TF Bank, based in Sweden, provides a Mastercard Gold credit card in Germany that does not require an annual fee. 

This card is particularly accessible to foreigners residing in Germany, offering more ease of acquisition compared to many other credit cards.

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For card management, TF Bank's mobile app supports English, facilitating ease of use. Note, however, that the initial sign-up process is conducted in German.

Who is TF Bank?

TF Bank started in 1987, focusing on consumer finance for mail orders. It became a licensed Swedish bank in 2012, ensuring protection under Swedish deposit insurance with a "AAA" rating. 

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The bank is known for its digital consumer banking services, offering credit cards and savings accounts in Germany since 2017, among other European countries.

Mastercard Gold Insurance Package Inclusion

The TF Bank Mastercard Gold offers a comprehensive insurance package tailored for residents in Germany, covering various aspects of your travel. 

This package activates when at least 50% of your travel expenses are paid using the TF Bank Mastercard Gold. The included insurances are:

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  • Travel health insurance: Essential for medical needs while traveling.
  • Travel cancellation insurance: Reimburses non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled under qualifying circumstances.
  • Trip interruption insurance: Provides coverage if you need to cut your trip short.
  • Luggage insurance: Compensates for lost or damaged baggage.
  • Flight and baggage delay insurance: Covers expenses incurred due to delays.
  • Personal liability insurance abroad: Important for financial protection against damages or injuries you may cause to others while abroad.
  • Accident insurance: Offers compensation in the event of serious injuries or death during travel.

For comprehensive coverage, considering additional travel insurance might be beneficial, depending on your specific needs while outside Germany.

Simple Steps to Apply

To obtain your TF Bank Mastercard Gold in Germany, follow these steps:

  1. Submit an application for the TF Bank Mastercard Gold.
  2. Confirm your identity and digitally sign the Activation Letter using the IDnow app.
  3. Receive your Mastercard and PIN by postal mail.
  4. Look for an activation email and SMS to complete the process.

This guide outlines the necessary steps to apply for and activate your TF Bank Mastercard Gold, ensuring you can start using your card smoothly in Germany.

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Requirements in Applying

Requirements for International Customers Applying for the TF Bank Mastercard Gold in Germany

To apply for the TF Bank Mastercard Gold credit card in Germany, customers must meet several criteria:

  • The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
  • A German mobile number is required.
  • The applicant should have a consistent monthly income.
  • A German bank account is necessary.
  • A valid passport must be presented.
  • Non-EU nationals must hold a valid residence permit that extends at least 24 months beyond the application date.
  • In certain instances, a Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) may be required.

How to Order & Activate Your Free TF Bank Mastercard Gold

To obtain and activate your TF Bank Mastercard Gold in Germany, follow these steps:

1. Application Process

  • Initiate the application by visiting the TF Bank website and selecting the option "Jetzt beantragen in unter 2 Minuten" which translates to "Apply now in less than 2 minutes."
  • On the application page, enter your personal information for verification:
    • Salutation, first and last names as they appear on your passport.
    • Address details including street, house number, postal code, and city—all within Germany.
    • Your German mobile number and email address.
  • Opt out of promotional materials by not ticking the box for advertisements if preferred.
  • Complete the application by clicking "Kreditkarte beantragen."

2. Detailed Personal Information

  • Continue to the next page and provide further details:
    • Date and place of birth, nationality, and marital status.
    • If applicable, mention if you have children under 18.
    • Employment status with specifics such as profession, employer details, and monthly net income in euros.
  • Agree to the terms and conditions by ticking the appropriate box. Avoid ticking the box for additional payment protection insurance unless desired.
  • Submit the completed application form by clicking "Antrag absenden."

3. Identity Verification

  • Upon approval, proceed to verify your identity using the IDnow service, accessible via a provided link in the browser or through the welcome email.
  • Use the IDnow app to upload required documents like your residence permit. Passports are not acceptable.
  • Complete the process by taking a selfie and digitally signing the activation contract within the IDnow app. If needed, TF Bank might request additional documents, which can be emailed to aktivierung@tfbank.de.

4. Receiving and Activating Your Card

  • After verifying your identity and digitally signing the contract, expect to receive your Mastercard and its PIN through postal mail within 7-10 business days.
  • Activation confirmation will be sent via email and text message within 1-2 business days after receiving your card.

Activate your TF Bank Mastercard Gold for online shopping

To activate your TF Bank Mastercard Gold for online shopping in Germany, you need to register for the Mastercard Identity Check. This process protects your card from fraudulent activities. 

Open the TF Bank mobile app, tap 'My TF Bank' on the lower menu bar, and select 'Mastercard Identity Check'. 

Enter your German mobile number, the one provided during the card application, and set a password. Once completed, your TF Bank Mastercard Gold will be ready for both online and offline use.

Contact and Address

To apply for the TF Bank Mastercard Gold in Germany, interested individuals can easily contact TF Bank for detailed information and assistance. 

The primary point of contact is their service email, service@tfbank.de, dedicated to Mastercard Gold inquiries. For postal communication, correspondence should be directed to their German address: TF Bank AB, Postfach 10 02 26, 20001 Hamburg, Deutschland. 

This ensures that all queries related to Mastercard Gold are handled efficiently within Germany. Applicants may also call TF Bank at 030 - 814 566 890 for immediate assistance.

Conclusion

The TF Bank Mastercard Gold stands out as a straightforward option for foreigners in Germany seeking a free credit card. It is essential to pay off the credit balance consistently to prevent high-interest charges. 

For further inquiries about the TF Bank Mastercard Gold, the FAQ section on TF Bank’s website provides information in English. Best of success in your application for the TF Bank Mastercard Gold!