Many travellers confuse My BahnCard and BahnCard 50 — they sound similar but are fundamentally different: My BahnCard is the free online account, BahnCard 50 the paid discount card. We explain both, their benefits, and for whom which option makes sense. As of 2026.
What is My BahnCard?
My BahnCard is not a separate product but the DB customer account with additional benefits. It has been free for years and is aimed at anyone who travels by train regularly.
Digital BahnCard
Store your BahnCard 25/50/100 digitally in the app. You no longer need to carry the plastic card — the ticket is automatically sold with the discount.
Personalised offers
You receive benefit offers on your routes (e.g. upgrade promotions, special tickets) directly via the app or email.
Bulk orders
For corporate customers: manage and order employee BahnCards centrally. Less relevant for private customers.
Booking history linking
All tickets, bookings and invoices in one place. Relevant for tax on business trips.
Important: My BahnCard brings no own ticket discount. Discounts only come from additionally ordering a BahnCard 25/50/100. As of 2026.
What is BahnCard 50?
The BahnCard 50 is a paid discount card from Deutsche Bahn, giving 50% off the Flexpreis and up to 50% off Sparpreise. It costs 244 per year in 2nd class (with promotion also cheaper at 199). Holders can store it in My BahnCard and use it digitally.
- Discount: 50% on Flexpreis tickets, scaled on Sparpreise (Sparpreis often 25%, Super-Sparpreis up to 50% off).
- Scope: All DB trains and many partner railways (including local transport).
- Taking persons: One person free of charge (Mon-Fri from 7 pm, Sat/Sun all day).
- Upgrade bonus: Surcharge for 1st class at a reduced rate.
Direct comparison: My BahnCard vs BahnCard 50
| Feature | My BahnCard | BahnCard 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | €0 (free) | 244 |
| Discount on Flexpreis | none | 50% |
| Discount on Sparpreis | none | up to 50% |
| Taking persons | none | 1 person free |
| Digital management | via My BahnCard | |
| Personalised offers | via My BahnCard | |
| Prerequisite | none | Min. age 18 |
| Booking history | via My BahnCard |
Who benefits from which card?
My BahnCard (always useful)
- Anyone who travels by train at least once a year
- Business travellers with a booking history
- BahnCard holders (any kind) as management tool
- Bulk buyers (corporate customers)
BahnCard 50 (for frequent travellers)
- Commuters with daily or near-daily train use
- Business travellers with high travel volume
- Families with shared travel (companion bonus)
- Long-distance travellers from about €5,000/year ticket spend
Related Guides
Notice: All information is provided without guarantee. Schedules and availability may change at any time. For current and binding information, please visit the official provider websites. This website is not affiliated with Deutsche Bahn AG or other railway companies.
Last update: June 2026
Sources & More Information:
- Omio – Compare Providers
- BahnCard on bahn.de – Official BahnCard information
