German Sparkassen Cards Receive New Design After 15 Years

The Sparkassen-Card and Sparkassen credit cards are being rolled out with a new design, the first change in 15 years. The front of the card is simplified and all card information – including the Girocard logo, contactless logo, international acceptance logo, card number, IBAN, check digits and expiry date – is moved to the back, with the signature strip removed.

Distribution begins immediately, with the first Sparkassen issuing the new cards today. About 14 million debit cards and 1 million credit cards will be issued in the new design throughout the year, and all institutions are expected to complete the rollout by mid‑November. Currently roughly 47 million Sparkassen debit cards and 10 million credit cards are in circulation.

The redesign, created by the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) and agency KMS Team, aims to modernise the appearance while retaining the card’s role as one of Germany’s most widely used payment instruments – projected to be used 4.6 billion times in 2025, representing 56 % of all Girocard payments.