No to the payment card in Lüneburg

Nein zur Bezahlkarte Lüneburg is an initiative that campaigns against the introduction of payment cards for refugees and offers practical support.

Article in German: Nein zur Bezahlkarte Lüneburg

Background information[edit | edit source]

The payment card is a credit-based payment card without a bank account link that is issued to asylum seekers in initial reception centers. Cash benefits are no longer handed out in the form of cash or transferred to a separate, freely available bank account, but are loaded onto the payment card.^[1]

Criticism of the payment card[edit | edit source]

The introduction of the payment card is seen by the initiative as a symbolic political act that entails serious deterioration for those affected and is intended to further normalize misanthropy. It massively restricts the financial autonomy of asylum seekers. Only 50 euros can be withdrawn in cash per month and the use of the card is severely limited due to the lack of acceptance points.

Practical support[edit | edit source]

In order to give people with a payment card access to cash again, exchange campaigns can take place. People with a payment card can buy vouchers for the supermarket and these vouchers can be exchanged for cash in exchange events. The cash comes from solidaric people, who in return receive the cash value back with the vouchers.

Events[edit | edit source]

Regularly exchange cafés:

Every 1. and 2. Thursday of the month from 3pm to 6pm exchange café for people with the payment card at mosaique.
Every 3. and 4. Thursday of the month from 3pm to 6pm exchange café for people with cash at mosaique.