Two types of card are available on the market: the account-linked GeldKarte and the stand-alone GeldKarte, also called white card.
Account-linked Card
Account-linked Cards
With the account-linked card, the microchip is fitted to the girocard (former ec card) or bank card. It is linked to the holder’s personal bank account, which makes loading and unloading the card very simple.
To load the GeldKarte, the holder transfers the desired amount to the card from his account. As with withdrawals from cash dispensers, the process is secured by a PIN number. The PIN must be typed in after the GeldKarte is inserted into the ATM. Only when the transaction has been authorized is the amount requested transferred to the GeldKarte chip.
Stand-alone GeldKarte or white card
Example of a white card
The stand-alone GeldKarte is not linked to the holder's bank account. These cards are often issued by banks on behalf of third parties (e.g. public transport corporations), or as special editions (decorative cards, rather like telephone cards).
These so-called white cards can be loaded at special terminals in bank branches, usually against payment in cash.
It is also possible to load the GeldKarte using other cards for authorization. To do this, the holder inserts the white card into one slot in a special terminal, and then inserts an ec or bank card into the other slot. The money is then transferred from the account linked to the girocard (former ec card) to the GeldKarte chip.
Please note: White cards do not hold the so-called "Jugendschutzmerkmal" you need for proving your age at German cigarette machines.