1 °P per €3 – double points at partner stores
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American Express / PaybackCosts per monthCosts refer to the first month and may vary in the following month0,00 €Minimum ageChildren's credit cards are often only available with the consent of a legal guardian over 18 years of age.18 YearsCard typeCredit
- Permanently no annual fee
- 1 °P per €3 – double points at partner stores
- Compatible with Apple Pay & Google Pay
Alternative
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PSD BankCosts per monthCosts refer to the first month and may vary in the following month0,00 €Minimum ageChildren's credit cards are often only available with the consent of a legal guardian over 18 years of age.14 YearsCard typeDebitCard systemVisa
- €100 starting credit
- Specialization based on the child's age
- Payment with a smartphone possible
PAYBACK American Express Card – A Detailed Comparison!
The PAYBACK American Express Card is designed for anyone who wants to reliably collect points without paying an annual fee. This article outlines the key details: earning rate, exceptions (e.g., gas stations), cash withdrawal and foreign currency fees, monthly full settlement with optional installment feature (“Splitpay”), acceptance, credit check, and credit limit.
The goal: to see who truly benefits from the PAYBACK American Express Card – and where complementary alternatives make sense.
Costs & Fees of the PAYBACK American Express Card
⇒ Annual fee: €0 permanently.
⇒ Supplementary cards are included
⇒ Payments in euros: free of charge.
⇒ Foreign currencies: 2% foreign transaction fee on the converted amount. Applies to USD, GBP, CHF, etc.
⇒ Cash withdrawals: 4% per withdrawal (min. €5) – mainly intended for payments, not cash. A weekly cash withdrawal limit of about €750 usually applies.
⇒ Contactless & online: Contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay supported; online purchases secured via 3-D Secure/SafeKey.
Collecting Points: How the PAYBACK American Express Card Works
Base rate: 1 PAYBACK point per €3 card spend – even outside the partner network. Exceptions include gas station payments and typical exclusions (fees, interest, etc.).
At PAYBACK partners you earn regular partner points in addition to card points. Effect: double points – once with the PAYBACK American Express Card, once with the partner program. With the PAYBACK American Express Card, your points are protected from expiration – ideal for long-term redemption strategies.
Redemption: Flexible – in the rewards shop or as discounts with many partners, including gift cards (e.g., Wunschgutschein, depending on availability).
Everyday Usability: Acceptance, Abroad, Cash
- Acceptance in Germany: Good and continuously growing – especially with major chains, supermarkets, drugstores, fashion, travel, and online shops. Some smaller stores may not accept it; a Visa/Mastercard as backup is advisable.
- Abroad: Within the eurozone, payments are fee-free; outside the eurozone, a 2% fee applies. Frequent travelers paying in foreign currencies should combine this card with a travel card that has no foreign transaction fees.
- Cash: At 4%/min. €5 per withdrawal, it should only be used for emergencies. For regular withdrawals, a debit card is the better option.
Pros & Cons of the PAYBACK American Express Card
Pros
- Permanently no annual fee – ideal as a secondary card for everyday use.
- 1 point per €3 everywhere; double points at partners.
- No point expiry – strategic collecting without time pressure.
- Apple Pay & Google Pay, stable app ecosystem, 3-D Secure.
- Monthly full settlement (clear overview) + optional installments via Splitpay.
Cons
- 2% on foreign currency transactions – not ideal for frequent travelers.
- 4%/min. €5 cash withdrawal fee – not suited as a cash card.
- Limited acceptance in smaller shops – backup Visa/Mastercard recommended.
- No classic revolving credit – those wanting permanent partial payments need alternatives (or use Splitpay selectively).
Credit Limit, Billing & Credit Check
- Credit check & Schufa: A credit check is performed. No uniform limit; the credit line is assigned individually and may increase with usage.
- Billing: Monthly full settlement via SEPA direct debit – transparent and without revolving interest on the card itself.
- Optional Splitpay installments: Individual transactions can be financed separately in installments (installment loan via partner bank). This is not a classic partial payment feature of the PAYBACK American Express Card but adds flexibility – useful for larger expenses.
Applying, Cancelling & Service
Online application takes just a few minutes; required are personal details, IBAN, and income information. After approval, the card is sent by mail and can be activated in the app/wallet.
Cancellation is also easy – in writing or via customer service. Open balances must be settled, and points redeemed/transferred in time.
Who Benefits from the PAYBACK American Express Card?
- Everyday and online shoppers: Those who pay frequently by card and shop at PAYBACK partners benefit from the double points effect. Combined with eCoupons, the rewards increase significantly – without fixed costs.
- Budget-conscious users: Zero annual fee plus non-expiring points is rare. As a free secondary card, the PAYBACK American Express Card offers a balance between saving and a small everyday rewards boost.
- Occasional travelers: Solid for EU trips (wide acceptance with major brands, wallet integration). For frequent non-euro transactions, supplement or switch to a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Conclusion: An Affordable Points Accelerator with Clear Rules
The PAYBACK American Express Card is a permanently free way to collect points continuously – 1 point per €3 everywhere, double at partners, with no point expiry. The limits are clear: 2% foreign transaction fee, costly cash withdrawals, and some acceptance gaps. If you know these points and mainly use it for payments, it’s a strong everyday points booster.
With a backup Visa/Mastercard and Splitpay for special cases, the PAYBACK American Express Card is a convincing addition to your wallet.
Compare terms & alternatives to the PAYBACK American Express Card – and find the one that best fits your spending habits on Paylobby!