Deutschlandticket despite debts

The federal and state governments have decided to offer the Deutschland-Ticket exclusively as a digital subscription. This means that you cannot buy the Deutschlandticket from a ticket machine, but always take out a subscription, i.e. a (usually long-term) contract. Many providers therefore check the creditworthiness of customers, i.e. their ability to pay, when they order a Deutschlandticket. This is done by making an enquiry with a credit agency (e.g., Schufa), which collects data on every consumer and derives their creditworthiness from this. Anyone who does not repay debts on time often has negative entries in a credit agency and therefore a poor credit rating. If you have a poor credit rating, transport companies usually refuse to accept orders for a Deutschlandticket.

Even those who are directly in debt to the respective transport company (e.g., from a previous subscription contract for a monthly travel card) often have difficulties ordering a Deutschlandticket.

1. Choose another provider

As the Deutschlandticket is valid throughout Germany, it does not have to be ordered from the regional transport association. If you live in Magdeburg, for example, you can also buy your Deutschlandticket from the Cologne transport company if you get better conditions there.

However, those who can obtain a social discount from their regional transport company are sometimes obliged to order from their local transport company. This problem has already been reported by the debt counselling centres to politicians and transport companies, who are working on a long-term (better) solution.

2. Select another payment option

Credit checks are usually only carried out for direct debits (i.e. when you provide the transport association with your account details and authorise it to debit the money when it is due). However, transport associations sometimes also offer other payment options, for example via a PayPal account. This normally works with an existing PayPal account without a credit check.

3. Payment via another account

The Deutschlandticket is personalised, which means that it must be ordered individually for a single person and is only valid for that person. However, you can process the payment (and therefore the credit check) via another person. For example, if you have debts but your partner does not, you could order a Deutschlandticket for yourself and hand over your partner's account. The transport company would then debit 49 euros a month from your partner's account and you would transfer the 49 euros to your partner – preferably by standing order. You should discuss this option in advance with the account holder. He or she must then also sign the subscription contract for the Deutschlandticket clearly and in writing to give his or her consent to the direct debit mandate. There are many pitfalls to consider with this solution, especially in insolvency proceedings. Always consult your local debt counselling service before taking this route.