In many local stores, the ‘Bezahlkarte’ either does not work or is refused by the staff. In other places, the card cannot be used at all, for example at flea markets, second-hand stores, or school cafeterias.

The cash withdrawal limit means that people affected can no longer choose freely where to shop and often have to travel long distances – just to find a supermarket that accepts their card.

In Bavaria, the ‘Bezahlkarte’ only works in the district where it was issued. This means affected people cannot leave their assigned district without borrowing money first. This results in a severe restriction of mobility!

The ‘Bezahlkarte’ gives authorities extensive access to personal information. They can track when and what money was spent on, check the account balance, or block the card without reason. Social benefits that were already paid out can even be reclaimed.

Imagine …

• Your child has to stay home alone because the cash limit of your ‘Bezahlkarte’ is not enough for the school trip.
  
  
• The only supermarket neary does not accept your  ‘Bezahlkarte’. Your grocery shopping becomes a difficult day-long journey.
  
  
• You want to sign a mobile phone contract or a ‘Deutschlandticket’ subscription, but you first have to get approval from your local social services office.
  
  
• There is no lawyer specializing in asylum law near you. Despite your limited cash, you are forced to travel long distances regularly just to pay your monthly installment in person.
  
  
• You want to visit your friends or family. Because your ‘Bezahlkarte’ does not work anywhere else, you have to borrow money just to make the trip.

The ‘Bezahlkarte’ is meant to discourage people from coming to Germany and seeking protection. It is based on a right-wing populist narrative that has been repeatedly disproven: the idea that people come to Germany solely for the allegedly generous social benefits.

Those fleeing war, existential need, and persecution – and who are forced to risk their lives – will not be stopped by a payment card. Independent studies in migration research have confirmed this for many years.

Moreover, social benefits for refugees are far below the subsistence minimum – that is, the amount needed in Germany for a dignified life.

In fact, many people rely on social benefits only because they are denied the right to work. Instead of allowing people to contribute their skills and knowledge to society, they are forced into government-mandated low-wage jobs earning as little as €0.80 per hour.

People with a ‘Bezahlkarte’ first buy shopping vouchers at local stores (for example, at Aldi, DM, Edeka, Lidl, tegut, …) worth € 50.00 – and then exchange them with our help for your cash!

This gives people access to cash they can use freely, without limitations – for a more self-determined life, increased social participation, and greater autonomy.

1. Exchange your cash (€ 50.00) easily at one of our many distribution points for a shopping voucher of your choice.
   
   
2. Show the shopping voucher at the supermarket checkout during your next grocery shopping – and pay with it until the balance is completely used up.