Overview

• Hessen has issued around 3,300 prepaid Bezahlkarten to asylum seekers but is experiencing software compatibility issues in major cities like Frankfurt and Darmstadt.
• Fulda successfully completed its rollout, distributing 500 cards with no reported technical problems and streamlined administrative processes.
• Rheinland-Pfalz has reached an agreement on a restricted 'positive list' for transactions, including rent, public transport, and phone contracts, while excluding general transfers.
• Criticism persists over the €50 monthly cash withdrawal limit, with officials in Frankfurt and Darmstadt advocating for an increase to €150 to better support refugees' needs.
• Refugee advocacy groups in Rheinland-Pfalz argue that transaction restrictions and cash limits infringe on self-determination rights and increase administrative burdens for municipalities.