Paying for the Deutschlandticket: Methods and step-by-step guide
By Rachel · 4 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
You can pay for the Deutschlandticket by SEPA direct debit, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or via the HVV app.
Key facts at a glance
- The monthly price is €63 according to wissen.deutschlandticket.de (as at 23 October 2026).
- PayPal is not offered by Deutsche Bahn, MVV or TicketPlus+; only HVV accepts PayPal, according to germany-ticket.de.
- Google Pay is temporarily unavailable with some providers (source: germany-ticket.de).
- In addition to Apple Pay and Google Pay, TicketPlus+ offers a €20 bonus and the option to pause your subscription flexibly until 23:59 on the last day of the month (source: ticket-plus.app).
- The first payment is taken on the 25th of the previous month; with monthly cancellation, no long-term commitment is required (according to ticket-plus.app).
Overview of payment methods
The main payment options for the Deutschlandticket are SEPA direct debit, credit/debit card and modern mobile payment services.
Most providers accept SEPA direct debit as this minimises the risk of non-payment. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted by Deutsche Bahn, HVV and MVV. Google Pay is currently not available with Deutsche Bahn and MVV, whilst TicketPlus+ supports Google Pay and Apple Pay.
PayPal is only available with HVV. Payment by IBAN bank transfer or cash is not possible with most providers.
A detailed comparison table helps you choose the right option:
| Provider | SEPA direct debit | Credit card | Apple Pay | Google Pay | PayPal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | Yes | Yes (Visa, Mastercard) | no | no (temporarily) | no |
| HVV (Hamburg) | yes | yes (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) | no | yes | yes |
| MVV (Munich) | Yes | yes (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) | yes | Yes | no |
| TicketPlus+ | Yes | no | yes | yes | no |
Step-by-step guide to payment
1. Select a provider and ticket type
Decide on a provider. Deutsche Bahn offers the ticket directly via ‘Book a Deutschlandticket: Guide for 2026 & 2027’. For additional benefits such as a bonus and flexible pause options, TicketPlus+ is worth considering (Buy a Deutschlandticket – take out a subscription for €63 per month).
Select your preferred fare type (e.g. Standard, School pupil, Pensioner). The standard price is €63 per month (according to ticket-plus.app).
2. Create an account or log in
Create a customer account with your chosen provider or log in using your existing login details. Registration is compulsory with Deutsche Bahn.
Enter your personal details and verify your email address or telephone number.
3. Set up a payment method
Select one of the accepted methods. For SEPA direct debit, you’ll need your IBAN and the account holder’s name. For credit cards, enter the card number, expiry date and CVV. Mobile payments require an active Apple ID or a linked Google Account.
Make sure that your chosen payment method is still valid, particularly with Google Pay, which is temporarily unavailable with some providers.
4. Buy and confirm your ticket
Select the time slot and add the ticket to your basket. Check the price summary and click on ‘Pay’. Confirm the transaction with a TAN or by clicking on ‘Pay now’.
Once payment has been successfully processed, you will receive a confirmation email containing a QR code. Save this to your digital wallet or the provider’s app.
5. Set up direct debit (if SEPA is selected)
With SEPA direct debit, the amount is debited on the 25th of the previous month. Check your bank account to avoid unexpected debits.
With TicketPlus+, you can cancel on a monthly basis without a long-term commitment if you wish to pause your ticket.
Important information and tips
Please note that incorrect payments with some providers (e.g. MVV) may result in the immediate cancellation of your subscription. You should therefore use a reliable payment method.
If you are a foreign national purchasing the ticket, please ensure that your credit card allows international transactions. HVV also accepts foreign credit cards via PayPal.
Use the VAT calculator (VAT calculator (19% and 7%)) if you wish to claim VAT for your business.
You can usually cancel your subscription on the 10th of the month. With TicketPlus+, you can pause your ticket until 11.59 pm on the last day of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment methods does Deutsche Bahn accept?
Deutsche Bahn offers SEPA direct debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) for online purchases. Cash, EC cards and credit cards are accepted at travel centres; otherwise, SEPA direct debit is mandatory (source: ticket-plus.app).
Is PayPal available for the Deutschlandticket?
PayPal is only accepted by HVV. Deutsche Bahn, MVV and TicketPlus+ do not offer PayPal (source: germany-ticket.de).
What is the notice period?
Most providers allow cancellation at the end of the month. HVV and MVV have fixed deadlines on the 10th of the month, whilst TicketPlus+ offers monthly cancellation without a long-term commitment.
Can I put the ticket on hold?
Only TicketPlus+ offers a flexible pause option until 11.59 pm on the last day of the month. Other providers generally only allow full cancellation.
What advantages does TicketPlus+ offer over other providers?
TicketPlus+ offers a €20 new customer bonus, 50 free minutes and 10 activations for e-bikes/scooters, as well as modern payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Monthly cancellation is also possible (source: ticket-plus.app).
All information is provided without guarantee. Prices as per the brochure; regional variations may apply.
Sources: wissen.deutschlandticket.de · germany-ticket.de · ticket-plus.app. As at 23 October 2026.
