How long is Telekom Prepaid credit valid? All facts about validity and payout
In short: How long is Telekom Prepaid credit valid?
Loaded Telekom Prepaid credit does not expire; automatic expiry is not permitted by law. However, if your SIM remains inactive for an extended period, it may be deactivated. Remaining credit can then be refunded within the period of the cancellation year plus three years. Transferring credit to another Prepaid card is not possible. To avoid deactivation, use or top up regularly and check your balance via *100#, the MeinMagenta app or the customer centre.
Many customers wonder whether their Telekom Prepaid credit ever expires and what happens if the SIM is later deactivated. In short: Paid credit itself does not expire. However, the Prepaid SIM may be cancelled after a long period of inactivity – in this case, remaining credit can be refunded. Below you’ll find the key facts clearly explained, plus some practical tips.
Does my Telekom Prepaid credit expire?
No, paid Prepaid credit cannot simply expire. German courts – including the Federal Court of Justice – have ruled that clauses allowing automatic expiry of prepaid credit are invalid.
Note: “No expiry without compensation” means your money is protected. However, this does not mean that contracts can never be cancelled – SIM deactivation remains possible (see below).
What happens if the SIM is cancelled or deactivated?
If your MagentaMobil Prepaid SIM is cancelled due to prolonged inactivity, you can request a payout of the remaining balance. Telekom offers an official process for this.
- Payout via contact form: Remaining balance can be requested within the legal limitation period (cancellation year + 3 years).
- Telekom note: Credit cannot be transferred to another Prepaid card.
How to request your remaining credit (quick guide)
- Have your contract/number ready (cancelled Prepaid SIM).
- Complete and submit Telekom’s “Request Prepaid balance payout” contact form.
- The payout is made to your bank account (if all conditions are met).
Tips: How to keep your Prepaid credit active
- Top up or use regularly: This keeps your SIM active and prevents cancellation. (For reference: deactivation usually occurs after long periods of inactivity.)
- Monitor your balance: Check your credit by dialling *100#, via the MeinMagenta app or in the customer centre – so you can top up in time.
Mini FAQ (Legal & process)
How long is my Telekom Prepaid credit valid?
Paid credit does not expire; automatic devaluation is not permitted.
Does the credit ever expire?
No – but the SIM can be deactivated if unused or not topped up for a long time. Remaining credit can then be refunded.
How long can I request a refund after cancellation?
Within the statutory limitation period: cancellation year + 3 years (via the Telekom form).
Can I transfer my remaining credit to another Prepaid card?
No, Telekom does not allow transfers; only a payout is possible.
