German banks

Where to manage your finances

In Germany there are a big number of banks and Sparkassen (savings banks). Banks are private institutions. The local public authorities regulates the Sparkassen, such as Berliner Sparkasse, Hamburger Sparkasse and Sparkasse Dresden, which explains their names.‍

A full range of banking, investment and insurance services is what the most banking institutions offer. Many of the banking institutions also provide advice on property rentals and purchases.  Before you make a decision you should shop around, since services, prices and conditions vary widely.  Information on banks and Sparkassen are also provided by consumer advice agencies. Online banking through the Internet is a service almost all banks provide nowadays. There are also some pure online banks like Comdirect and Cortal Consors.

In order to broaden the possibilities you can also decide to handle your finances through a Postbank account, as this is often cheaper than with other banks. You can withdraw money from your account on production of ID such as passport or identity card, as well there are Postbank counters at all post offices (Deutsche Post). At the Postbank by letter through its branches Non-cash payments (remittances, credit notes etc.) are affected, to which the completed and signed forms are sent.

Opening times

The opening times are different from one bank to the next, in general the most banks open weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Most offices tend to keep the same hours as the local shops, but may also open on Saturdays. The banks in provincial areas, are sometimes closed 1 to 2.30 pm. Cash machines (ATMs) that allow you to withdraw cash, transfer money and get bank statements 24 hours/day, are provided by Most bank branches.