Miles & More: Program & Cards Overview
The Lufthansa “Miles & More” (M&M) program is a big player in Germany, and their DKB-issued Mastercards are a common way to earn miles. Crucially, holding one of these cards is often the easiest way to prevent your M&M miles from expiring (normally after 36 months). One of the easiest ways to get free M&M miles is via Payback, so protecting them is key!
Also, many vendors in Germany don’t accept American Express, so it’s always handy to have a MasterCard or VISA as well. That’s where I use the M&M Mastercard.
Miles & More Program Updates The program has implemented dynamic pricing for Lufthansa Group flights and revised partner award charts. While some changes have made premium cabins more expensive, there are also new opportunities for good deals, especially on off-peak routes.
Earning M&M Miles
Earning Directly with M&M Cards
Miles & More co-branded credit cards allow you to earn award miles directly with your everyday spending. The earning rate typically varies by card type (e.g., Blue, Gold) and whether it’s a private or business card. Business cards often offer a higher earning rate.
Key ways to earn with cards:
🔥 Payback Points to Miles & More: The Real Power Play!
The BEST way to earn M&M miles indirectly is through the Payback program. You earn Payback points on everyday shopping…
Collect Payback points year-round and transfer them to Miles & More, ideally during their 25% (or similar) transfer bonus events. These promotions make your Payback points significantly more valuable! For details on current bonuses and how this works, check the Payback Program Overview page.
Main Card Choices
Here are the main card choices. Detailed information for each card can be found on their respective pages by clicking the buttons below. Offers and fees as of May 2025.
🏢 Business Cards
For Business Owners / Self-Employed
If you have a business or are self-employed in Germany, most definitely consider the Gold Card Business card – the miles earning rate is usually double the private cards for the same price, and sign-up bonuses can be much higher.
Note: I’m generally not recommending the Blue Card Business card as the Gold Card Business often provides better overall value if you qualify.