ATM Fees in Germany
Euro (EUR) • Updated April 2026
Germany is surprisingly cash-oriented for Western Europe. Many restaurants, smaller shops, and some businesses are 'cash only' (nur Bargeld). Always carry cash as backup.
Tips for Germany
- • Many places are cash-only - always carry Euros
- • Card acceptance improving but not universal
- • EC-Karte (Girocard) more accepted than credit cards
- • Tipping 5-10% is customary at restaurants
- • American Express often not accepted
Airport tips
- • Frankfurt, Munich airports have many ATMs
- • Airport services accept cards
- • Get cash before heading to smaller towns
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Germany, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
EUR/day
≈ $70.02-146 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
EUR/day
≈ $193-368 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
EUR/day
≈ $467-922 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Germany.
Credit card acceptance
ModerateGermany is more cash-dependent than expected. Many small businesses only accept cash or EC-Karte.
You'll need cash for
- • Many restaurants
- • Bakeries
- • Small shops
- • Some supermarkets
- • Taxis (sometimes)
Cards usually accepted
- • Large retailers
- • Hotels
- • Chain restaurants
- • Gas stations
- • Online bookings
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bank★ | €0 (Access Fee) | 0% | Visa/MC rate | €0 (home bank may still charge) | 1,400 | Free for Global ATM Alliance - no access fee |
| Sparkasse | €4-7 | 0% | Visa/MC rate | €4-7 | 8,500 | Savings bank network - fees for foreign cards |
| Volksbank | €4-7 | 0% | Visa/MC rate | €4-7 | 8,000 | Cooperative banks - fees for foreign cards |
| Commerzbank | €4-6 | 0% | Visa/MC rate | €4-6 | 800 | Major commercial bank |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sparkasse | €4-7 | 0% | Visa/MC rate | €4-7 | 8,500 | Best coverage by far - fees apply |
| Volksbank | €4-7 | 0% | Visa/MC rate | €4-7 | 8,000 | Cooperative network - fees apply |
| Deutsche Bank★ | €0 (Access Fee) | 0% | Visa/MC rate | €0 | 1,400 | Free for alliance |
| Commerzbank | €4-6 | 0% | Visa/MC rate | €4-6 | 800 | Major cities |
🌐 ATM Alliance Benefits: If you bank with a member of these alliances, you may get reduced or waived ATM fees in Germany:
View all ATM alliances →