Schufa (Schutzgemeinschaft fuer allgemeine Kreditsicherung) is Germany's largest credit reporting agency. It collects data about your payment behavior and calculates a score that companies use to check creditworthiness.

Do foreigners have a Schufa score?

No, if you're new to Germany, you don't have a Schufa record. Your score only starts building after you've signed contracts (bank account, mobile, etc.) in Germany. This can take several months.

How can I improve my Schufa score?

Pay all bills on time, keep few credit cards, avoid credit inquiries, and stay with the same providers long-term. A long, positive history improves your score.

How do I get a Schufa report?

You're entitled to one free data copy per year (under Art. 15 GDPR). Request it on meineschufa.de. The paid credit report is typically for landlords.

Guide for Foreigners | Last Updated: January 2026

Schufa ExplainedGuide for Foreigners 2026

Schufa is central for loans, rental contracts, and mobile plans in Germany. Learn how it works and how to improve your score.

Important: Newcomers Have No Schufa Score

As a newcomer to Germany, you start without a Schufa record. This can be problematic for rental contracts or loans. Start building your credit history early by opening a German bank account and paying bills on time.

What is Schufa?

Schufa is Germany's most important credit reporting agency

Data Collection

Stores data on bank accounts, loans, mobile contracts, and payment behavior for over 68 million people.

Score Calculation

Calculates a score from 0-100% indicating your statistical default probability. Higher is better.

Decision Basis

Banks, landlords, and companies use the score to decide on loans, rental contracts, and agreements.

Key German Schufa Terms

Understanding these terms will help you navigate the system

Schufa

Credit Reporting Agency

Bonitaet

Creditworthiness

Auskunft

Report/Information

Score

Credit Score

Eintrag

Entry/Record

Zahlungsverhalten

Payment Behavior

Schufa Score Ranges

97.5% - 100%

Very Low Risk

Excellent - best conditions

95% - 97.5%

Low Risk

Very good - good conditions

90% - 95%

Satisfactory

Good - normal conditions

80% - 90%

Elevated Risk

Limited offers

50% - 80%

High Risk

Difficult to get credit

Below 50%

Very High Risk

Credit unlikely

Tips to Improve Your Score

Pay Bills on Time

Every late payment can negatively affect your score

Keep Few Credit Cards

Too many credit cards can lower your score

Avoid Many Credit Inquiries

Multiple inquiries in short time look negative

Long Customer Relationships

Long-standing accounts show stability

Tip for Newcomers

Start building your Schufa immediately: Open a German bank account, get a mobile contract, and pay all bills on time. After 6-12 months, you'll have your first score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schufa?

Germany's largest credit agency. It collects payment data and calculates a score for creditworthiness checks.

Do foreigners have a score?

No, newcomers have no entry. Your score builds only after signing contracts (takes several months).

How to improve my score?

Pay on time, keep few credit cards, avoid inquiries, maintain long customer relationships.

How to get a report?

Request free data copy once yearly (Art. 15 GDPR) on meineschufa.de.

We work with partners including Tarifcheck. This comparison is free and non-binding. Last updated: January 2026. This is not financial or legal advice.

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