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If you live in Germany and are looking for a modern credit card with no annual fee that works entirely through your smartphone, this is the right guide for you.
GenialCard
Free cash withdrawals worldwide
🔒 100% online and secure application
We will explore everything you need to know about applying for the GenialCard, from the basic requirements to how to use the card in practice.
Why Apply for This Card?
Before we begin, it is important to understand why so many people choose the GenialCard. The card charges no annual fee, offers flexible installment payments, works in more than 36 million establishments worldwide, and allows free withdrawals within the eurozone.
In addition, the application process is completely online, approval is fast (sometimes on the same day), and you can use the digital version of the card immediately after approval without waiting for the physical card to arrive.
However, approval is not automatic. Hanseatic Bank reviews your credit history through Schufa and evaluates your financial situation. If you have overdue debts or severe credit restrictions, your application may be rejected.
What You Need to Know Before Starting
The GenialCard application is 100% online and takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You will need a computer or smartphone, a valid identity document, and availability for a short video call to confirm your identity.
The total process is very fast. You may receive a response on the same day or the following day. If approved, the digital card becomes immediately available in the app, while the physical card is mailed and arrives within approximately 5 to 10 business days.
The GenialCard does not require you to open a checking account with Hanseatic Bank. The card works independently, making the process even simpler and more convenient.
Mandatory Requirements to Apply
To apply for the GenialCard, you must meet the following basic criteria:
Be of Legal Age
You must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit.
Residence in Germany
You must be officially registered as a resident in Germany. This means having a valid address where you live and being registered with the local municipality (Gemeinde). If you recently moved, approval may be slightly more difficult, but it is not impossible.
Valid Identity Document
You will need an official document such as a Personalausweis (German ID card), German passport, or passport from another European country. The document must be valid and unexpired.
German Phone Number
A mobile phone with a German number is required. You will use this number to receive SMS verification codes and to be contacted by Hanseatic Bank if necessary.
Video Identification
You must be available for a quick video call (2 to 5 minutes) where you show your identity document to the camera. This can be completed through the app or a video call platform.
Schufa Credit Analysis
Hanseatic Bank will check your Schufa credit profile. Although there is no mandatory minimum income proof requirement, your financial history will still be evaluated.
German Bank Account
You must have a bank account with a German bank. This account will be used for automatic debit of your monthly card statement.
What Improves Your Chances of Approval
Now that you know the requirements, let’s talk about the factors that significantly improve your approval chances.
Clean Credit History
This is the most important factor. If you have never missed payments on bills, loans, direct debits, or other financial obligations, your approval chances are much higher.
Before applying, consider requesting your free annual Schufa report to verify that your profile is accurate. If you find mistakes, correct them immediately.
Stable and Registered Income
Although Hanseatic Bank does not require mandatory income proof, having a stable job for several months demonstrates reliability. If you recently changed jobs, your approval chances may be slightly lower. The longer you stay at the same job, the better.
Bank Account with Regular Activity
If your bank account has existed for several months and shows regular transactions (salary deposits, payments), this signals financial stability. Accounts opened only days ago may create doubts.
Few Recent Credit Inquiries
Every time you apply for credit or another card, a Schufa inquiry is recorded. If you submitted several applications within the last 3 months, your chances decrease. Avoid multiple applications within the same month.
Longer Registered Address History
If you have lived at your current address for several months, this is better than having just moved. People who register a new address during the same month they apply for credit may face additional caution.
Above-Average Income
Although there is no mandatory minimum, a monthly income of €1,500 or more significantly improves your chances. The higher your income, the safer you appear to the institution.
Consistent and Accurate Information
Make sure all information you provide matches exactly with the information on Schufa and your official documents. Inconsistencies may lead to rejection.
Where to Apply for the GenialCard
There are only a few correct ways to apply:
Official Hanseatic Bank Website
Visit www.hanseatic-bank.de and look for the credit card section. You will find a highlighted button to apply for the GenialCard. This is the safest and most direct method.
Hanseatic Bank App
If you already have the Hanseatic Bank app installed, you can begin the application directly there. Simply open the app and look for the card application option.
Avoid Third Parties
Do not apply through third-party websites, aggregators, or platforms charging fees or promising “guaranteed approval.” The application is completely free, and nobody can guarantee approval in advance.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Access the Platform
Go to www.hanseatic-bank.de or open the app. Find the “Cards” section and select the GenialCard.
Step 2: Click Apply
Click the “Jetzt Beantragen” (“Apply Now”) button or something similar. An application form will open.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Information
Provide the following basic information:
Full name (exactly as shown on your document)
Date of birth
Nationality
Phone number (German number)
Valid email address
Full address with postal code
How long you have lived at your current address
Fill everything carefully. Any mistake may cause rejection or delays.
Step 4: Professional Information
You will be asked about:
Your employment status (employed, self-employed, unemployed, retired)
Company where you work (if applicable)
How long you have worked there
Your profession/occupation
Approximate gross monthly income
Be honest with the numbers. Even though proof may not be mandatory, Hanseatic Bank can still verify information.
Step 5: Banking Information
Provide details of your German checking account:
Bank name
Full IBAN or account number with bank code
Account holder name
This account will be used for automatic payment of your monthly statement.
Step 6: Schufa Consent
You authorize Hanseatic Bank to access your Schufa credit data. This step is mandatory to continue.
Step 7: Identity Verification
This is the critical step. You will be invited to a video call:
You need a smartphone with a camera
Have your identity document ready
Stay in a well-lit location
The call lasts 2 to 5 minutes
During the call, you will show your document to the camera, answer a few questions about yourself, and possibly perform simple actions (such as turning your head) to confirm you are a real person.
Step 8: Final Review
Review all the information you entered. Double-check banking information especially (an incorrect IBAN can cause problems). Click confirm and submit.
What Happens After Your Application
Processing Time
Your application enters the processing queue. The decision is usually made within a few hours to one business day. In exceptional cases, it may take up to 2 days.
Notifications
You will receive updates by email. Check your inbox regularly, including the spam folder, since important emails sometimes end up there.
Possible Results
If Approved:
You will receive an email confirming approval. The email will contain instructions to activate your digital card in the app. The digital card becomes available immediately and can be used right away.
Your physical card will be produced and mailed within 5 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you simply confirm activation in the app.
If Rejected:
You will receive an email informing you of the rejection and usually an explanation for the decision. Common reasons include negative credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or inconsistent information.
If rejected, you may apply again after a few months, ideally after resolving any outstanding debt or allowing more time to pass.
If Pending:
In some cases, Hanseatic Bank may request additional documents. You may receive an email asking for recent payslips or bank statements. Send them quickly to speed up the process.
After Approval: What to Do
Activate the Digital Card
Open the Hanseatic Bank app and follow the instructions to activate your digital card. It is ready for immediate use.
Make a Test Purchase
Make a small purchase to test the card. Any store accepting Mastercard will work. You will receive confirmation in the app.
Set Up Apple Pay or Google Pay
If desired, add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay on your smartphone for even faster payments.
Track Your Physical Card
While waiting for the physical card, use the digital version. Once it arrives, activate it in the app.
Know Your Credit Limit
Your initial limit will be shown in the app. This is the maximum amount you can spend. Use it responsibly so your limit may increase in the future.
Set Up Automatic Payments
Make sure your automatic statement payment is configured correctly. You want to pay on time to avoid interest charges.
Common Questions
How Long Does Everything Take?
Application to decision: 1 to 2 business days. Digital card to physical card: 5 to 10 business days.
Can I Use the Digital Card Before Receiving the Physical One?
Yes, that is one of the biggest advantages. Once approved, you can use it digitally immediately.
If Rejected, Can I Apply Again?
Yes, but wait 3 to 6 months and use this time to resolve credit-related issues.
Is Income Proof Mandatory?
No, but Schufa credit analysis will still be performed.
What Is My Initial Credit Limit?
It varies based on your individual financial situation. You will know once approved.
Does the Application Affect My Credit Score?
Yes, minimally. Every Schufa inquiry is recorded. Avoid submitting multiple applications simultaneously.
Final Tips to Improve Your Chances
Prepare your information in advance
Make sure all data is accurate and consistent
Avoid multiple applications within the same month
Resolve outstanding debts before applying
Request your free Schufa report before applying
Keep your address and bank account stable
Conclusion
Applying for the Hanseatic Bank GenialCard is a simple, fast, and fully online process. If you meet the basic requirements and have a satisfactory credit history, your approval chances are very high.
The best part is that trying costs nothing, the process is quick, and you could have a modern, no annual fee credit card working on your smartphone within just a few hours.
If you live in Germany and want a card that works fully digitally, has no annual costs, and offers free ATM withdrawals within the eurozone, the GenialCard is definitely a very interesting option to explore.
