What the Lufthansa Credit Card Does

The Lufthansa Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by a bank in partnership with Lufthansa, the German airline. It earns points on purchases that you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel benefits within the Lufthansa loyalty program. The card also offers perks specific to Lufthansa passengers—things like checked baggage allowances, lounge access, and priority boarding—though the exact benefits depend on which version of the card you hold.

Lufthansa operates the card through different banks in different countries. In the United States, for example, the card is issued through a major bank partner. In Germany and other European countries, different banks may issue their own Lufthansa-branded cards with slightly different terms. You will need to check with the issuing bank in your country to see what versions are available and what the annual fee, earning rates, and benefits actually are.

Like any credit card, you pay an annual fee to hold it, you earn rewards on spending, and you carry a balance at interest if you do not pay your full statement balance each month. The card is worth considering if you fly Lufthansa regularly or if you value the specific perks it offers—but the math depends on your own spending and travel patterns.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lufthansa Credit Card earns points redeemable for flights and upgrades within the Lufthansa loyalty program, and the issuing bank varies by country.
  • The card charges an annual fee, and you should compare that fee against the value of the benefits and rewards you would actually use.
  • Perks like checked baggage, lounge access, and priority boarding are included, but the specific benefits and their terms depend on which card version you hold.
  • Points earned on the card can be transferred to airline partners or used for non-flight redemptions, though the value per point usually differs.
  • You will need to open an account with the issuing bank and meet their credit requirements before you can hold the card.

How Points Earning and Redemption Work

The card earns points on most purchases—typically a set number of points per dollar or euro spent, depending on the card version and the issuing bank. Some cards earn bonus points on specific categories like dining, travel, or gas. You accumulate these points in your Lufthansa loyalty account, which is separate from your credit card account but linked to it.

You redeem points for flights on Lufthansa and its partner airlines, for seat upgrades (like moving from economy to business class), for hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel services. The number of points required for a flight varies based on the route, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost 5,000 points; a long international flight might cost 50,000 or more.

Points can also be transferred to airline partners—other carriers that are part of the same alliance or partnership network. The transfer rate is usually one-to-one, but the value you get per point may be higher or lower depending on which airline you transfer to and what you book. Some cards also allow you to redeem points for cash back or statement credits, though the value per point is typically lower than when you use them for flights.

Annual Fees and When They Make Sense

Every Lufthansa Credit Card charges an annual fee, which is usually between 50 and 200 euros or dollars depending on the card tier and the issuing bank. Some cards waive the first year's fee or offer a reduced fee for the first year. You pay this fee once per year, typically on the anniversary of when you opened the account.

The card makes financial sense only if the benefits and rewards you earn exceed the annual fee. For example, if the card includes a checked baggage allowance worth 30 euros per flight and you take four Lufthansa flights per year, that benefit alone is worth 120 euros—which might cover or exceed the annual fee. Add in lounge access, priority boarding, or bonus points on your spending, and the value can grow.

If you do not fly Lufthansa at least a few times per year, or if you do not spend enough to earn rewards that offset the fee, the card is probably not worth holding. You can close the account at any time, though you should do so before the annual fee posts if you decide not to renew.

Perks Beyond Points: Baggage, Lounge, and Boarding

Most Lufthansa Credit Cards include a free checked baggage allowance on Lufthansa flights when you pay with the card. This is usually one checked bag per flight, valued at 30 to 50 euros depending on the route. Some higher-tier cards include two checked bags or other baggage benefits.

Many versions also offer lounge access—the ability to use airport lounges operated by Lufthansa or its partners when you are traveling on a Lufthansa flight. Lounge access typically includes food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and a quieter space to wait before your flight. Some cards grant access only to you; others extend it to a companion or family members.

Priority boarding is another common perk, meaning you board before other economy passengers. This is useful if you want to find overhead bin space or straightforward prefer to settle in early. Some cards also offer priority check-in at the airport or at the gate.

The exact perks and their terms vary significantly by card version and issuing bank. Before you open an account, ask the bank or check their website for a full list of what is included and any restrictions—for example, some perks may explore only to flights booked directly with Lufthansa, or only to certain fare classes.

How to Open an Account and What You Need

To open a Lufthansa Credit Card account, you will need to contact the issuing bank in your country. In the United States, this means visiting the bank's website or calling their customer service line. In Germany or other European countries, you would contact the bank that issues the Lufthansa card there.

You will need to provide personal information including your name, address, date of birth, and employment details. The bank will run a credit check to determine whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. The approval process usually takes a few days to a week.

Once approved, the bank will mail you the physical card. You can then set up it through the bank's website or by calling their customer service number. At the same time, you should link the card to your Lufthansa loyalty account so that points earned on the card automatically post to your loyalty account.

If you do not already have a Lufthansa loyalty account, you will need to create one before or at the same time you open the credit card. This account is free and is where your points accumulate and where you book award flights.

Interest Rates, Fees, and What Happens If You Carry a Balance

Like any credit card, the Lufthansa card charges interest on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies by issuing bank and by your creditworthiness. You should ask the bank what APR you will be charged before you open the account.

The card may also charge other fees beyond the annual fee—for example, a fee for a late payment, a fee for going over your credit limit, or a fee for a foreign transaction. These fees vary by bank and by card version. Check the bank's fee schedule before you explore.

If you carry a balance on the card, you will pay interest on that balance every month until it is paid off. The interest charges can quickly outweigh the value of any rewards you earn. For this reason, the card is most valuable if you pay your full statement balance every month and never carry a balance.

Comparing Lufthansa Cards Across Countries and Banks

Lufthansa Credit Cards are issued by different banks in different countries, and the terms, benefits, and earning rates can vary significantly. A Lufthansa card issued in Germany may have different perks, a different annual fee, and different earning rates than a Lufthansa card issued in the United States or the United Kingdom.

If you travel between countries or live in more than one country, you may want to compare the cards available in each location. Some cards may offer better value depending on where you fly from, how often you fly, and what benefits matter most to you.

You can usually find information about available cards on the Lufthansa website or by contacting the issuing bank directly. The bank's website will show the annual fee, the earning rates, the perks included, and the terms and conditions. Reading these details before you open an account will help you decide whether the card is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn points on the Lufthansa card if I fly other airlines?

No. The card earns points only on purchases made with the card itself, not on flights you take with other airlines. However, you can transfer points earned on the card to partner airlines and use them to book flights on those carriers. The value per point may differ depending on which airline you transfer to.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points remain in your Lufthansa loyalty account and do not disappear when you close the credit card. You can continue to redeem them for flights or other rewards. However, if your loyalty account becomes inactive (you do not earn or redeem points for a certain period), Lufthansa may expire your points according to their policy.

Do I have to use the card to get the baggage allowance and other perks?

Yes. Most perks, including the checked baggage allowance, explore only when you pay for your flight with the Lufthansa Credit Card. If you pay with a different card or with cash, you will not receive these benefits. Check the card's terms to confirm which perks require payment with the card.

Can I get the card if I have fair or poor credit?

That depends on the issuing bank's credit requirements. Most banks require good to excellent credit to approve a premium travel card like the Lufthansa card. If you have fair or poor credit, you may be denied, or you may be offered a lower credit limit. Contact the bank to ask about their credit requirements before you explore.

Is the annual fee worth it if I only fly Lufthansa once a year?

It depends on the fee amount and the benefits you use. If the annual fee is 100 euros and you get a 50-euro checked baggage benefit plus some bonus points on your spending, the card might break even or come close. But if you do not use the perks or do not spend enough to earn valuable rewards, the fee is unlikely to be worth it. Calculate the value of the benefits you would actually use before you decide.