Cash Withdrawals in Germany:
Where to Get Cash for Free
Germany has roughly 55,000 Geldautomaten (ATMs), but not all of them are free to use. The country's ATM landscape is split across competing networks, and crossing network boundaries can cost up to 5 euros per withdrawal. This guide explains which machines are free for your account, how to get cash at supermarket checkouts, and which bank account gives you the most generous ATM access.
Germany's ATM landscape: what to expect
Cash remains relevant in Germany in a way that surprises many newcomers. According to the Deutsche Bundesbank, around 372 billion euros in cash were withdrawn from German ATMs in 2024, and many small businesses, market stalls, and local services still operate on a cash-only basis. As a result, knowing where to get cash without fees is a practical daily skill, not an edge case.
The country has roughly 55,000 Geldautomaten (ATMs), operated by different banking groups with largely separate network architectures. This means a card that works for free at one machine can trigger a fee of up to 5 euros at the machine two streets away. The determining factor is not which brand of ATM it is, but which alliance it belongs to and whether your bank is part of that alliance.
Where Geldautomaten are located
Every major German ATM network operates an online or app-based locator: Sparkasse at sparkasse.de/geldautomat, Cash Group at cashgroup.com, Volksbank at volksbank.de, and CashPool at cashpool.de. Search by your bank name or the network you belong to. DKB, ING, and C24 also show fee-free ATMs within the banking app's map feature.
Germany's four ATM networks: which one is yours?
Germany's ATM system is not a single unified network but a collection of alliances, each built around a group of banks. Knowing which alliance your bank belongs to immediately tells you which 10,000 to 20,000 machines are free to you and which will charge a fee. The four main networks cover essentially all ATMs in the country.
Sparkassen network
Largest in GermanySicherungssystem der Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe (DSGV)
Volksbank / Raiffeisenbank Bankcard-Servicenetz
Second largestBVR Bankcard-Servicenetz
Cash Group
Major private banksFounded 1998: Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank, Postbank, Norisbank, Comdirect
Until 30 June 2025, Cash Group customers could withdraw cash at approximately 1,300 Shell petrol stations across Germany. This service was discontinued from 1 July 2025. If you relied on this option, use the cashgroup.com locator to find your nearest alternative ATM.
CashPool
Smaller and regional banksFounded 2000: 29 member institutions, primarily regional and online banks
| Network | ATMs | Member banks (examples) | Fee outside network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sparkassen | ~20,000 | All ~350 Sparkassen, DekaBank, Landesbanken | Up to €5 per withdrawal |
| Volksbank / Raiffeisenbank | ~13,800 | All Volksbanken, Raiffeisenbanken, Sparda, PSD | Up to €5 per withdrawal |
| Cash Group | ~5,000 | Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank, Postbank, Norisbank, Comdirect | Applies immediately outside group |
| CashPool | ~2,800 | Various regional and online banks | Applies immediately outside group |
Girocard vs. Debit Mastercard/Visa: which card to use
Most German bank accounts issue two cards: a Girocard (the German domestic debit card, formerly known as the ec card) and an international Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit. Both can withdraw cash, but they work differently, are accepted in different places, and have different fee structures. Knowing which to use in which situation saves money and avoids declined transactions.
- Required for cashback withdrawals at supermarkets (REWE, Edeka, Lidl, dm, etc.)
- Accepted at virtually all German ATMs
- Widely accepted at German card payment terminals (POS)
- PIN-based authorisation only (no contactless on older versions)
- Not usable outside Germany / SEPA area
- Not accepted by many online shops
- Usable at all Mastercard/Visa ATMs worldwide
- Accepted by online shops, streaming services, international bookings
- Supports contactless (NFC) and Apple/Google Pay
- Works for international travel and abroad ATM withdrawals
- Generally not accepted for cashback at most German supermarkets (exceptions: Aldi Nord, Rossmann, Norma)
- Foreign currency transactions: exchange rate applies
Your Girocard is identifiable by the small girocard logo (a stylised "gc" symbol, often with a chip) on the card face, without a Visa or Mastercard logo. Your Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit will carry the corresponding network's logo prominently on the front or back. Some German banks (particularly neobanks like N26 and C24) issue only a Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit without a Girocard, which limits cashback access at certain supermarkets.
Cashback at supermarkets: cash without an ATM
One of Germany's most practical and underused cash access methods is the supermarket checkout cashback service. At most major grocery chains and drugstores, you can request cash on top of your grocery purchase when paying by Girocard. The extra cash amount is added to your shopping total and debited together. No ATM required, no extra fee for the customer.
The process is straightforward: tell the cashier how much cash you want before or during the payment process ("Ich möchte bitte 50 Euro abheben"), pay the combined total by Girocard with PIN, and receive your cash directly. The German term for this service is "Bargeld abheben" or sometimes still "Cashback" (though stores are phasing out that term to avoid confusion with loyalty cashback programmes).
Cashback at German retailers: overview
| Retailer | Min. purchase | Max. cash | Cards accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| REWE | 10 € | 200 € | Girocard only |
| Penny | 10 € | 200 € | Girocard only |
| Lidl | With purchase | 200 € | Girocard only |
| Aldi Süd | 5 € | 200 € | Girocard only |
| Aldi Nord | With purchase | 200 € | Girocard + Visa Debit |
| dm (Drogerie) | Any purchase | 200 € | Girocard only |
| Rossmann | With purchase | 200 € | Girocard + Mastercard |
| Edeka | 10 € | 200 € | Girocard only |
| Kaufland | 10 € | 200 € | Girocard only |
| Netto (mit Hund) | 10 € | 200 € | Girocard only |
| Netto (discount) | 5 € | 200 € | Girocard only |
| OBI, Toom (DIY stores) | With purchase | 200 € | Girocard only |
The vast majority of German supermarkets only offer cashback with a Girocard. If your account only comes with a Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit (common with neobanks like N26, bunq, and Revolut), the cashback option at most checkout tills is not available to you. Exceptions include Aldi Nord (accepts Visa Debit), Rossmann (accepts Mastercard), and Norma. Check individual store policies, as these can change.
dm drugstores allow cashback on any purchase, regardless of value. Buying a single small item and requesting 50 euros cash is perfectly acceptable. Rossmann additionally accepts Mastercard, making it accessible to cardholders who only have an international debit or credit card. Both chains have a high density of locations in German cities, often more conveniently located than bank ATMs.
App-based withdrawals with Viacash: no card, no ATM needed
Several German banks and neobanks offer a barcode-based cash service through a provider called Viacash (operating under the brand barzahlen.de). Instead of using a card at an ATM or checkout, you generate a barcode in your banking app, show it to the cashier at a partner retailer, and receive the cash. The retailer scans the barcode, the amount is debited from your account, and you walk out with cash. No purchase required at most partner locations.
How Viacash works: step by step
The exact menu name varies by bank: N26 calls it "CASH26", ING labels it "Bargeld abheben", C24 shows it under the account menu. Select the amount you want (typically between 10 and 999 euros).
The barcode is typically valid for 15 to 60 minutes and can only be used once. Generate it shortly before you arrive at the store, not in advance.
The cashier scans the barcode. No card, PIN, or purchase required. Partner retailers include REWE, Penny, dm, and Rossmann. The network covers thousands of locations across Germany.
The amount appears in your transaction history in real time. Some banks also support cash deposits via the same barcode system, which is particularly useful for neobank customers who want to top up their balance in cash.
Which banks currently offer Viacash / barcode withdrawals
Bank participation in Viacash can change. Check the current feature list in your specific banking app. The viacash.com website maintains an up-to-date list of partner retailers.
Banks like N26 and C24 issue only a Debit Mastercard (without a Girocard), which limits cashback access at most supermarket checkouts. Viacash fills that gap: it works independently of card type and is available at the same major retail chains. For N26 customers, CASH26 has been available since the bank's early days and covers thousands of REWE, Penny, dm, and Rossmann locations.
Best German accounts for free ATM access
The right bank account makes the difference between ATM withdrawals as a free utility and a running cost. For expats who withdraw cash regularly, the account's ATM policy is a primary selection criterion. Here are the accounts that stand out for free cash access in Germany and abroad.
DKB's Girokonto with Visa debit card offers unlimited free cash withdrawals at any ATM worldwide, as long as the account is "active" (regular monthly income of at least 700 euros). For expats with a regular salary, this effectively means unlimited free ATM access everywhere in Germany and abroad. The Cash Group's approximately 5,000 machines are included. DKB does not issue a Girocard, so cashback at most supermarkets requires the Viacash route via the DKB app.
ING provides free Girocard withdrawals at a large partner network of over 50,000 ATMs in Germany, covering Volksbank, Sparkasse (via a specific cooperation), and Cash Group machines. The Girocard is included, making standard cashback at REWE, Lidl, and dm available. ING also integrates Viacash for barcode-based withdrawals. The account is free with a monthly income of at least 700 euros or for customers under 28.
C24 Smart (the free plan) includes 4 free ATM withdrawals per month from any ATM worldwide. The 5th and subsequent withdrawals cost 2 euros each. For most expats who withdraw cash occasionally rather than daily, 4 free withdrawals per month is sufficient. C24 includes Viacash integration in the app, and the Debit Mastercard works globally. C24 does not currently issue a Girocard, which limits standard supermarket cashback at some chains.
N26 Standard (the free plan) gives 2 free ATM withdrawals per month at any ATM in Germany. From the 3rd withdrawal, a 2 euro fee applies. The standout feature for cash access is CASH26: N26's integration with the Viacash network that gives barcode-based withdrawals without purchase at thousands of REWE, Penny, dm, and Rossmann locations across Germany. For light cash users who also shop at these retailers regularly, CASH26 makes the 2-withdrawal limit much less constraining. N26 does not issue a Girocard.
Comdirect is a Cash Group member (as a Commerzbank subsidiary), giving customers free access to approximately 5,000 Cash Group ATMs. Outside Cash Group, comdirect offers 3 free ATM withdrawals per month at any ATM (then 9.90 euros per withdrawal outside the eurozone, which is significant if travelling). A Girocard is issued alongside the Visa credit card, enabling supermarket cashback.
| Account | Free ATM withdrawals | Fee after limit | Girocard | Viacash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKB Girokonto | Unlimited worldwide (active account) | n/a | No | Yes |
| ING Girokonto | 50,000+ in Germany | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| C24 Smart | 4 per month worldwide | 2 € | No | Yes |
| N26 Standard | 2 per month in Germany | 2 € | No | CASH26 |
| Comdirect | Cash Group (~5,000) + 3/month elsewhere | €9.90 (outside eurozone) | Yes | Yes |
| Sparkasse (typical) | All ~20,000 own network ATMs | Up to €5 at others | Yes | Varies by branch |
Using a foreign card in Germany: fees and traps to avoid
If you have just arrived in Germany and are using a bank card from your home country before opening a German account, the ATMs here will accept your Visa or Mastercard without problem. German ATMs themselves do not add surcharges for foreign cardholders, which is different from the situation in the USA where ATM operator fees are common. What you do pay is whatever your home bank charges for the transaction.
Typical foreign card fees
- Foreign transaction fee: 1 to 3 % per withdrawal, charged by your home bank
- Cash advance fee: some banks charge a flat fee per ATM withdrawal (common with credit cards, rare with debit cards)
- Exchange rate markup: if your card converts at a proprietary rate rather than the Visa/Mastercard network rate
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
Some German ATMs detect your foreign card and offer to charge you in your home currency instead of euros. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Once you have a German account (DKB, C24, N26, or Wise), you avoid foreign transaction fees entirely for withdrawals in Germany. Wise and Revolut also offer excellent rates for your home currency when you need to convert money on arrival. Using a German account for German withdrawals and keeping your home card as a backup for emergencies is the setup most expats settle on long-term.
Practical tips: making cash withdrawals work for you
Bookmark your bank's ATM finder or the relevant network locator (sparkasse.de, cashgroup.com, volksbank.de, cashpool.de) in your phone's browser before you need it. Most banking apps also show nearby fee-free ATMs on a map. Searching once when you are already running low on cash is less convenient than knowing in advance which machines near your home and workplace are free.
Most German accounts cap daily ATM withdrawals between 500 and 1,500 euros. If you need a larger sum for a Kaution (deposit for a flat, typically two to three months' rent), a used car purchase, or a significant cash payment, do not attempt multiple ATM transactions on the same day. Instead, visit a bank branch directly (your own bank preferred) and request an over-the-counter withdrawal. Bring your Personalausweis or passport. Counter limits are significantly higher and this is the standard way to access larger sums.
Sparkasse and Volksbank ATM lobbies at branch locations are typically accessible 24 hours, even outside bank opening hours. The glass-doored entrance lobby requires you to insert your Girocard or Debit Mastercard to unlock the door. This is a security feature, not a fee. Once inside, the ATM works as normal. Late-night or Sunday cash withdrawals are standard practice in Germany.
Always shield the PIN pad with your hand when entering your PIN. This applies regardless of whether anyone appears to be nearby. Skimming devices on ATMs exist, though they are rare in Germany. If the card reader looks unusual or has any loose components, do not use that machine. Report suspicious-looking ATMs to the bank whose logo appears on the machine, or call the police (110) if you suspect active fraud.
German law requires ATMs to display the fee before you confirm the transaction. If you are at an unfamiliar ATM and a fee of 3 to 5 euros appears, you can cancel the transaction at that point at no cost. Walk to the next machine from your own network. The fee disclosure screen is not skippable: it must appear and you must actively confirm to proceed, so there are no surprise charges if you pay attention.
Frequently asked questions
Germany's ATM landscape is genuinely more complex than in most countries, but it is completely navigable once you understand the network structure. The single most useful action for any expat is to check immediately which alliance your bank belongs to, bookmark that network's ATM finder, and identify the two or three free machines nearest to your home, office, and usual shopping route. That preparation takes five minutes and eliminates ATM fees for the foreseeable future.
For frequent cash users, DKB's unlimited worldwide ATM access makes it the standout choice and pairs well with a second account like C24 for day-to-day banking. For occasional users, the combination of C24's 4 free monthly withdrawals plus Viacash barcode access at REWE and dm covers essentially any cash need without ever paying a fee. Two things to memorise: always choose euros when DCC is offered, and check the fee screen before confirming any ATM transaction you are unsure about.