Do most gas stations in Germany take credit cards (i.e. mastercard or visa)?

Question

I know this is kind of a dumb question, but I'm going to be getting a rental car for a few days on my next visit, and want to be prepared. Also I know credit cards aren't nearly as widely used in Germany as they are in the US....

Answer 1

The bigger chains do, but (at least in southern Germany) a lot of the independent stations do not. It's a good idea to look for the signs or ask before you get gas.

Answer 2

Yes they do.

Answer 3

Sure

Answer 4

Yes, they do. Some small independent stations may only accept debit cards, though...

Answer 5

They do on all gas stations in Germany!! I am German living in Germany, and I live in a small village. We have some surrounding villages with two gas stations - Avia and Aral. They both take credit cards and debit cards! And along the Autobahn you won't have a problem anyways! There you can even pay food with your credit card!

Answer 6

about ten years ago i was refused my visa for fuel in my friends small town  but ever since it has been ok...i think they are cautious of foreign cards or at least were back then....i visit Graz Austria regularly and they will not accept my debit card in the store which i find odd....best to have some euro cash  or one of each card just in case

Answer 7

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, But let your CC company know what dates you will be out of the country.  It let's them know that the charges are legit.

Answer 8

Germany was using check cards and ATMs years before the U.S.  Yes, they accept major U.S. credit cards; however, some might have issues since U.S. cards don't have the built-in microchip.  

By the way, you have to have a chip card (euro card, VISA, Euro-Master card, etc.) to buy cigarettes out of a machine.  The chip has personal data and verifies your age.

Answer 9

The majority of stations take cards.  Mastercard is more widely accepted in Germany then Visa...... that's just been my expeience.

Answer 10

That is true.  But, not in Germany.

Answer 11

but a debit card will be accepted everywere, debit-cards are as widely used as credit-cards in the US

Answer 12

yes as long as the machine is working....you must  pay inside though and not at the pump

Answer 13

On the Autobahn, yes. (There are every couple of miles gas stations). Make sure, you let your credit card company know, where you are going. Most large gas stations take your card, smaller ones maybe not.