Anyone who travels frequently will sooner or later ask themselves: Do I need a travel credit card, or which bank card is best to take when traveling? For many years, we’ve been using the DKB Visa Debit Card while traveling, both within and outside of Europe. It’s a reliable companion for withdrawing cash abroad for free and making cashless payments .
In this post, we share our experiences with the DKB VISA Debit Card abroad.
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The key points at a glance: Why do we recommend the DKB Debit Card for traveling?
- Accepted worldwide: The DKB Debitcard* is a VISA card accepted almost everywhere where card payments are possible. During our one-year trip (and even before that), we have been able to use it for payments without any issues.
- Withdraw cash and make payments for free: With DKB's "Active Status," you can withdraw cash worldwide for free and make card payments without additional fees.
- Practical app for on-the-go: With the DKB Banking app, you can keep track of all transactions at any time. Additionally, you can lock, unlock, or adjust the card's usage for specific countries and regions if needed.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the DKB Visa Debit Card for Traveling
We have been traveling with the DKB VISA Debit Card for many years. Below, you’ll find all the advantages and disadvantages we associate with the card.
Advantages of the DKB Visa Debit Card
- No account management fees: The DKB VISA Debit Card is linked to a checking account*. The checking account is free with a monthly deposit of €700 or for anyone under the age of 28.
- Free Visa Debit Card: The DKB VISA Debit Card* is included with the checking account. No additional fees apply.
- Free cash withdrawals: In the Eurozone, you can withdraw cash for free at any time. With Active Status, you can also withdraw cash worldwide for free at almost all ATMs.
- Free payments: In the Eurozone without fees and, with Active Status, almost anywhere worldwide.
- Card Control: In the app, you'll find the Card Control section, where you can manage all settings for the cards linked to your checking account. Features like online payments or cash withdrawals can be enabled or disabled. Especially useful: You can activate specific countries and regions, ensuring payments are only possible in the regions and countries you have authorized.
- Joint account: The checking account can also be used as a joint account. In this case, both you and your partner will each receive your own VISA Debit Card.
- Mobile payments: The DKB Visa Debit Card is compatible with modern payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This allows you to pay conveniently and securely using your smartphone without having to take out the card.
- Modern and intuitive app: The DKB app is easy to use and offers all the essential features for on-the-go.
- Push notifications for added security : You receive instant notifications for every payment or withdrawal, allowing you to keep track of all transactions at all times.
What does "almost everywhere for free" mean?
While the DKB offers free withdrawals and payments, in some countries additional fees may be charged by the ATM operator. The bank has no control over these fees.
Disadvantages of the DKB Visa Debit card
- Active customer status required : To withdraw cash and make payments for free worldwide, you must maintain Active Status monthly. If you are over 28, you need to ensure a monthly deposit of €700.
- No real credit card included : Only the Visa Debit Card is free. A traditional Visa credit card must be added for an additional fee.
Differences between the DKB VISA Debit Card and the DKB VISA Credit Card
Many travelers wonder whether the DKB Visa Debit Card is sufficient or if adding the DKB Visa Credit Card* makes sense. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two cards.
| DKB Visa Debitcard | DKB Visa Travel Credit Card | |
| Card price | 0 € | €2.49 per month |
| Account debiting | Immediately after payment | Once a month |
| Worldwide card payments in € | Free with Active Status, where Visa is accepted | Free where Visa is accepted |
| Worldwide cash withdrawals in € | Free with Active Status, where Visa is accepted (minimum €50) | Free where Visa is accepted (minimum €50) |
| Worldwide card payments in foreign currency | Free with Active Status, where Visa is accepted; otherwise, 2.20% of the transaction amount | Free where Visa is accepted |
| Worldwide cash withdrawals in foreign currency | Free with Active Status, where Visa is accepted; otherwise, 2.20% of the withdrawn amount (minimum €50) | Free where Visa is accepted (minimum €50) |
| Emergency package | Free with Active Status within 48 hours | Kostenlos innerhalb von 48 Stunden |
| Apply for the DKB VISA Debit Card now.* | Apply for the DKB VISA Credit Card now.* |
If you’d like to review the differences between the cards in detail, you can find all the information and a detailed card overview*.
What is the active status?
To maintain active status, at least €700 must be deposited into your account in three consecutive months. As a new customer, you automatically benefit from active status during the first three months, provided this is your first DKB checking account. For everyone under the age of 28, the account is always free. After these three months, €700 must continue to be deposited into your account each month.
Important : The DKB credit card is also linked to the checking account and cannot be applied for without it. If you want to use the account for free, you must maintain active status, even if it is not required for free payments and withdrawals with the credit card.
Is the DKB Visa Debit Card sufficient for traveling?
We have been traveling for over a year using only the DKB Visa Debitcard* and use it both for withdrawing cash and making payments. So far, we have not encountered a situation where we needed a "real" credit card. In fact, there was even a reverse case: a store only accepted debit cards—no cash, no credit cards. In this instance, the DKB Visa Debit Card proved to be indispensable.
Our tip : With a monthly deposit of €700, you maintain active status and can enjoy the benefits of the DKB Visa Debit Card worldwide.
Despite the advantages of the DKB VISA Debit Card, we recommend also carrying a real credit card. This is especially useful in the following situations and provides an extra layer of security for your trip.
- Hotel or car rental bookings : A credit card is often required to place a security deposit. Debit cards are not always accepted.
- Unexpected expenses : For sudden costs like hospital or medical treatment outside the EU, you may need to pay upfront before the insurance reimburses the expenses. Unexpected car repair costs can also add up quickly. If there isn’t enough money in your account, this can lead to issues. With a credit card, you remain financially flexible, secure, and can settle the costs later.
Our recommendation: To save the €2.49 monthly fee for the DKB credit card, we use the free credit card from Bank Norwegian. This card also enables worldwide fee-free payments and free cash withdrawals. This means we are optimally protected when traveling and save money at the same time.
How do you apply for the checking account with the DKB Visa Debit Card?
Opening the DKB checking account* is quick and easy to do online. All you need is your ID card or passport.
- Fill out the application form: Go to the official DKB website* and complete the application for opening the free checking account.
- Identity verification via Video-Ident process: Verification is conveniently done through the Video-Ident process. All you need is your smartphone and your ID card or passport. The process takes only a few minutes.
- Account opening and card delivery: After your application is approved, you will immediately gain access to your new DKB checking account. Your DKB Visa Debit Card will be sent to you by mail within a few days.
Conclusion: DKB Visa Debit Card for traveling – The right choice?
The DKB Visa Debitcard* is the ideal travel companion for us. It has been accepted worldwide without any issues, and thanks to the active status, we benefit from free withdrawals and fee-free payments. Make sure that €700 is deposited into your account each month—this keeps the checking account free and ensures you retain all the benefits.
Nevertheless, we also recommend an "actual" credit card, such as the free card from Bank Norwegian, for hotel bookings, car rental deposits, and unforeseen emergencies like medical expenses. Since withdrawing cash and making payments with the DKB debit card is so straightforward, the two cards complement each other perfectly and provide optimal financial security while traveling.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the DKB Visa Debit Card for Traveling
Seitens der DKB ist das Abheben kostenlos. Allerdings können Automatenbetreiber im Ausland zusätzliche Gebühren verlangen.
The account can be opened online in three simple steps: fill out the application, complete the Video-Ident process, and receive your card by mail.
The active status is achieved when at least €700 is deposited into your account in three consecutive months. It allows free cash withdrawals and card payments worldwide.
Yes, we recommend having a "real" credit card for hotel deposits, car rental bookings, and emergencies such as medical expenses outside the EU.
No, you need a checking account with DKB to obtain either a debit or credit card.
Yes. Open the DKB app, go to the Card Control function, and select the region or country you want to activate.
Check if you have unlocked the specific country in the Card Control section of the app. Also, ensure that you are withdrawing more than €50, as smaller amounts cannot be withdrawn.
