How To Get The DKB Cash Visa Card: Complete Practical Guide

If you live in Germany and are looking for a modern credit/debit card with no annual fee, full digital management, and international benefits, this guide is for you.

Here’s everything you need to know about applying for the DKB Cash Visa Card, from the basic requirements to how to use the card in daily life.

Why Apply For This Card?

Before we begin, it’s important to understand why so many people choose the DKB Cash Visa Card. The card has no annual fee, works in millions of establishments worldwide, offers free international withdrawals for active customers, includes a virtual card for secure online shopping, and everything is managed 100% digitally through an excellent app.

In addition, the card comes linked to a free DKB current account. You get a complete financial solution in one institution, without hidden costs.

However, approval is not automatic. DKB analyzes 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 Getting Started

The DKB Cash Visa Card application is mainly completed online, but it involves a few verification steps. The entire process takes around 15 to 20 minutes. You will need a computer or smartphone, a valid identification document, a German phone number, and internet access.

The total processing time is relatively fast. You may receive a response within a few business days. If approved, the physical card is delivered by mail in approximately 5 to 10 business days.

One important detail: the card is necessarily linked to a DKB current account. You will also need to open this account (which is free). This is not a disadvantage, since the account itself offers additional benefits.

Mandatory Requirements To Apply

To apply for the DKB Cash Visa Card, you must meet these mandatory criteria:

Residence In Germany

You must be officially registered as a resident in Germany with a valid address. You must also be registered with the local municipality (Gemeinde). Foreign residents need an appropriate visa or residence permit.

Legal Age

You must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit.

Valid Identification Document

You will need an official document such as a Personalausweis (German ID card), German passport, or a passport from another European country. The document must be valid and clearly readable.

German Phone Number

A German mobile number is absolutely necessary. You will use this number to receive SMS verification codes during the application process and later for two-factor authentication.

Credit Check

DKB will check your Schufa data (German credit bureau). Your financial history will be analyzed to determine eligibility.

Valid Email Address

You need a working email address to receive communications from DKB during the application process and in the future.

Acceptable Financial Situation

Although there is no officially published minimum income requirement, DKB will evaluate your overall financial situation. Having formal income significantly improves your chances.

What Improves Your Approval Chances

Now that you know the basic requirements, let’s look at the factors that significantly increase your approval chances.

Clean Credit History

This is the most important factor. If you have never missed payments on bills, loans, or financial obligations, your chances increase substantially. Before applying, consider requesting your free annual Schufa report to ensure there are no errors.

Stable Formal Income

Having a stable job for several months demonstrates financial stability. If you recently changed jobs, your approval chances may be slightly lower. The longer you remain with the same employer, the better.

Active Bank Account

If you already have a bank account with regular transactions such as salary deposits and bill payments, this shows financial consistency. Brand-new accounts may raise concerns.

Few Recent Credit Applications

Every time you apply for credit, a Schufa inquiry is recorded. If you submitted multiple applications within the last three months, your approval chances may decrease. Avoid applying for several credit products simultaneously.

Long-Term Registered Address

Being registered at the same address for several months looks more stable than recently moving. Banks may be more cautious with applicants who recently changed addresses.

Above-Average Income

If your monthly income is €2,000 or higher, your approval chances improve significantly. Higher income makes you appear financially safer to DKB.

Accurate And Consistent Information

Make sure every detail matches your documents and Schufa records exactly. Inconsistencies can lead to automatic rejection.

No Outstanding Debts

If you have unpaid debts or overdue balances, resolve them before applying. This dramatically improves approval chances.

Legal Residence Status

If you are a foreign resident, having all residency documents organized and valid is important. Residence permits and registration certificates help strengthen your application.

Where To Apply For The DKB Cash Visa Card

There are only a few correct ways to apply:

Official DKB Website

Visit the official DKB website and look for the “Konten und Karten” (Accounts and Cards) section. This is the safest and most direct method.

DKB Mobile App

If you already use the DKB app, you can start the application directly through the app.

Physical Branch

You may also visit a physical DKB branch, although the online process is usually faster and simpler.

Avoid Third Parties

Do not apply through third-party websites charging fees or promising “guaranteed approval.” The application is completely free and no one can guarantee approval beforehand.

Step-By-Step: How To Apply

Step 1: Access The Official Website

Go to the DKB website and find the accounts and cards section.

Step 2: Click On “Apply”

Click the highlighted button to open a DKB account and request the card.

Step 3: Fill In Your Personal Information

Provide the following details:

• Full name (exactly as shown on your document)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Passport or ID number
• Email address
• German phone number
• Full address with postal code
• How long you have lived at your current address
• Housing type (owner, rental, etc.)

Fill everything carefully. Mistakes can delay or reject your application.

Step 4: Employment Information

You will be asked about:

• Employment status
• Employer name
• Profession/occupation
• Length of employment
• Approximate gross monthly income
• Income currency
• Industry sector

Be completely honest. Incorrect information may negatively affect approval.

Step 5: Additional Financial Information

You may also be asked about:

• Other bank accounts
• Existing debts
• Recent credit applications

Again, accuracy is extremely important.

Step 6: Consent For Credit Check

You must authorize DKB to access your Schufa data. Without this consent, your application cannot proceed.

Step 7: Video Identification (VideoIdent)

DKB requires identity verification through a VideoIdent process.

You will need:

• A smartphone with a camera
• Your identification document
• Good lighting
• Stable internet connection

During the video call (around 10 minutes), you will show your document and answer basic verification questions.

Step 8: Final Review

Carefully review all submitted information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Employment information

Then confirm and submit the application.

What Happens After Your Application

Processing Time

Applications usually take between 2 to 5 business days for a decision. In some cases, it may take up to one week.

Notifications

You will receive updates by email. Check your inbox regularly, including spam folders.

Possible Results

If Approved

You will receive an approval email containing:

• Online banking access instructions
• Card activation details
• Estimated delivery date

The physical card generally arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

If Rejected

You will receive a rejection email explaining the reason. Common reasons include:

• Negative credit history
• Too many recent credit applications
• Inconsistent information

You may apply again after 3 to 6 months.

If Pending

DKB may request additional documents or information. Respond quickly to speed up the process.

After Approval: First Steps

Access Your Online Account

Log into the DKB app or online banking platform.

Configure Your Preferences

Set up notifications and communication preferences.

Learn Your Credit Limit

Your initial limit will appear in your account dashboard.

Wait For The Physical Card

While waiting, explore the app and its features.

Create A Virtual Card

You can generate a virtual card immediately after approval for secure online shopping.

Activate Your Physical Card

Once delivered, activate the card using the app or the instructions provided.

Set Up Apple Pay Or Google Pay

You can add both the physical and virtual card to digital wallets.

Make Your First Purchase

After activation, test the card with a simple purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does The Entire Process Take?

Application decision: 2 to 5 business days. Card delivery: 5 to 10 business days after approval.

Can I Use The Card Before Receiving The Physical Version?

Yes. The virtual card becomes available immediately after approval.

Can I Apply Again If Rejected?

Yes, but wait 3 to 6 months before reapplying.

What Will My Initial Credit Limit Be?

It varies based on your credit analysis.

How Do Free International Withdrawals Work?

If you move at least €700 monthly through your account, you become an active customer and qualify for free international ATM withdrawals.

Do I Need To Maintain A Minimum Balance?

No. There is no minimum balance requirement.

Can I Pay In Installments?

Germany’s system works differently from Brazil. Purchases are generally debited directly from your account or credit line.

Does The Application Affect My Credit Score?

Yes, slightly. Every application generates a Schufa inquiry.

Does It Work With Apple Pay And Google Pay?

Yes. Both physical and virtual cards are fully compatible.

Final Tips To Improve Your Approval Chances

• Organize your documents in advance
• Make sure all information is accurate
• Resolve outstanding debts before applying
• Avoid multiple credit applications in the same month
• Check your Schufa report for errors
• Keep your address and banking situation stable
• Use an email address you check regularly
• Ensure a strong internet connection for VideoIdent

Conclusion

Applying for the DKB Cash Visa Card is a straightforward and mostly online process. If you meet the requirements and have a solid credit history, your approval chances are very good.

The best part is that applying costs nothing, the process is fast, and you can start using a virtual card almost immediately after approval.

If you live in Germany, want a card with no annual fee, value digital banking, and need a complete banking solution, the DKB Cash Visa Card is one of the best options available.

For newcomers and immigrants in Germany, it is especially attractive because it offers a secure, modern, and uncomplicated financial solution.