German rail operator Deutsche Bahn has announced sweeping changes to its Bahn Business corporate programme, including higher spending thresholds to qualify for discounts.
The changes, effective from 1 January 2028, will narrow the range of purchases that count towards discounts and raise qualifying thresholds, meaning corporates will need to spend more to secure reduced rates.
Corporate discounts were previously based on total annual spend with DB, including tickets, seat reservations and BahnCard purchases. Under the new model, only Business Saver and Business Flex fares will count as eligible spend. Discount rates will also vary by travel class, with first-class fares attracting higher discounts than second-class fares.
The current Bahn Business programme offers discounts based on annual travel spend of between €3,000 and €200,000. Companies spending at least €3,000 with DB receive a 3 per cent discount, rising to 3.5 per cent at €25,000 and 4 per cent at €50,000. Top-tier clients spending more than €100,000 or €200,000 receive discounts of 4.5 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively.
Under the new model, discount rates will be significantly lower. To secure a 3 per cent discount, companies will need to spend at least €100,000 annually on first-class tickets, while a 5 per cent discount will require €1 million in first-class spend. The maximum discount on second-class tickets will be 2.5 per cent, available only after annual spend reaches €1 million. Annual spend of €5,000 will qualify companies for a 1 per cent discount on second-class tickets and 2 per cent in first class.
From 2028, discounts will apply to both Business Saver and Business Flex fares. Previously, corporate discounts were limited to Business Flex fares.
In addition, a new 2 per cent continuity discount will be offered to customers that match or exceed the previous year’s eligible sales volume.
The assessment period used to determine discount levels for 2028 will run from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. The existing discount model will remain unchanged until 31 December 2027.
German business travel association VDR said the new pricing model “has its pros and cons”, warning that the programme “may be less attractive” to companies with high rail volumes if their most frequently booked fares are no longer eligible for discounts.
“The decisive factor will be the amount of revenue eligible for discounts and whether this remains stable or increases compared to the previous level,” the association said after its Ground Mobility Committee reviewed the new model.
VDR recommends that travel managers analyse their DB spend by fare type and travel class to determine how much will remain eligible for discounts under the new model, which discount tier they are likely to reach and whether the continuity discount is achievable.
“With sufficient travel volume and discount-relevant revenue, this can result in an attractive overall discount,” VDR said in a statement.