What would you prefer: a free current account – or one that costs 300 euros per year? The price differences are so big depending on where the customer has their account and how they use it. On average, customers have to pay 117 euros per year. Depending on the account model, you can quickly save 100 euros or more per year if you switch.
470+ tested account templates
Our experts continually examine the market for current accounts with regular cash receipts – i.e. for salary and pension accounts. They examine and compare the conditions of 180 financial institutions. This means we cover 70% of the market. More than 470 account templates are being tested. We document more than 100 criteria for each account model – from international withdrawals to second cards – including a quarterly update on the overdraft interest amount. This way you will be able to find the ideal account for your needs in the database.
Why comparing checking accounts is worth it for you
Checking account test results
From the Berliner Sparkasse to the DKB and from the Postbank to the Wiesbadener Volksbank: you can find all the details here 530 current accounts from more than 170 banks. You will find out which banks still offer free accounts without “ifs and buts”, where you can withdraw money for free and what the interest rates are for overdrafts and overdrafts.
Your suitable current account
You will discover which current accounts can be opened across the country and which banks have branches with over-the-counter service. The table shows prices and information for several dozen features – from standing orders to account statements for Girocards partners. This way, you can filter the account that is right for you.
Secure Online Banking
You will find out what safety and tanning procedures your desired bank uses. We rate how safe they are and what costs they incur.
Magazine article in PDF
After activation, you will receive the Finanztest 9/23 magazine article for download.
Test results for 530 current accounts
unlock
Annual overdraft interest comparison
Once a year we also determine the Overdraft interest for around 1,100 banks in Germany. The amount of interest varies greatly from bank to bank. The first selection criterion for a new checking account is not the amount of interest on the overdraft. But if you know that you will have to use your special check more frequently, you can also be aware of this when comparing.
When it comes to checking accounts, don’t just compare the base price
If you are looking for a new account, you shouldn’t just use the base price as a reference. The annual price of account management is made up of several factors. For example, the price of the Girocard (formerly EC card) is not always included in the bill. Reservations such as transfers, standing orders, direct debits and credits are not always included.
Cheap monthly price can be expensive
An account with a monthly base price of just 3.95 euros, for example, can still cost around 125 euros per year in our model case because each individual reservation costs extra. On the other hand, an account that costs 1 euro more per month can only cost 59 euros per year because all reserves are included. Each bank offers several account models. It’s worth checking which one suits you best.
Calculate the annual price using the model person
To make account prices comparable, we assume a model person who receives a regular salary or pension and only uses the online account. This is the cheapest way to manage your account. Most checking accounts are managed this way. You can read all the details about our approach below This is how we tested.
Free accounts are becoming increasingly rare
Salary and pension accounts without account management fees are becoming increasingly rare: there are currently only nine free accounts for which the customer does not have to fulfill any conditions – such as a specific monthly receipt of money. About five years ago, about 20 accounts were free, without “ifs” or “buts”.
Cheap accounts up to 60 euros per year
There are also fewer cheap accounts. For us, cheap means: customers don’t have to pay more than 60 euros per year for account management. We currently find 74 account models that remain under this brand. Do you want a current account with a credit card? We call the costs. In our Credit card comparison However, you can usually find cheaper alternatives.
Test results for 530 current accounts
unlock
Your help is needed
Is your bank changing the price for your checking account? Please inform us about this at girokonto@stiftung-warentest.de. We are investigating the matter and updating our database. Thanks in advance!
Withdraw money for free
Cashless payments have already been established. But it is still necessary. Money with Girocard is almost always free at your own banking group’s ATMs. Cash is also available free of charge at private banking associations and retail cash registers.
Three important tips for checking accounts
Check the behavior. Do you want to pay less for your bill? Sometimes it is enough to change your behavior, that is, to use your account differently than before.
Ask the bank for a cheaper account model. If you pay more than 60 euros per year for your account, you must first ask your own bank for a cheaper account model.
Change banks. If this doesn’t result in any savings, switching accounts will help. Our will show you which account model is right for you Results table. There you can find your personal test winner with just a few clicks. And you can read about the quality of banks’ moving services in the test How well does the moving service work?.