Quick Summary
In Germany your credit score is the SCHUFA score, and since 17 March 2026 it is a figure between 100 and 999 points rather than a percentage. Banks, landlords and mobile providers use it to judge how likely you are to pay, so it shapes the terms you are offered.
Definition in Detail
The credit score is a statistical measure that predicts the probability of a person meeting their financial obligations. In Germany, the SCHUFA (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) is the leading credit bureau and calculates the so-called SCHUFA Score.
The score is calculated based on various factors:
- Payment history (most important factor)
- Number and type of credit accounts
- Length of credit history
- Frequency of credit inquiries
- Types of credit used (credit cards, loans, leases)
What the Score Numbers Mean
On 17 March 2026 SCHUFA stopped giving consumers a percentage. What you get now is a single figure between 100 and 999 points, and a higher figure means a lower statistical risk that you will not repay. The old Basisscore, the percentage most English language guides still describe, is simply no longer issued.
Old percentages cannot be converted
A percentage from the old system and a points figure from the new one are not comparable one to one. If you find a table that rates a German credit score as "97.5% to 100% is excellent", it describes a system that is no longer in use. SCHUFA no longer communicates the old Basisscore to consumers at all.
| Aspect | Until 16 March 2026 | Since 17 March 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Value you receive | Basisscore in percent | One figure from 100 to 999 points |
| Criteria behind it | Not disclosed publicly | 12 criteria published by SCHUFA |
| Old value still shown | Yes | No, the percentage is no longer reported |
Because the change is recent, many English language guides written for people moving to Germany still describe the percentage system. Check the date on anything you read, and request your own data copy if you want to know where you actually stand. Consumer advice on the new scale is available from the Verbraucherzentrale, the German consumer advice organisation.
Factors Affecting the Score
Positive Factors
- • Timely bill payments
- • Long-standing bank relationships
- • Successfully repaid loans
- • Stable residential address
- • Few credit accounts
- • No payment reminders
Negative Factors
- • Payment defaults
- • Collection proceedings
- • Account terminations by banks
- • Many credit inquiries
- • Excessive credit card limits
- • Insolvency proceedings
Tips for Improving Your Score
- 1Check your data: Request a free data copy annually and check for incorrect entries.
- 2Pay on time: Avoid payment defaults through standing orders and timely payments.
- 3Consolidate accounts: Cancel unused credit cards and checking accounts.
- 4Avoid unnecessary inquiries: Only apply for credit you actually need.
- 5Build a history: Long-standing customer relationships are viewed positively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good credit score in Germany?
Since 17 March 2026 SCHUFA reports a figure between 100 and 999 points instead of a percentage. A higher number means a lower statistical risk of default, so lenders offer better terms. SCHUFA has not published fixed public cut-offs for what counts as good, and old percentage values cannot be converted into the new points, so treat any percentage-based table you find elsewhere as outdated.
How can I check my credit score for free?
According to Article 15 GDPR, you are entitled to one free data copy per year from SCHUFA. You can request this at meineschufa.de. Alternatively, paid services like SCHUFA BonitaetsCheck provide immediate information.
What factors affect my credit score?
Positive factors include: Timely payments, long-standing customer relationships, reasonable credit utilization. Negative factors include: Payment defaults, collection proceedings, too many credit inquiries in a short time, account terminations by banks.
How long does a negative entry remain in my credit report?
Storage periods depend on the type of entry. Records of a discharge of residual debt after insolvency are deleted after six months. For other settled claims SCHUFA applies a period of up to three years, counted from the end of the year the account was settled; the exact handling is still being reviewed by the courts. Request your free data copy if you want to see what is stored about you.
Can I improve my credit score quickly?
Rapid improvement is limited. However, you can: Check for incorrect entries and have them corrected, keep the number of accounts reasonable, always pay bills on time. Each positive behavior gradually improves the score.
Legal Notice
Credit scores are calculated according to the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and GDPR. According to Art. 15 GDPR, every person is entitled to free information about their stored data once a year. Status: February 2026.