Deutsche Bahn: Bahncards 25 and 50 will only be issued digitally from June 9th

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Bahncard 25: From June 9th, the card will only be issued digitally

Photo: Martin Schutt/dpa

The Bahncard 25 and the Bahncard 50 will no longer be issued as plastic cards from June 9th.

From this day onwards, the two subscription variants will only be available in digital form, according to customer information from Deutsche Bahn, which the group is sending out these days.

In order to use the subscription digitally, customers need a profile in the Bahn app or on the bahn.de platform.

According to the announcement, if you don't have a smartphone, you can print out a replacement document.

“Valid BahnCard 25/50 plastic cards can continue to be used until the expiry date printed on them,” it continues.

However, in the event of a loss, a replacement plastic card will no longer be issued from June 9th.

Customers with a Bahncard 100 will keep their plastic card.

The railway announced the end of the two widely used plastic cards last year.

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) criticized the move on Thursday.

It is “annoying” that the company is excluding customers without digital access from tariff advantages.

The Bahncard must be available to everyone.

»The alternative valid paper printout must also be accessible to people without a digital customer account, for example by being handed out in the travel center.

Free of charge, of course,” demanded vzbv boss Ramona Pop.

»Important information: Your BahnCard will be digital«

The railway points out that around 84 percent of all tickets in long-distance transport are now booked digitally.

Since last summer, Bahncard holders have needed an email address.

According to Deutsche Bahn, around 30 tons of plastic could be saved per year by not using analogue cards.

Deutsche Bahn currently sends its information emails with the subject “Important information: Your BahnCard is going digital.”

It also says: “For BahnCards with validity starting on June 9th, 2024 or later, you have a special right of termination due to digitalization.

You can exercise this special right of termination by notifying DB Fernverkehr AG in text form (e.g. using the termination form) within four weeks of receiving this letter."

mbö/dpa