For new residents in Europe, securing a credit card with no credit history is a major hurdle. Traditional banks often reject applications, but 2025 brings more options for immigrants, from digital banks like N26 and Revolut to secured cards. This guide covers the best credit cards in Europe for expats, including starter credit cards for the EU that report to bureaus. You’ll learn:
- Which banks approve no-credit-history applications,
- How to get a credit card in Europe without a score,
- Smart strategies to build credit fast.
- Whether you’re in Germany, France, or Spain, the right card can kickstart your financial integration.
📌 This article is part : Financial Literacy in the EU: A Guide for Expats in 2025
Content Structure
- Intro
- Why Banks Don’t Issue Cards to New Residents
- Card Selection Criteria: How to Choose the Right Card as an Expat
- Best Cards by Country/Bank in 2025
- How to Use a Credit Card Wisely as a New Resident in Europe
- Conclusion
- FAQ
1. Best Credit Cards in Europe for New Residents: How Expats Can Start Building Credit in 2025
Moving to Europe as a new resident or expat comes with many financial challenges — and one of the hardest parts? Getting your first credit card. Most European banks require a local credit history, steady income, or residence status verification. But what if you’re just starting out?
If you’ve searched for:
- how to get a credit card in Europe without score,
- starter credit cards for expats in EU, or
- credit cards for immigrants 2025 —
you’re not alone. Millions of new residents across the EU — from Erasmus students to remote workers, from Ukrainian refugees to skilled professionals — are trying to access financial tools that locals take for granted.
Here’s the problem: Banks don’t trust what they can’t see. No local credit score = no credit.
But here’s the good news: In 2025, new fintech banks and international institutions are offering real solutions — from instant virtual cards to low-limit unsecured credit cards built for immigrants and expats.
🔍 Comparison: Starter Credit Cards for Expats in Europe (2025)
| Bank/Provider | Country Coverage | Credit History Required | Type | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut Credit | EU-wide | No | Secured/Unsecured | Instant approval, flexible limits |
| N26 You Credit | DE, FR, IT, ES | No (for expats) | Virtual/Physical | Travel perks, low FX fees |
| bunq Easy Credit | NL, DE, FR | No | Unsecured | Green card option, reports to local credit bureaus |
| Wise Card + Partnered Credit | EU-wide | Optional | Debit + Credit | No hidden fees, flexible top-up |
| Zopa (UK residents) | UK | No UK score needed (for new arrivals) | Credit builder | Helps build UK credit score from month 1 |
✅ All listed providers are available to legal residents in the EU or EEA in 2025. Many allow signup with just a passport, visa, or residence permit.
Why This Matters for Expat Finance
Whether you’ve just landed in Berlin, Lisbon, or Paris — access to credit is the gateway to financial inclusion. Credit cards help you:
- Build a European credit profile
- Pay for emergencies and online services
- Avoid foreign transaction fees
- Gain trust with landlords and mobile providers
As a new resident, your lack of local history shouldn’t define your future. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to unlock the best credit cards in Europe for expats, no matter your background.
⏭️ Next: Why Banks Don’t Issue Cards to New Residents
Understanding the systemic challenges behind credit access in the EU will help you navigate and overcome them. Let’s explore why traditional banks are hesitant to issue credit cards to immigrants and how you can sidestep those roadblocks.
2. Why Can’t I Get a Credit Card in Europe as a New Resident?
If you’ve been rejected for a credit card in Europe even after opening a local bank account, you’re not alone. Whether you’re searching for the best credit cards in Europe for new residents or a no credit history credit card EU, one frustrating reality remains:
Most European banks won’t issue credit cards to people without a local credit score — even if they’re fully employed or have proof of funds.
🏦 Why Traditional Banks Decline Newcomers
European banks use risk-based approval models, which rely heavily on national credit scoring systems — like Schufa (Germany), Banque de France FICP, or BKR (Netherlands). If you’re new to the country, these systems have no record of you, which triggers automatic denials.
📉 Common Reasons Banks Reject New Residents:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No local credit score | No history = high risk in automated systems |
| Foreign income or employer | Salaries outside the EU often aren’t considered verifiable |
| Temporary residency status | Many banks only issue credit to permanent or long-term residents |
| No proof of address in-country | Utility bills or rental contracts required |
| Thin banking history in EU | Less than 3–6 months with local bank = flagged as high risk |
🗣️ “We unfortunately cannot offer you a credit card at this time due to the absence of domestic credit information.”
— Standard response from major French bank (2025)
📊 Real User Experience: Rejected Credit Card Applications
Kiran, 29, software developer from India, moved to Berlin (January 2025):
“Even though I had a full-time job contract with €70K salary, Deutsche Bank rejected my credit card application. They said I didn’t have a Schufa file yet.”
Anna, 35, moved to Amsterdam from Brazil:
“Rabobank told me to wait at least 6 months before applying for a credit card. I had to use prepaid cards until then.”
These aren’t isolated incidents — they represent a broader structural barrier faced by immigrants and expats across the EU.
📌 Why This Matters for Expats and New Residents
Without access to even starter credit cards for expats in the EU, many new residents are forced to:
- Rely solely on debit or prepaid cards (no credit-building)
- Miss out on online services (subscriptions, hotel bookings, etc.)
- Have trouble securing mobile plans or rental agreements
That’s why alternative providers and fintechs are stepping in with solutions in 2025 — offering credit cards for immigrants and ways to build local score without traditional barriers.
⏭️ Next: Card Selection Criteria – What to Look For as a New Resident
Now that you understand why banks hesitate to approve credit cards without a score, it’s time to learn how to choose the right provider. In the next section, we’ll break down the essential features to look for in a credit card for expats — from approval policies to credit reporting and multilingual support.
3. How to Choose a Credit Card as an Expat in Europe (2025 Guide)
Once you’ve understood the barriers to getting a card as a new resident, the next step is knowing how to choose wisely.
With dozens of offers labeled as the best credit cards in Europe for new residents or starter credit cards for expats in EU, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — especially if you have no credit history in the EU.
Whether you’re comparing options in Germany, France, the Netherlands, or looking across pan-European fintechs, use the following checklist to ensure you’re choosing a card that truly fits your profile and goals.
✅ Expat Credit Card Selection Checklist (2025)
Use this 6-point checklist to evaluate any offer — especially when applying without local credit score.
| Criteria | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| No Credit History Required | “No local score needed”, “open to new residents”, “alternative underwriting” | Enables approval even without Schufa, BKR, FICP |
| Type: Secured vs Unsecured | Secured = backed by deposit, Unsecured = no deposit required | Secured cards are easier to get but require tying up funds |
| Annual Fee | €0–€50 ideal for starter cards | Avoid high fees while building history |
| Interest Rate (APR) | Under 25% APR is average in 2025 (EU cap varies by country) | Lower interest = cheaper borrowing; even better if you pay in full |
| Reports to Local Bureaus | Schufa (DE), BKR (NL), Banque de France (FR), etc. | Essential to start building your EU credit profile |
| Digital Features & Multilingual Support | English interface, in-app controls, freeze/unfreeze card | Makes life easier for expats with limited local language skills |
🔄 EU vs US: How Credit Card Access Differs in 2025
| Factor | Europe (Expats) | United States (Expats) |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score requirement | Usually required (local bureau only) | Optional — global fintechs accept expats |
| Secured card availability | Limited, mostly via fintechs | Widely available through traditional banks |
| Alternative approval models | Emerging (Revolut, bunq, N26) | Mature (Amex Global Transfer, Petal, etc.) |
| Approval speed | 1–7 days, often manual | Instant in many cases |
| International acceptance | Strong within EU | Strong globally (Visa/Amex) |
💡 Tip: If you’re an American expat in Europe, explore international banks (Amex Global) or local fintechs with bilingual support.
📌 Insider Tip for Immigrants in 2025
Look for cards that don’t just approve you — but help you grow.
The best credit cards for immigrants in Europe now offer credit building features, free credit tracking, and even upgrade paths once your history grows.
⏭️ Next: Best Cards by Country and Bank in 2025
Now that you know how to compare and choose a credit card as an expat, let’s explore the top offers by country and provider. Whether you’re in Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, or Madrid — we’ve compiled the best credit cards tailored to new residents in each region.
4. Best Credit Cards in Europe for New Residents by Country (2025)
Finding the best credit cards for immigrants in the EU in 2025 depends heavily on your country of residence. While some pan-European fintechs like Revolut, bunq, and N26 make it easier for newcomers to get started, local banks in Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands still dominate with strict requirements.
Below are top no credit history cards and starter credit cards for expats in the EU, curated by country and eligibility.
🇩🇪 Germany: Best Credit Cards for New Residents (2025)
| Provider | Card | Credit History Needed | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N26 Credit | N26 Flex / You | No (Flex), Yes (You) | Secured / Unsecured | Fast approval, English support, Google Pay |
| bunq Easy Green | Easy Credit Line | No | Unsecured | Eco card, builds BKR/Schufa, app-based controls |
| Revolut Credit | Revolut Pay Later | No | Virtual Credit | Use-now-pay-later model, flexible limits |
| Deutsche Bank | Visa Card Basic | Yes | Unsecured | Reports to Schufa, requires 6+ months local banking |
🛑 Note: Most local German banks require Schufa, but N26 and bunq offer accessible newcomer cards without it.
🇵🇱 Poland: Best Credit Cards for Immigrants (2025)
| Bank | Card | No Local Score Needed | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mBank | Visa Classic | ❌ | Unsecured | Requires PESEL + income history |
| Bank Millennium | Millennium Visa Impresja | ❌ | Unsecured | Local address & full contract required |
| Revolut Credit PL | Flexible Credit | ✅ | Virtual Credit | Instant approval (w/ ID), EU-wide app interface |
| Alior Bank | Secured Visa | ✅ (some branches) | Secured | Deposit-backed, ideal for foreigners with work permits |
✅ Tip: For newcomers without PESEL or credit history, Revolut Poland is one of the only no credit history credit card EU options in 2025.
🇳🇱 Netherlands: Top Credit Cards for Expats (2025)
| Provider | Card Name | Local Credit Score Needed | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bunq | Easy Credit | No | Unsecured | Reports to BKR, open to new residents |
| ING Netherlands | Credit Card Basic | Yes (BKR check) | Unsecured | Dutch IBAN & proof of income required |
| ABN AMRO | Student Card | Yes | Unsecured | Limited to students, Dutch residence permit needed |
| Revolut EU | Revolut Credit (global) | No | Virtual | Pan-EU usage, English app, flexible approval |
📌The best credit cards for immigrants in EU 2025 are often offered by fintechs, not traditional Dutch banks, which still rely heavily on BKR records.
🌍 Pan-EU Fintech Cards Worth Considering (2025)
| Provider | Card Name | Region Availability | Why It Works for Expats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | Revolut Credit | All EU | Instant decision, no local score, supports newcomers |
| bunq | Easy Credit | NL, DE, FR, BE | Eco focus, score-building, supports expats |
| N26 | N26 Flex / Credit | DE, AT, FR, IE, ES | Flexible limits, English UI, low fees |
✅ Pro Tip: Choose providers that report to local credit bureaus (Schufa, BKR) to start building your score from month one.
⏭️ Next: How to Use a Credit Card Wisely as a New Resident
Getting approved is just the start. In the next section, we’ll show you how to use your card to build credit, avoid debt, and establish financial stability as an expat in the EU.
5. How to Use a Credit Card Wisely as a New Resident in Europe (2025)
Getting one of the best credit cards in Europe for new residents is only the beginning. Whether you’re using a starter credit card for expats in the EU or a no credit history credit card in the EU, what matters most is how you use it to build credit history in Europe.
💡 Smart credit habits today can help you qualify for better loans, housing, and even employment later.
✅ Smart Credit Habits: The 5 Golden Rules
| # | Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Always pay on time | A single missed payment can harm your credit record |
| 2 | Use under 30% of your credit limit | Signals financial responsibility to banks |
| 3 | Review your monthly statements | Helps you stay on budget and avoid errors |
| 4 | Avoid applying for multiple cards | Too many inquiries raise red flags for lenders |
| 5 | Make sure your card reports to credit bureaus | Essential for building a credit score in your EU country |
📈 How to Build Credit History in the EU from Zero
If you’re starting fresh, here’s how to grow your financial footprint using a no credit history credit card EU:
- 🛒 Use your card regularly — small expenses like groceries or subscriptions
- 💳 Pay off the full balance each month — avoid debt and interest
- 📊 Keep utilization low — ideally under 30% of your limit
- 📁 Choose cards that report to credit bureaus (e.g., Schufa in Germany, BKR in the Netherlands)
- ⏳ After 6–12 months, you’ll be in a better position to apply for loans or higher-limit cards
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| ❌ Don’t Do This | 🔻 Why It Hurts |
|---|---|
| Missing payments | Damages your credit record and lowers trust |
| Maxing out your limit | Seen as financial instability |
| Constantly switching banks/cards | Triggers too many hard inquiries |
| Ignoring interest and fees | Can lead to unexpected debt and declined applications |
🔗 Want to Learn More?
- What is Credit Scoring — Understand how your credit profile is built
- How to Get a Loan in the EU — What happens after your credit is established
⏭️ Now that you know how to get a credit card in Europe without a score and use it wisely, let’s wrap things up with a practical checklist for success and long-term financial planning in the EU.
Conclusion: Start Smart, Build Strong
For any newcomer navigating life in the EU, building financial credibility isn’t just a milestone — it’s a necessity. Thankfully, as of 2025, it’s more possible than ever to access the best credit cards in Europe for new residents, even if you have no credit history.
Whether you’re searching for a no credit history credit card EU, exploring starter credit cards for expats in EU, or simply trying to understand how to get a credit card in Europe without score, the options are improving thanks to inclusive fintechs and evolving bank policies.
Here’s what to remember:
- ✅ Fintech banks like Revolut, bunq, and N26 offer excellent credit cards for immigrants in 2025 without the paperwork overload.
- 📈 Use your first card to build a credit history, not just to borrow money.
- ⚠️ Avoid late payments and maxed-out limits — they damage your long-term credit profile.
Ultimately, getting approved is just step one. Using your card wisely is what truly unlocks financial freedom across borders.
🌍 Whether you’re a student, worker, or long-term expat — choosing the right card today can shape your financial opportunities tomorrow.
❓FAQ
How can I get a credit card in Europe without credit score?
To get a credit card in Europe without a score, look for fintech providers like bunq, Revolut, or N26. These companies often offer no credit history credit cards EU-wide, especially for new residents or expats, by assessing income or using alternative credit models.
What are the best credit cards in Europe for new residents in 2025?
In 2025, some of the best credit cards in Europe for new residents include:
1. bunq Easy Credit (Netherlands, Germany)
2. Revolut Credit (multi-country access)
3. N26 Flex (available in Germany)
4. Wise Card with deferred payment (limited access)
These cards are accessible even if you’re new and have no score.
Can immigrants apply for credit cards in the EU?
Yes! Credit cards for immigrants in 2025 are becoming more available thanks to digital banks and changing policies. Requirements vary, but many banks now accept recent pay slips or residence permits instead of full credit histories.
What are the best starter credit cards for expats in the EU?
If you’re an expat, some excellent starter credit cards for expats in EU are:
1. N26 Flex (for those with irregular incomes)
2. bunq Easy Green/Credit
3. Revolut Standard + Credit add-on
These cards help you build credit safely while managing everyday expenses.
Why was my credit card application rejected as a new resident?
Many banks still rely heavily on local credit bureaus (e.g., Schufa in Germany, BKR in the Netherlands). Without a file, you’re seen as “invisible.” That’s why it’s common for new residents to be rejected. Start with cards that don’t require a score and report activity to bureaus to build your profile.
Is it better to choose a secured or unsecured card as a newcomer?
For most newcomers, a secured card can be a great first step. But in 2025, many unsecured cards for new residents are available across Europe, especially from neobanks. Choose based on fees, limits, and whether the card reports to credit agencies.
📚 Also read: Financial Literacy in the EU
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