Paying by American Express in Germany?

If you're traveling through Germany, expect uneven AmEx acceptance. Big retailers, chain hotels, and even some fine‑dining spots will accept American Express, but don’t rely on it. Save some euros for cash‑only places, especially smaller cafés or butcher shops. Girocard is still the real MVP here. If you want AmEx usability, grab a backup Visa/Mastercard and have some cash, and you’ll navigate without hiccups.

In Munich I tried AmEx at a craft beer bar-no dice. On the same block, a large Satufläche supermarket took it with a nod. Later, I pulled up to a Commerzbank ATM and, shockingly, managed a cash withdrawal with my AmEx after a few tries. But the next day in a smaller town, the ATM refused it outright. So yes, AmEx can work in major cities or chains, but carry cash and Visa or Mastercard for everywhere else.

I used AmEx in Berlin at big department stores around Alexanderplatz and at chain hotels with no issue. A couple of high-end restaurants in Mitte scanned it. But in a tiny pub in Prenzlauer Berg, they only took cash or Girocard. ATMs from Sparkasse sometimes let me withdraw with AmEx, though fees were steep. All told, it worked fine for upscale spending-but bring euros and a backup card for smaller, off‑beat spots.

In Germany, AmEx is accepted at many large chains-think REWE, Deutsche Bahn, and big hotels-but in smaller restaurants or cafés it’s harder. There’s still a strong local preference for girocard. ATMs-in banks like Commerzbank or Sparkasse-charge high fees for foreign cards, and not all support AmEx withdrawals. So, bring a Visa or Mastercard and some euros cash, especially for bakeries or kiosks where even cards aren’t always welcome.

Sparkasse ATM worked perfectly. Reliable location, no issues with card acceptance.

Found a CashZone ATM directly at a brothel in Germany - odd location, but it supported Visa, Mastercard, and Cirrus.

Sparda Bank ATM next to Deutsche Bahn entrance. Accepts all major cards - location is easy to find.