The €50 non‑cash benefit card (or benefit in kind) may seem like a small bonus at first glance, but in practice it holds far greater potential: it’s not only exempt from taxes and social security contributions, but also significantly boosts your employees’ motivation, satisfaction and loyalty. Thanks to its flexible usability—from the canteen to online shops—and the easy management via the HelloBonnie Smartcard, it quickly becomes the team’s favorite benefit. Below I’ll show you how to make the most of the €50 allowance, which legal framework you need to know, and how to integrate this benefit seamlessly into your everyday work.
What is the non‑cash benefit and why is it so attractive?
The tax‑free non‑cash benefit under § 8 para. 1 sentence 3 EStG allows you to grant your employees up to €50 per month on top of their regular salary as a non‑monetary benefit—completely free of wage taxes and social security contributions. Since the exemption threshold was raised from €44 to €50 in 2022, this benefit has become even more worthwhile. Important: the benefit must be granted every single month and cannot simply be paid out in a lump sum at the end of the year—this ensures it remains clearly defined and tax‑exempt.
What can you do with the €50 non‑cash benefit card?
With the HelloBonnie Smartcard you offer your employees a universal prepaid card that they can use wherever Mastercard is accepted and that meets ZAG criteria. Examples of possible uses:
- Reloadable gift cards for online and offline shops
- Fitness and wellness vouchers (e.g. Urban Sports Club, EGYM wellpass)
- Fuel and mobility vouchers—also valid for the Deutschlandticket since May 2023
- Food and canteen subsidies or online grocery orders
- Further training and specialist literature or language courses
- Internet allowance to support home office and digital work
- Local shops and restaurants—shop locally and support the regional economy
In addition, you have the option to grant up to three special payments of €60 each per year for occasions such as birthdays, weddings or anniversaries—a great extra perk for personal milestones.
Advantages for employees
- Maximum flexibility: The HelloBonnie Smartcard works like a debit card—your employees decide for themselves how to spend their bonus.
- No loss in net pay: Since these are non‑cash benefits, no taxes or social security contributions are due—the full €50 value goes exactly where it brings the most joy.
- Immediate availability: Monthly credit directly to the card account without cumbersome receipt‑based reimbursement processes.
- Personal recognition: Personalized benefits signal genuine appreciation and strengthen emotional attachment to the company.
Advantages for employers
- Tax‑ and contribution‑free: Up to €600 per year per employee remains completely free of deductions.
- Easy management: You load amounts digitally via the HelloBonnie platform, retain spending control and have full reporting capability.
- Cost savings: Compared to a traditional salary increase, you save on ancillary wage costs while investing directly in employee satisfaction.
- Attractive corporate culture: Flexible, modern benefits boost your recruiting and reduce turnover.
The future of benefits: flexible and individual
The world of work is changing—rigid salary models belong to the past. With the €50 non‑cash benefit card and the HelloBonnie Smartcard you offer exactly what matters today: tax‑free, personalized extras that promote well‑being and express genuine appreciation. This way you create a motivating corporate culture in which every single person feels seen and valued.
