What is SCHUFA?
SCHUFA (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) collects data about your payment behavior. Credit cards, phone contracts, installment purchases - everything is stored. Landlords use it to see if you pay reliably.
Which report do I need?
For landlords you need the 'SCHUFA-BonitätsAuskunft' (about €30). Don't confuse it with the free GDPR data copy - that shows too many details. The BonitätsAuskunft has two parts: one for the landlord (score only) and one for you (all details).
How do I get it?
Order online at meineschufa.de. Arrives by mail in 1-3 days. Express available for extra charge. Alternatively print immediately at Postbank branches (if available). The report should be no older than 3 months.
What if my score is bad?
A score under 90% makes things difficult. Check the data for errors - this happens more often than you'd think. Old resolved negative entries are deleted after 3 years. In your cover letter, you can briefly explain why your score is lower (student loan, etc.).
No SCHUFA as an expat?
New to Germany = no SCHUFA score. This is like 'no credit history', not 'bad credit'. Explain this in your cover letter. Alternatives: credit report from your home country, bank reference, employer guarantee.