FAQs
To get the free schufa report, go to the Schufa data copy page on the meineschufa website and enter your personal information and submit the form. Though the form asks for your passport and other information, you only need to enter your name and address. Other details are not mandatory.
Can I get a SCHUFA if I don't live in Germany? ›
For foreigners, the issuance of a SCHUFA report is usually only possible if you have already lived in Germany for some time and have a German bank account. If this is the case, you will need some other proof of your financial reliability.
How long does it take to get a SCHUFA in Germany? ›
You will usually receive your Schufa report after one to two weeks by post. If you need your report faster, you will have to apply for a paid Schufa report.
How to clear SCHUFA? ›
How can I improve my SCHUFA score?
- Repay your credit loans and close them. ...
- Delete incorrect SCHUFA entries. ...
- Cancel unnecessary (German) credit cards. ...
- Cancel bank accounts you don't need. ...
- Cancel unnecessary and outdated contracts. ...
- Consolidate small loans.
What are the alternatives to SCHUFA? ›
Schufa Competitors & Alternatives
- Infocredit Group.
- Global Database.
- Rubix Data Sciences.
- Factori.
- Versium.
How to check credit score for free in Germany? ›
Check your SCHUFA basic score online free of charge
- 1st credit report in seven days by post: the free data copy. ...
- quick & digital credit report: test mySCHUFA compact for four weeks free of charge. ...
- credit report via app: the basic score will soon be available from bonify.
Can foreigners get a Schufa? ›
International transferees usually only receive SCHUFA information if they have been living in Germany for a longer period of time and have opened a bank account in Germany. Nevertheless, foreigners who do not receive Schufa information can also prove their solvency in another way.
What is a bad Schufa score? ›
Generally, a SCHUFA score above 90 is considered to be a good one. However, you should know that a SCHUFA score of 95 % and below already indicates a certain level of risk to financial institutions, companies offering financing terms for products and of course, most importantly landlords.
What is the English of Schufa? ›
Schufa Holding AG (German: Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung; English: General Credit Protection Agency), proper spelling SCHUFA, is a German private credit bureau supported by creditors.
How much does the SCHUFA cost? ›
It costs 29.95€. It does not work for everyone. You must verify your identity with your bank, and some banks are not supported. You pay 50% less if you have a premium membership.
Our SCHUFA score is particularly relevant for us when we want to buy things, plan larger purchases and do not want to pay in advance, but rather conveniently on account, by credit card or with installment financing. Especially at a young age, many people don't have enough money.
How long is SCHUFA certificate valid? ›
Technically speaking, your Schufa report never expires. However, your score is updated every three months, so the number can become outdated. Your landlord, bank, or another provider can specify how up-to-date they want your Schufa report to be; most often, they will ask for it to be within the last three months.
How can I get my SCHUFA report for free? ›
Every German resident is legally entitled to receive one free SCHUFA record per year, to see what data has been stored in the report. You can request it on the official website, and it is called Datenkopie (data copy). Click on 'Jetzt beantragen' in the left column and enter your personal information on the next page.
Does credit card affect SCHUFA score? ›
The effect is even stronger with several credit cards. For this reason, the number of credit cards is taken into account in SCHUFA scoring. The statistics show: Using more than two credit cards leads to more payment defaults. This can lower the score.
How can I study and live in Germany for free? ›
The cost of studying in Germany is free in Public Universities. However, students would be required to pay an administration fee at the start of every year/ semester. This is a negligible amount. The Germans take their education system very seriously and have everything calculated to the last cent.
What is a good SCHUFA score in Germany? ›
You can also upload a copy of your ID card, passport & Meldebescheinigung (residence registration certificate), once all this has been completed, you will receive a paper copy by mail after several days. A Schufa score of 90 or more is generally regarded as good.
Can foreigners get free education in Germany? ›
Public Universities in Germany are free for international students. In Germany, public universities are tuition-free, and not just for German or EU citizens! You don't have to have ever been to Germany or speak German to apply to universities in Germany.