Since 17 March 2026, Germany’s credit agency Schufa (Schufa Holding AG) has switched to a new scoring system. For the first time, you can see your score for free, understand exactly what drives it, and take steps to improve it.
What has changed with Schufa Score?
The old Schufa system used a percentage between 0 and 100. The percentage was calculated using over 100 criteria. Consumers were unaware of these criteria.
Moreover, different industries got different scores. This means that banks saw one number, landlords and phone companies saw another. Again, this was not transparent to you.
This is what the new Schufa system introduces.
- Single score between 100 and 999 points. Higher is better.
- The Schufa calculates the score using 12 named criteria. Each criterion has a defined maximum point value.
- You can now see how many points you have in each category.
- Easier to understand how to improve your points in each category.
Since the old score cannot be directly converted to the new score, the transition to the new scoring system will be gradual. Currently, around 25% of companies use the new score.
Schufa aims to have 50% of companies start using the new score by the end of 2026. Full adoption is expected by 2028.
NOTE: Until the transition is complete, some companies will still assess you using the old score while you see the new one in your account. Different outcomes from different lenders during this period are normal.
How to get a mortgage in Germany ->
How to find the best personal loan in Germany ->
The 12 criteria used to calculate the Schufa score
Here are the 12 factors that determine your score, along with the maximum points each can contribute:
| Criterion | Max. points |
|---|---|
| Payment history (missed or late payments) | 264 |
| Number of bank/credit card applications and openings in last 12 months | 117 |
| Number of non-bank enquiries in last 12 months | 99 |
| Age of your current address | 94 |
| Age of your oldest credit card | 81 |
| Age of your oldest bank account | 69 |
| Instalment loans taken in the last 12 months | 66 |
| Longest remaining term of current instalment loans | 61 |
| Mortgage or guarantee for a mortgage | 55 |
| Identity verification on file | 38 |
| Age of your most recent revolving credit (Rahmenkredit) | 36 |
| Current credit status | 19 |
Payment history carries the most weight at 264 points. Paying bills and loan instalments on time is the single most effective thing you can do.
Having a mortgage or being a guarantor on one earns you the full 55 points. The reason is that Schufa views mortgages as a sign of financial stability.
On the other hand, Schufa views instalment loans (Ratenkredite) negatively. The reasoning is that such loans are typically associated with consumer spending. If you have no instalment loan, or one with less than three years remaining, you get the full 61 points for that criterion.
Long-standing accounts help you significantly. An old bank account can contribute up to 69 points in the “oldest bank account” criterion. Closing accounts or moving banks frequently works against you.
What are the four Schufa Score categories?
Schufa groups scores into four levels:
| Category | Score range |
|---|---|
| Hervorragend (Excellent) | 776 – 999 |
| Gut (Good) | 709 – 775 |
| Akzeptabel (Acceptable) | 642 – 708 |
| Ausreichend (Sufficient) | 100 – 641 |
A higher score makes it easier to get loans, secures better interest rates, increases your credit limits, and strengthens your position when applying for rental apartments or mobile phone contracts.
What does the new Schufa score mean for most people?
According to Schufa, 83% of consumers will land in the same score category as before, and 9% will improve. Around 8% may initially drop by one score category due to the transition.
How can you access your new Schufa score for free?
You can view your score at app.schufa.de or through the Schufa app for iOS and Android. You need to create a new account. This is separate from the old meineschufa.de portal, which remains a paid service.
To verify your identity, you need one of the following:
- German ID card (Personalausweis) with online ID function (Online-Ausweisfunktion), using the IDnow app
- A PIN letter sent by post
If you already use the Bonify app, you can see the new score there without registering again.
Once inside, you can:
- See your score broken down by all 12 criteria
- View which companies requested your data in the last 12 months
- Report errors in your data directly
- Use a simulation tool to see how actions such as repaying a loan or taking a new credit card will affect your score.
Your score and data are updated once per quarter at no cost. Daily updates require a paid subscription.
NOTE: If you live outside Germany but hold German residency, access to the new account may currently be limited due to identity verification requirements tied to German ID documents.
How can you improve your Schufa score?
- Pay on time, every time. Payment history is the most heavily weighted criterion by far.
- Limit new credit applications. Each application can lower your score, especially in the bank and credit card categories.
- Keep your oldest accounts open. Closing a long-standing bank account or credit card reduces the bank account age score.
- Check for errors. Incorrect entries from companies can drag your score down without your knowledge. The new account lets you dispute them directly.
- Pay off open debts. If you have missed payments recorded, settling them is the fastest way to stop the damage.
