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2mo ago

German Banks Push 3.2% Intro Savings Rates as New-Customer Battle Heats Up

Short guaranteed offers now often outpay comparable fixed terms, but they expire within months and frequently carry conditions that curb their appeal.

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Mehrere Männer in Businesskleidung stehen jeweils auf unterschiedlich hohen Stapeln aus Münzen, die von links nach rechts immer größer werden. Die Münzstapel bestehen aus verschiedenen Metallfarben, darunter kupfer-, silber- und goldfarbene Münzen. Einige der Männer schauen nach oben oder in die Ferne, einer beugt sich nach unten, ein anderer hält sich die Hand an die Stirn, während sie alle vor einem neutralen grauen Hintergrund positioniert sind.

Overview

  • Verivox reports 13 institutions are advertising new-customer easy‑access rates of at least 3% in mid‑January, up from seven in early December.
  • Market‑leading promos pay 3.20%: Distingo guarantees three months up to €150,000 before reverting to about 1.95%, and Raisin’s three‑month StartZins is placed via Deutsche Bank with German deposit protection and a €1–50,000 funding range.
  • These short‑term easy‑access deals currently beat many comparable fixed deposits, with six‑month Festgeld topping out around 2.8% and German‑protected options nearer 2.4%.
  • Introductory rates are time‑limited and typically drop sharply after the guarantee period, so the gains depend on moving funds again once the promotional window ends.
  • Verivox cautions that some top rates require opening a current account or securities account and that current‑account openings are reported to Schufa, so frequent switching can dent credit scores; less active savers should prioritize solid ongoing rates.