Cash withdrawal limit on payment cards for asylum seekers lifted

There has been an important change to the prepaid card for asylum seekers in Berlin, which was introduced just this past August: Effective immediately, cardholders can now withdraw more than 50 euros per month from ATMs.

The previous cap has been suspended until further notice, announced Integration Senator Cancel Kiziltepe (SPD). According to Kiziltepe, the Berlin Refugee Council had objected to the 50-euro cash limit with her administration, arguing that it placed users at a significant disadvantage. The SPD politician said she could see the merit in this argument.

Payment card was introduced in August

"That is why we are suspending the monthly cash limit of 50 euros, as it is in fact discriminatory, and we rightly have strong and important legislation in the State of Berlin - the State Anti-Discrimination Act - designed to protect against discrimination." As part of a review of the payment card system, which was already scheduled for 2027, the 50-euro limit will also be examined and evaluated in greater detail. Berlin was the last federal state to introduce the payment card for asylum seekers in August. This was preceded by lengthy and controversial discussions between the coalition partners, the CDU and the SPD.

Card for newly arrived asylum seekers

All newly arriving asylum seekers receive the card instead of cash payments. The so-called SocialCard - a Visa debit card not linked to a bank account and featuring a virtual IBAN - can be used nationwide. In principle, it can also be used for online purchases. The monthly limit on the amount of cash that users can withdraw from ATMs with the card previously applied for a period of six months. The card will not be issued retroactively to asylum seekers who are already living in Berlin. New arrivals with disabilities or serious illnesses who are unable to use the card without barriers will continue to receive cash benefits.