Highlighted by Stiftung Warentest: Numerous existing accounts come with hefty price tags
In the September 2025 issue, Stiftung Warentest Finanzen scrutinised over 700 checking account (Girokonto) offers from 182 banks and savings banks across Germany. The comprehensive assessment aimed to identify the most affordable options for consumers.
The average annual account management fee for these offers was found to be approximately 125 euros, a figure that the testers deemed too high. According to their evaluation, a reasonable maximum fee should not exceed 60 euros per year.
In their assessment, only 66 offers remained below this 60-euro threshold: - 54 of these accounts charge fees but keep the annual fee under 60 euros. - 12 accounts are completely free, with no conditions, including free card and transfers.
These approximately 66 accounts, therefore, represent the cheapest checking accounts in Germany with annual fees under 60 euros, according to Stiftung Warentest Finanzen 9/2025[1].
However, the specific names or banks of these cheapest accounts are not detailed in the publicly available summaries. To access the exact list and detailed evaluation, one would need to refer directly to the September 2025 issue or the corresponding subscriber content from Stiftung Warentest Finanzen[2].
The quality of service provided by the bank, such as the types of payment cards offered and the fees for a replacement card, should also be considered. The new credit institution must support consumers in informing regular payment partners about the account change.
It's worth noting that many financial institutions offer multiple account models to cater to different customers and their needs. While costs are a significant factor in the decision-making process, they should not be the only consideration.
Customers can ask their current bank for a more affordable account model that meets their needs. Additionally, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has an account comparison tool for convenient comparison of offers from all credit institutions.
Interestingly, the magazine found that compared to the previous year, providers have not increased the prices of their checking accounts. This suggests a stable market for these financial products.
In conclusion, consumers seeking affordable checking accounts in Germany should consider the under-60 euro offers identified by Stiftung Warentest Finanzen 9/2025. However, it's crucial to consider the quality of service provided by the bank as well.
[1] Stiftung Warentest Finanzen 9/2025, [Online]. Available: https://www.stiftung-warentest.org/finanzen/girokonto-test/ [Accessed: 01.09.2025]
[2] Stiftung Warentest Finanzen 9/2025 - Abonnementinhalt, [Online]. Available: https://www.stiftung-warentest.org/abonnement/finanzen/ [Accessed: 01.09.2025]
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