Bahncard only digital
What rail customers need to know
Deutsche Bahn will soon only offer the Bahncard digitally.
© imago/photothek
Deutsche Bahn is doing away with the physical Bahncard in the second half of the year. The most important things about the change at a glance.
Deutsche Bahn is continuing its digitalisation strategy and plans to Bahncard will be offered exclusively digitally from the second half of 2024. This change is not only intended to reduce the burden on the environment by saving plastic, but also to meet the needs of increasingly digitally savvy customers. The change will bring these innovations for customers.
From the second half of 2024, Deutsche Bahn will only offer the Bahncard, which is valid for 12 months, digitally. The physical plastic card will be replaced by a digital version that can be used via smartphone and the app “DB Navigator” is available. The measure is part of Deutsche Bahn’s digitalization strategy and is intended to help save plastic. In addition, 60 percent of Bahncard customers already use the digital offer.
Bahncard soon only available digitally: 9 June is the deadline
As an alternative to the digital BahnCard on the smartphone, customers can access a BahnCard as a PDF document with a QR code in their DB customer account. This document can be printed out if necessary and carried with you on the train journey. The replacement document will be available in the online customer account from June 9, 2024. The printed document must be presented together with the ID card during checks. The DB provides instructions on how to access the digital BahnCard. available onlineThe DB travel centers and the Bahncard service also provide support with the changeover.
The temporary Bahncard will continue to be available as a paper printout in DB travel centers and DB agencies. This temporary card is valid for three months and serves as proof of travel immediately. Customers whose trial Bahncard 25/50 or annual Bahncard 25/50 expires before June 9, 2024 will continue to receive the follow-up card as both a plastic card and a digital Bahncard. Follow-up cards that are valid from June 9, 2024 will then only be delivered in digital form.
New Bahncard regulations: A screenshot is not enough
To use the digital Bahncard, you need a customer account with Deutsche Bahn, which must be registered with a valid email address. Existing physical Bahncards can be integrated into the customer account using the Bahncard number. The digital Bahncard must be stored in the DB Navigator app or available as a printout with a QR code. According to Deutsche Bahn’s guidelines, a screenshot of the Bahncard is not sufficient and can be considered as traveling without a valid ticket if checked.
Since the digital Bahncard is linked to the use of a smartphone, the device must be switched on during checks. Without presenting the Bahncard, there is a risk of a fare surcharge of double the fare, but at least 60 euros. The ticket and the valid Bahncard can be subsequently returned within 14 days at the DB travel center, via the online portal or in the personal chat A processing fee of 7 euros will be charged.