PayCenter
PayCenter GmbH is a BaFin-regulated German E-Geld Institut that issues prepaid Mastercard cards and bank accounts without SCHUFA credit checks, serving individuals with negative credit history, garnishment exposure, or debt restructuring needs across Germany.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersFreising, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What PayCenter does
PayCenter GmbH is a German E-Geld Institut (e-money institution) founded in 2015 and headquartered in Freising, Bavaria, with a secondary office in Stuttgart. The company operates under BaFin regulation and holds PCI DSS and TÜV SÜD ISO/IEC 27001 certifications, serving German consumers and small businesses who are underserved or excluded by traditional banks — particularly individuals with negative SCHUFA entries, those requiring garnishment protection (P-Konto with a €1,560 monthly statutory exemption), customers in insolvency Wohlverhaltensphase, and basic-account-eligible persons under the EU Jedermannkonto framework.
PayCenter's product portfolio is built on a prepaid/guthabenprinzip architecture that structurally prevents over-indebtedness, anchored by the Prepaid-Debit Mastercard and a suite of account products (P-Konto, Konto ohne SCHUFA, Onlinekonto, Basiskonto, EC-Karte/girocard without SCHUFA). The stack supports digital onboarding via AUTHADA eID, VideoIdent and PostIdent; card tokenization into Apple Pay and Google Pay; SEPA credit transfers and direct debits; and segregated trust-account custody at Commerzbank and Bankhaus Anton Hafner KG. Beyond consumer accounts, PayCenter operates B2B and B2G lines including the Sachbezugskarte (tax-free employer benefits), Kartenlösungen für Träger (cashless social welfare disbursement), and BIN Sponsoring (license-as-a-service for partner-issued Mastercard programs).
The business model is subscription- and transaction-fee-based: monthly account/card fees, card issuance fees delivered against advance payment (Vorkasse), ATM cash withdrawal fees, and business account fees with a €98 waiver for early document submission. Customer acquisition is direct-to-consumer via paycenter.de, augmented by SEO-driven educational Ratgeber content, a Facebook community, a €50 referral program, and financeads affiliate channels. Customer service is supported by Google Dialogflow and ChatGPT chatbots; no proprietary AI/ML underwriting or risk models are deployed. The company is privately held by four managing directors with no disclosed institutional funding.
PayCenter firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PayCenter
- Legal name
- PayCenter GmbH
- Website
- https://paycenter.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- PayCenter GmbH is a BaFin-regulated German E-Geld Institut that issues prepaid Mastercard cards and bank accounts without SCHUFA credit checks, serving individuals with negative credit history, garnishment exposure, or debt restructuring needs across Germany.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PayCenter industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Banking and Prepaid Payment Services
- NAICS
- Credit Card Issuing (52221)
- SIC
- Finance Services (6199)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Prepaid Card Program Managers & Issuers (BIN Sponsors) (FSAMANAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Government Benefit & EBT / Social Program Cards (FSAMANAF)
Keywords
Where PayCenter is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Freising
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
PayCenter business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Account and Card Fees: Monthly account fees and card issuance fees for prepaid Mastercard cards and online accounts. Details specified in the price list (Preisverzeichnis) on the card frontend. Cards and PIN delivered exclusively against advance payment (Vorkasse).
- Transaction Fees: Fees charged for cash withdrawals at ATMs and other transaction-related services. These fees are deducted directly from card balance.
- Business Account Fees: Monthly or periodic fees for business accounts (Geschäftskonto). A €98 fee waiver is offered if documents are submitted within 14 days of account opening.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | P-Konto (Garnishment Protection Account) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Account without SCHUFA |
| Subscription | Monthly | Business Account (Geschäftskonto) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Prepaid-Debit Mastercard |
| Subscription | Monthly | Employee Cards (Mitarbeiterkarten) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Sachbezugskarte (Tax-Free Benefit Card) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
PayCenter product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PayCenter is a BaFin-regulated German E-Geldinstitut (e-money institution) that issues prepaid Mastercard debit cards and provides online bank accounts without SCHUFA credit checks, including P-Konto (garnishment-protected) accounts securing €1,560/month, business accounts (Geschäftskonto), tax-free employee benefit cards (Sachbezugskarte), and card solutions for public social welfare institutions. The company serves both private consumers and businesses through a fully digital onboarding process completed within minutes via AUTHADA eID, VideoIdent, or PostIdent identity verification, with all card products supporting Apple Pay and Google Pay mobile wallet integration.
Product overview
PayCenter is a German E-Money Institute (E-Geld-Institut) offering a comprehensive portfolio of prepaid debit card products and protected bank accounts. The core offering centers on Prepaid-Debit Mastercard cards and online accounts available without SCHUFA credit checks, built on a prepaid/guthabenprinzip model that prevents over-indebtedness. Key account products include the P-Konto (seizure-protected attachment account securing €1,560/month), Konto ohne SCHUFA, Onlinekonto, Basiskonto, and Geschäftskonto. The portfolio extends to specialized products including the Sachbezugskarte (tax-free employee benefit card), Abrechnungskarte (business billing card), Kartenlösungen für Träger (social welfare card solutions for public institutions), and BIN Sponsoring (enabling partners to issue branded Mastercard products). Card products are available in multiple sub-brands including MeineGiroKarte, SupremaCard, GutKarte, and ACC-Premium. All cards support Apple Pay and Google Pay mobile payments. Identification is provided via AUTHADA (eID), VideoIdent, or PostIdent. The company is regulated by BaFin and operates under PCI DSS and ISO/IEC 27001 security standards.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- MeineGiroKarte: A prepaid debit card product offered by PayCenter.
- SupremaCard
- GutKarte
- ActiveCashCard
- Onlinekonto
- Sachbezugskarte
- Bezahlkarte
- Einkaufskarte
Products and services
- P-Konto (Pfändungsschutzkonto) Pfändungsschutzkonto (attachment-protected account) that converts any PayCenter account into a seizure-protected account, securing a legally mandated monthly basic exemption amount of €1,560.00 from garnishment. The exemption can be increased with certifications for dependents, alimony, or disability-related expenses. Available to private customers in Germany seeking protection from creditor claims.
- Konto ohne SCHUFA Bank account opened without a SCHUFA credit check, allowing individuals with negative credit history, existing garnishments, or insolvency situations to access banking services. PayCenter does not transmit data to SCHUFA. Full registration enables optional giro account functionality including transfers and SEPA direct debits. Targeted at private customers in Germany who are excluded from traditional banks due to credit history.
- Onlinekonto Full-featured online bank account accessible via web and mobile app, available without SCHUFA inquiry, with complete banking functionality including transfers, standing orders, and SEPA direct debits for identified customers. Targeted at private customers in Germany who need a digital-first banking experience without credit checks.
- EC-Karte (girocard) ohne Schufa Girocard (domestic German EC card) linked to a PayCenter account, usable at all German payment terminals accepting girocard, available without SCHUFA credit check. Targeted at private customers in Germany who need a domestic debit card without credit history requirements.
- Basiskonto Basic bank account (Jedermannkonto) available to anyone regardless of financial situation or credit history, based on a prepaid principle that prevents new debt. Targeted at private customers in Germany who need guaranteed banking access under the German basic account framework.
- Prepaid-Debit Mastercard Prepaid debit Mastercard issued by PayCenter, usable worldwide wherever Mastercard is accepted. Cards are loaded with funds via bank transfer and support Apple Pay and Google Pay wallet integration. Available in physical card form with customizable design and as a digital wallet token. Targeted at private customers in Germany, with a sub-brand portfolio (MeineGiroKarte, SupremaCard, GutKarte, ACC-Premium) addressing different lifestyle segments.
- Geschäftskonto Business account for self-employed professionals and small businesses, available without SCHUFA credit check, with optional conversion to P-Konto for seizure protection. A €98 fee waiver is offered if documents are submitted within 14 days of account opening. Targeted at SMBs and freelancers in Germany who need a business account without credit history requirements.
- Sachbezugskarte Tax-free employee benefit card enabling German employers to provide non-cash benefits to employees up to the monthly tax-exempt amount (€50 per month as of 2020, previously €15). Offers tax advantages for both employer and employee. Standard employee cards do not incur fees. Targeted at German employers seeking tax-efficient benefit programs.
- Abrechnungskarte Settlement card product for business customers, enabling structured billing and payment processes. Targeted at German businesses needing organized expense settlement tools.
- Kartenlösungen für Träger Card solutions for public-sector social welfare institutions, enabling cashless benefit disbursement to recipients. Targeted at public carriers (Träger) that provide support benefits digitally without cash, addressing the administrative burden of social benefit disbursement.
- BIN Sponsoring BIN (Bank Identification Number) sponsorship program enabling partners to offer Mastercard-branded payment cards under their own branding without requiring an e-money license themselves. PayCenter acts as the licensed issuer behind the partner-branded card. Targeted at fintechs, financial partners, and brands that want to issue Mastercard cards without holding a full e-money license.
- Konto für Wohlverhaltensphase Specialized bank account for individuals in the Wohlverhaltensphase (good-conduct period) of German insolvency proceedings, providing banking access during debt restructuring. Targeted at private customers in Germany navigating insolvency and rebuilding financial access.
Quantifiable outcome
- €1,560 monthly garnishment exemption amount guaranteed by law for P-Konto holders
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use PayCenter
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
PayCenter technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
PayCenter partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- petaFuel GmbHcorepetaFuel GmbH, located at Clemensänger Ring 24, 85356 Freising, acts as the mediator (Vermittler) for PayCenter's Mastercard services. While petaFuel describes itself not as a bank, credit organization, or lending company and does not handle financial transactions, it serves as the intermediary between card users and the licensed e-money institution. petaFuel also handles technical website implementation and operation for PayCenter under commissioned processing agreements.
- MastercardcorePayCenter issues Mastercard-branded prepaid debit cards, enabling usage at all electronically connected Mastercard acceptance points globally. The partnership provides access to the worldwide Mastercard payment network for card transactions and cash withdrawals.
- CommerzbankcoreCommerzbank serves as the trustee bank (Treuhandbank) for customer funds held in trust accounts (IBAN: DE75 5004 0000 0582 1830 02). Customer deposits are held in segregated trust accounts, protected from insolvency claims against PayCenter.
- Bankhaus Anton Hafner KGcoreBankhaus Anton Hafner KG serves as an additional trustee bank (Treuhandbank) for customer funds (IBAN: DE14 7203 0227 0050 8690 07). Customer deposits are held in segregated trust accounts at this institution, providing an additional layer of deposit protection.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
PayCenter competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Openbank: Openbank is the digital bank of Santander Group operating across Europe with account, card, and lending products. It is comparable as a large regulated digital banking incumbent in the same European prepaid/cards market rather than as a direct niche competitor.
- N26: N26 is a Berlin-based digital bank operating across the Eurozone with current accounts, cards, and consumer credit products. It competes only broadly with PayCenter — its mainstream positioning excludes SCHUFA-affected customers and P-Konto users, but it sets the consumer expectation for digital onboarding that PayCenter must match.
Direct peers
- Treezor: Treezor (owned by Société Générale) is a European e-money institution offering payment account, card issuing, and BIN sponsorship via API to fintechs and corporates. It is a direct comparable in regulated e-money plus BIN-sponsorship, addressing the same market need as PayCenter's infrastructure services.
- VIABUY: VIABUY is a European e-money institution offering prepaid Mastercard and Visa cards with online IBAN accounts focused on privacy and financial-inclusion segments. It is one of the closest functional peers to PayCenter in the German/European SCHUFA-free, prepaid-e-money niche.
- VIMpay: VIMpay (originally associated with Vodafone and now operated by a German fintech) is a leading prepaid Mastercard issuer in Germany with a mobile-first app and BIN-sponsoring-like partner programs. It directly competes with PayCenter's prepaid Mastercard and BIN Sponsoring offerings.
- Penta: Penta (now part of the Qonto group) is a German-origin digital business banking platform serving SMBs and freelancers. It overlaps with PayCenter's Geschäftskonto target segment, particularly for small businesses without traditional SCHUFA-friendly bank relationships.
- bunq: bunq is a European e-money-licensed neobank offering prepaid-style multi-account IBANs, Mastercard cards, and partner/wallet programs. It overlaps with PayCenter on prepaid card issuing and digital onboarding, although at a meaningfully larger scale and broader geographic footprint.
- Bank11: Bank11 is a German direct bank (formerly Bank11direkt) offering online current accounts and cards without traditional branch overhead. It competes with PayCenter in the German online account / prepaid card space and shares the direct-to-consumer digital banking distribution model.
- Solaris SE: Solaris is a BaFin-regulated Banking-as-a-Service platform in Germany that provides e-money licensing, BIN sponsorship, card issuing, and KYC infrastructure — directly comparable to PayCenter's BIN Sponsoring and regulated card-issuing stack.
Emerging players
- Holvi: Holvi is a European digital banking platform focused on SMBs, freelancers and sole proprietors. It competes with PayCenter's Geschäftskonto offering for small businesses and self-employed customers, although without PayCenter's SCHUFA-free or P-Konto specialization.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
PayCenter social profiles
Digital presencePayCenter compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
PayCenter financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PayCenter leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
PayCenter funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PayCenter M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PayCenter
What does PayCenter do?
PayCenter is a BaFin-regulated German E-Geldinstitut (e-money institution) that issues prepaid Mastercard debit cards and provides online bank accounts without SCHUFA credit checks, including P-Konto (garnishment-protected) accounts securing €1,560/month, business accounts (Geschäftskonto), tax-free employee benefit cards (Sachbezugskarte), and card solutions for public social welfare institutions. The company serves both private consumers and businesses through a fully digital onboarding process completed within minutes via AUTHADA eID, VideoIdent, or PostIdent identity verification, with all card products supporting Apple Pay and Google Pay mobile wallet integration.
Is PayCenter a public or private company?
PayCenter is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was PayCenter founded?
PayCenter was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is PayCenter based?
PayCenter is headquartered in Freising, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does PayCenter make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Account and Card Fees are the primary driver. The others are transaction Fees and business Account Fees.
Who are PayCenter's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Openbank and N26. Direct peers are Treezor, VIABUY, VIMpay, Penta, bunq, Bank11 and Solaris SE. Holvi is listed as an emerging player.
Does PayCenter have an API?
No public API is recorded for PayCenter.
What industry is PayCenter in?
PayCenter's product category is Digital Banking and Prepaid Payment Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAMANAK, Prepaid Card Program Managers & Issuers (BIN Sponsors), with a secondary code of FSAMANAF, Government Benefit & EBT / Social Program Cards. Its NAICS code is 52221 and its SIC code is 6199.