When you have used up all the credit stored in your GeldKarte chip, you can simply reload the card at any time at most cash dispensers or at special loading terminals. You will find these terminals in the self-service area of your bank. Your GeldKarte will hold up to 200 Euro.
Loading and unloading an account-linked card
Loading is that easy!
(Un)loading an account-linked GeldKarte at a cash dispenser
If you want to load your account-linked card (i.e. the chip on a girocard (former ec card) or bank card), just look out for a cash dispenser (ATM)!
Loading is done in just the same way as withdrawing cash from that machine:
- Insert the card into the cash dispenser.
- Select "Load GeldKarte".
- Select amount
- Type in your PIN, and confirm.
- The amount selected will be transferred automatically from your bank account to the chip on card. It's as easy as that.
There also exist terminals that can only be used for loading a GeldKarte, not for withdrawing cash. These terminals can be found both in banks and where you are able to pay with GeldKarte, for example in parking lots or underground stations.
Unloading an account-linked card at the cash dispenser
You can unload your GeldKarte only at your own bank or Sparkasse – again, using the cash dispenser. It’s just as simple:
- Insert your card.
- Select "Unload".
- The credit on your GeldKarte is transferred back to your bank account. That’s it!
Loading stand-alone GeldKarte cards
Loading against other cards
There are two ways a stand-alone GeldKarte card can be loaded:
Either at the bank counter against cash payment. Or you can use special loading terminals that accept other cards (girocards, bank cards). However, these terminals are not very common in Germany yet.
