How to get a Schufa record for free step by step
Under GDPR Article 15 you have a right of access to the data Schufa holds about you, free of charge. Here is the exact step-by-step process to request it without paying for a subscription.
Under GDPR Article 15 you have the right to see the credit data Schufa holds about you, free of charge. In Germany that means the free Datenkopie (data copy) — not the paid SCHUFA-Bonitätsauskunft that landlords traditionally ask for. This guide walks you through requesting the free version step by step, without signing up for any subscription.
Free Schufa vs the paid report landlords want
| Feature | Free Schufa Datenkopie (Art. 15 DSGVO) | Paid SCHUFA-Bonitätsauskunft |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | €0 (free of charge) | €29.95 per request |
| What it shows | All data Schufa holds on you | A scored credit report for landlords |
| Accepted by landlords | Sometimes | Yes — the standard for flat applications |
| How to get it | Online request via meineschufa.de | One-off purchase on schufa.de |
Step by step: request your free Schufa record
- Go to meineschufa.de and choose the free "Datenkopie nach Art. 15 DSGVO" option — not the subscription.
- Create an account with your name, current address, and date of birth.
- Verify your identity — official routes include the eID function of a German ID card or a PIN letter; the options offered can vary.
- Confirm the request — under the GDPR Schufa must respond within one month at the latest.
- Watch your mailbox — the data copy is delivered by post, officially within about 5–7 days after successful identification.
Tips to make it go smoothly
- Use the exact name and address shown on your Anmeldung to avoid a mismatch.
- If you just arrived in Germany, your Schufa record may be empty — that is normal and still useful for flat applications.
- Keep the document secure; you can show the same copy at multiple viewings while it is current.
- Request a fresh copy whenever your data changes or a landlord asks for a current report.
When to pay for the landlord report instead
If a landlord explicitly demands the scored SCHUFA-Bonitätsauskunft, you can buy the one-off paid version for that application. Many landlords accept the free data copy, but in competitive markets the paid report removes any doubt and speeds up your application folder.