PayCenter review 2026
How good is PayCenter really?
BaFin-regulated 40/100 points
kosten.org editorial team
Last updated: 2026-03-13
40/100
Points
Based on published terms and features
With VIMpay and prepaid Mastercards, PayCenter offers card solutions for customers who cannot or do not want to get a traditional credit card. As a BaFin-regulated fintech from Freising, PayCenter relies on prepaid models with no credit check.
Highlights of our PayCenter review
- PayCenter scores 48/100 points in our rating – a niche solution for certain target groups.
- No credit check or Schufa enquiry (Schufa is Germany's main credit bureau).
- BaFin-regulated, with German security standards.
- Cost control through prepaid top-ups.
Table of contents
1 Annual fee & costs
8/20
Points
Various card models with monthly fees of €1–10 depending on the variant. Top-up fees come on top. Compared with the free credit cards from easybank (formerly Barclays) or gebührenfrei.de, the costs are a drawback. For customers without a credit rating, however, it is the only option.
Scoring (8/20): Monthly fees plus top-up costs make the card expensive for a prepaid solution.
2 Cash withdrawals
4/20
Points
Cash withdrawals at Mastercard cash machines are possible, but with fees (about €2–5 per withdrawal). With the prepaid model, only available balance can be withdrawn. No free withdrawals.
Scoring (4/20): Expensive cash withdrawals. One of the weakest points.
3 Paying worldwide
8/15
Points
Mastercard acceptance worldwide. Foreign-currency fees vary depending on the card variant (1.5–2.5%). Contactless payment is supported.
Scoring (8/15): Mastercard acceptance is good, but foreign-currency fees are above average.
4 Bonus programme & extras
0/10
Points
No bonus programme, no insurance, no extras. The card is a pure payment function without added value.
Scoring (0/10): No extras available.
5 Security
7/10
Points
BaFin-regulated. 3D Secure for online payments. The prepaid model offers natural protection against over-indebtedness, as only topped-up balance can be spent.
Scoring (7/10): BaFin regulation and prepaid protection are solid security features.
6 App & management
4/10
Points
VIMpay app with 3.5 stars in the App Store. Top-ups, a transaction overview and card blocking are available. The app is functional, but not at the level of modern neobank apps.
Scoring (4/10): Functional app without special features.
7 Customer service
4/8
Points
German support by email and phone. No branches. Availability is acceptable.
Scoring (4/8): Reachable, but not outstanding service.
8 Acceptance & network
5/7
Points
Mastercard network. Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported via VIMpay. Contactless payment possible.
Scoring (5/7): Mastercard acceptance with mobile payment support.
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
- No credit check needed
- BaFin-regulated
- Protection against over-indebtedness through prepaid
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
Cons
- Monthly fees
- Expensive cash withdrawals
- No extras or bonus programme
- Top-up fees
Conclusion: PayCenter review
40/100
Satisfactory (4.0)
PayCenter scores 48 out of 100 points and is not a recommendation for the average customer. As a niche solution for customers without a credit rating or with Schufa problems, the prepaid card has its place. Anyone who can get a genuine credit card should go for easybank (formerly Barclays), gebührenfrei.de or DKB.
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Read PayCenter experiences