel as liberating as landing at an airport in another country and gaining the comfort and freedom to explore at your own pace with a rental car.

When renting a car abroad, reducing stress is crucial, and that often means securing car rental insurance. In Europe, rental cars usually come with basic insurance by default. However, there's often an excess amount—commonly around €1,000—that you'll need to pay out of pocket in case of damage. Some countries don't follow this model, and without car insurance, your liability can be significantly higher.

Here are your primary options for car rental insurance:

1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) You can purchase a CDW directly from the rental company when you pick up the car. This is a reliable option, as it absolves you of any financial responsibility for damages. However, it comes at a cost—CDW can be expensive and may double the rental price due to the risks it covers.

2. Third-Party Insurance Alternatively, you can buy insurance from a third-party provider, often offered during the booking process on platforms like Rentalcars.com, Booking.com, Expedia, or Kayak. These policies are usually about half the price of a CDW. The downside? If damage occurs, the rental company will charge your card, and you'll need to file a claim with the third-party insurer to get reimbursed. While not overly complicated, it does add extra steps and time to resolve.

Now, here's the catch: to rent a car, rental companies generally require a credit card (not a debit card) to authorize and charge any potential fees. Wouldn't it be ideal if your credit card came with built-in car rental insurance? Fortunately, several credit card providers in Germany offer this feature. Let's explore them:

Barclays Platinum Double

This is my absolute favorite. With Barclays Double Premium, you receive two cards — one Visa-branded and one Mastercard — linked to the same account, offering maximum acceptance worldwide. Although I've never faced an issue with card acceptance on either Visa or Mastercard, having two networks ensures coverage in rare cases of preference. Additionally, if one card is lost, you can deactivate it via the app and continue using the other while waiting for a replacement.

Cost: €99 per year

Key Benefits:

• Zero foreign transaction fees
• A comprehensive travel insurance package, including car rental insurance
• A maximum 56-day interest-free period

Downsides:

• High interest rates for revolving credit
• No lounge access or lost baggage coverage

I use this card as my primary option for car rentals — it's reliable, affordable, and packed with insurances.

Santander Bestcard Premium

Offered by the Spanish banking giant Santander, this card also costs €99 annually and provides a similar set of travel insurances, including car rental coverage.

Key Differences from Barclays:

• Requires opening a Santander bank account (free of charge)
• Shorter interest-free period (30 days vs. 56 days)
• Missing liability and accident insurance

Despite these minor drawbacks, it's a solid card for those who bank with Santander.

Targobank Premium

Targobank's Premium card mirrors Santander's offering in many ways but adds a 1% cashback on all purchases.

Cost: €97 per year

Advantages:

• Cashback on purchases
• Solid travel insurance, including car rental coverage

Drawbacks:

• A hefty 3.85% currency conversion fee makes it unsuitable for use outside the Eurozone

For Eurozone travelers, this card is an excellent value.

Amex Platinum

The Amex Platinum card is the epitome of luxury, offering extensive perks such as lounge access and a wide range of insurances.

Cost: €720 per year

Issues:

• Lower global acceptance compared to Visa and Mastercard
• High fees: 2% on foreign transactions and 4% on cash withdrawals

This card is ideal for those who value premium services and belong to the Amex ecosystem.

Miles & More Gold

Issued in partnership with DKB, this card is tailored for frequent flyers in the Star Alliance network.

Cost: €138 per year

Highlights:

• Car rental insurance
• 4,000 miles as a welcome bonus
• Rewards for spending in the form of miles

Concerns:

• High foreign transaction fees (1.95%)
• Costly cash withdrawals (2% fee, minimum €5)

While not the best all-around travel card, it appeals to those focused on earning airline miles.

Eurowings Premium

Designed for Eurowings travelers, this card offers exclusive airline perks.

Cost: Free for the first year, €99 annually thereafter

Perks:

• Free seat selection, priority check-in, and a 0% foreign transaction fee
• Comprehensive travel insurance, including car rental coverage
• If Eurowings is your airline of choice, this card is an excellent companion.

Debit Cards with Car Rental Insurance

Some debit cards, like Revolut Metal and Revolut Ultra, include car rental insurance. However, debit cards often require you to have enough funds available for the deposit, which limits access to your money until the deposit is released. Many rental companies also refuse to accept debit cards, further reducing their practicality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card can enhance your travel experience and save you money on car rentals. Whether you prioritize comprehensive insurance, low fees, or cashback rewards, there's a card that fits your needs. I hope this guide helps you make the best choice for your next trip!

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