Easybank Visa vs Hanseatic GenialCard
The two most popular free credit cards in Germany - compared in plain English for people who are still learning the system. Both 0 EUR annual fee, both 0% foreign transaction. Here is what actually matters.
Key Takeaways
- +Both cards: 0 EUR annual fee, 0% foreign transaction fee, free ATM withdrawals worldwide.
- +Easybank Visa: uses installment payment by default. You choose the monthly rate. Effective interest on remainder: about 21.36% per year (May 2026).
- +Hanseatic GenialCard: automatic full payment, so usually zero interest. Optional installment plan exists, at about 18.93% per year.
- +For newcomers: Hanseatic Bank is generally more open to applicants with limited Schufa history. Both still require a Schufa check, a residence permit, and a German bank account.
- +Travel bonus: only Hanseatic offers it - up to 7% cashback on travel booked via Urlaubsplus.
Side by side: easybank Visa vs Hanseatic GenialCard
All figures as of May 2026. Always confirm directly with the issuer before applying, conditions can change.
| Feature | Easybank Visa (formerly Barclays Visa) | Hanseatic GenialCard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | 0 EUR | 0 EUR |
| Foreign transaction fee | 0% | 0% |
| ATM abroad | Free from card side, local ATM may add a fee | Free from 50 EUR withdrawal |
| Default repayment | Installment (you set 3-100%) | Automatic full payment |
| Effective rate (installments) | approx. 21.36% p.a. | approx. 18.93% p.a. |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Travel cashback | - | Up to 7% via Urlaubsplus portal |
| Newcomer-friendly | Standard | More flexible with thin Schufa |
For expats: what you need to apply
If you have just moved to Germany, getting your first credit card is one of the more confusing steps. Here is the realistic checklist - in plain English.
Requirements
- Anmeldung (registered German address)
- Residence permit if non-EU
- German bank account (Girokonto)
- Regular income, employed or self-employed
- Schufa check (both banks)
Useful for newcomers
- Hanseatic Bank: more flexible if Schufa is thin
- 0% foreign transaction means no penalty for using the card abroad
- Apple Pay / Google Pay supported, no plastic card needed daily
- Hanseatic application available bilingually via partner channels
- Online application with VideoIdent (English-language ID call is possible at most providers)
For deeper guidance on getting a credit card without a strong Schufa, see our Kreditkarte ohne Schufa guide or the general credit card comparison. For travel-specific picks, see the best travel credit card guide.
Compare both cards live
Conditions are loaded directly from each issuer. The comparison itself does not affect your Schufa.
Differences explained
Repayment: full vs installment
Easybank Visa is set to installment by default - you choose how much of the balance gets paid each month. Anything you do not pay accrues interest at around 21.36% effective per year (May 2026, source: Finanztip). The Hanseatic GenialCard goes the opposite way: full payment is the default. You only pay interest if you actively switch to installment in the app, then around 18.93% effective. If you are not sure how careful you will be with the balance, GenialCard is the safer choice.
Using the card abroad
Both cards charge no foreign transaction fee, so paying in USD, GBP or TRY does not cost extra. For cash withdrawals, neither card charges its own ATM fee - but the foreign ATM operator might. That is a separate issue from the card itself and applies to almost every credit card. Hanseatic offers free cash from 50 EUR per withdrawal. Practical tip: always pay in the local currency, never accept "EUR conversion" offered by the foreign terminal (Dynamic Currency Conversion typically adds 3-5%).
The Barclays-to-easybank brand change
Early 2025, the Austrian BAWAG Group bought Barclays' German private customer business. Since February 2026 it operates under the easybank brand. If you already have a Barclays card it keeps working until it expires - new easybank Visa cards are mailed out gradually between March 2026 and mid-2027. Conditions, online banking and the mobile app stay the same. Background coverage at Biallo.
Key German Terms / Wichtige Begriffe
Newcomer Tip / Tipp fur Neuankommlinge
Both cards work well as your first German credit card. If your Schufa is fresh, start with the Hanseatic GenialCard - it has a friendlier track record for new applicants. Apply with the same address that's on your Anmeldung paper to avoid back-and-forth.
Beide Karten eignen sich gut als erste Kreditkarte in Deutschland. Bei frischer Schufa fahrst du mit der Hanseatic GenialCard meist einfacher. Bewirb dich mit der Adresse, die auch auf deiner Anmeldung steht.
FAQ
Can expats apply for easybank or Hanseatic GenialCard?
Yes, with Anmeldung, a German bank account, regular income and a residence permit. Both banks check Schufa. Hanseatic is generally more flexible with newcomers.
Is Barclays the same as easybank now?
In Germany, yes - the rebrand took effect February 2026. Conditions unchanged, old cards keep working until expiry.
Which card is better for travel?
Equal on fees. Hanseatic adds Reisewelt cashback (up to 7% via Urlaubsplus). See our travel credit card guide.
What's the interest rate if I don't pay in full?
May 2026: easybank Visa about 21.36% p.a. effective, Hanseatic GenialCard about 18.93% (source: Finanztip). Pay in full each month - no interest.
Do I need German to apply?
Application forms are in German. Many newcomers use a translation tool or apply with a German-speaking friend. Standard credit card terms translate one-to-one.
Can I have both cards?
Yes - and it's a sensible setup. One primary, one backup. Both are free.
Pick your card. Apply in 10 minutes.
Schufa-neutral conditions check.
Written and reviewed by: meinetarife24 Redaktion · Last updated: 15 May 2026
meinetarife24.de is an independent comparison portal. Credit card offers are provided by partner banks; we may receive a brokerage fee when you sign up. All figures as of May 2026 - verify directly with the issuer before applying.