Germany, where the lush Black Forest meets bustling metropolises like Berlin to rich historical culture to the incredible nightlife. Let’s get you ready for your stay in the beautiful Germany. In this article, we guide you through using cash and ATMs in Germany, provide tips to avoid fees, save your money for other experiences and help you travel on a budget in Germany.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to travel on a budget in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Germany?
Germany has a large ATM network. There are about 95,000 ATMs throughout the country. They are mainly run by a combination of large domestic banks, foreign banks, smaller private banks, local and co-operative banks. Germany also has ATMs run by independent ATM operators.
ATM withdrawals in Germany will require some sort of planning. Here’s why. If you plan to explore vibrant cities like Berlin, then it’s easy. ATMs in tourist hotspots and big cities such as Hamburg or Munich are as common as sand on the beach. But, if you plan on getting lost near the serene landscapes of the Black Forest, small Bavarian villages, little towns, and the countryside of Germany, you’ll want to plan your cash withdrawals. In towns, there are a handful in the city centre. In the countryside, you may find one local ATM if you’re lucky but in most likely cases, none.
You can find ATMs at:
- Airports,
- Major train stations,
- Shopping malls,
- Main shopping streets,
- Around town squares,
- Entertainment districts,
- Larger ski resorts.
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Villages,
- Tourist attractions far away from everything (like visiting a farm),
- Religious or remote historic places,
- Bus stops,
- Touristic spots in the Mountains
Best ATMs to use in Germany for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Germany are those owned by popular banks such as:
Sparkasse,
Volksbank,
Landesbank,
Commerzbank,
ING-diBa, and
Postbank.
You’ll also encounter ATMs named Euronet, Cashzone, Travelex, FreeCash, MoneyMachine, etc. in Germany. These are not operated by a German bank, they are operated by independent ATM operators and can have high fees.
Deutsche Bank is the one German bank member of Global ATM Alliance. If your bank card is from another member of the Global ATM Alliance, you can withdraw money from Deutsche Bank ATM in Germany where Deutsche Bank ATM will not charge you fees.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Germany, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in EUR).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Germany, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Germany?
Yes, many types of foreign cards are easily accepted at ATMs in Germany. However, some regional banks such as “Volksbank Heuberg” or “Sparkasse Oder-Spree” may limit acceptance to only German or European debit cards. The reasons for such distinctions are many – security restrictions, small operations, not equipped to communicate with global bank servers or others. If you face a situation like this, the ATM interface will tell you that it doesn’t accept your type of card.
German ATMs usually welcome cards with the logos of Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus. Some ATMs may accept JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Amex, Discover, but they’re less common.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Germany.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Yes and no. In bigger cities, ATMs are still open around 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. In Germany, you will see a lot of ATMs inside the bank foyers. These are typically open only from 6 am to 10 pm. Why? Because of many robberies and thefts especially in remote areas. So plan your cash withdrawal accordingly. At such ATMs, if the bank branch is closed, you may need to insert your card at the entrance for the door to open to the ATM.
What do they call ATMs in Germany?
In Germany, ATMs don’t always scream “ATM”, especially in rural spots. Locally, they go by “Geldautomat” or “Bankautomat.” Also, Google Maps might not list all of them as “ATM.” So typing in the words “Geldautomat” or “Bankautomat” on the maps ensures you won’t miss finding them. If you’re old school, ask a local “Hello, where’s a Geldautomat nearby” or “Hallo, wo ist der nächste Geldautomat?”
Know the German payment lingo
Here are a few German phrases and their meanings to help you:
- Möchten Sie mit der Karte zahlen? — Do you want to pay with the card?
- Möchten Sie mit Bargeld zahlen? — Want to pay with cash?
- Ist das Ihre Kreditkarte oder Ihr Bankkärtle? — Is that your credit card or your bank card (debit card)?
- Zahlen sie mit Ihrer Girokarte? — Are you paying with your debit card?
- Ich bräuchte Ihren PIN bitte. — Can I have your PIN, please?
- Geldautomat o Bankomat — ATM
- Ich möchte gern mit Karte zahlen — I’d like to pay with my card
- Ich möchte gern mit Bargeld zahlen — I’d like to pay with cash
PIN type
German ATMs accept both 4 and 6-digit PINs. For transactions under €50, a PIN is often not required, but for larger transactions, the PIN is necessary.
Languages at ATMs in Germany
The default language of ATMs in Germany is German. But the ATMs do typically offer an option to switch the language to English or French. If you do not understand any of these 3 languages, not to worry. Just use the app Google Translate and open its camera function – the camera can directly translate the ATM’s text to your preferred language, on your phone, live!
Do ATMs in Germany work similarly as other countries?
German ATMs are equipped with modern tech. They function similarly to ATMs in other European countries, USA or Australia. The screen will give you options like:
- Choose language
- Choose type of account
- Enter your amount
- Enter your PIN
- “With Conversion” or “Accept Conversion” versus “Without Conversion” or “Decline Conversion”
- Confirm your transaction
And voila, your cash is dispensed!
But wait, don’t forget to take your card. Because ATMs in Germany vary on this. Some will give you your card first and then cash and some will give you your cash first and then let you take your card out of the machine.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in Europe.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Germany?
ATMs in Germany dispense only the official currency Euros (EUR). A handful of banks at some of their ATMs allow withdrawing USD and few other currencies, however, this is not very common.
ATM withdrawal limits in Germany?
ATMs in Germany have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of € 1,000 to € 2,000. Couple of ATMs allow to withdraw only € 200 or € 500 per transaction depending on the location of the ATM.
ATM Fees in Germany?
There are many fee-free ATMs in Germany. Some bank ATMs charge varying ATM Fees of € 4.6 to € 5.99 per transaction to foreign cardholders and many bank ATMs do not charge any fees to foreign cards. So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Germany as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Germany – something every traveller handling cash in Germany should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Germany?
Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Germany?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Germany. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Singapore.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Is it safe to use Germany ATMs?
Typically, yes. Generally, yes. However, it’s advisable to withdraw cash during daylight hours and always be aware of your surroundings. Near ATMs, the crime rate is lower but it does need precaution especially in remote areas and empty streets.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Germany takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Germany. Some bank ATMs charge varying ATM Fees of € 4.6 to € 5.99 per transaction to foreign cardholders and many bank ATMs do not charge any fees to foreign cards. So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Germany as a foreign cardholder!
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Germany?
Absolutely! You can usually use credit cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Germany. Most ATMs accept major cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Just look for the symbols on the ATMs – they’ll show you which cards are accepted.
Bitcoin ATMs?
As of today, there are approximately 70 Bitcoin ATMs in Germany, located in cities such as Dortmund, Cologne, and Frankfurt am Main. Additionally, new branches are emerging in major cities like Munich, Mainz, Dresden, Hamburg, and Berlin.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Germany
Bank of America: There are no Bank of America ATMs in Germany.
Citibank: No, there are no Citibank ATMs in Germany.
Barclays: There are only two Barclays bank ATM in Germany. The first one is in Frankfurt am Main and the other Barclays bank ATM is located in Hamburg.
HSBC: None.
Standard Chartered: None.
