Are you still paying monthly account fees? In the digital age, that is often unnecessary. Discover which banks offer real value for expats, how to optimize your savings, and why a modern account is the foundation of your finances in Germany.
Revolut: The Best Choice for Global Citizens
If you travel frequently or hold money in different currencies, Revolut is unbeatable. As a neobank, Revolut offers features traditional banks can only dream of: real-time notifications, sub-accounts ("Pockets") for saving, and extremely competitive exchange rates. Especially for expats and digital nomads, it’s the perfect secondary or even primary account.
Try Revolut
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Open Revolut Account →Smartbroker+: A Brokerage Account Ready for the Pension Depot
If you want a low-cost brokerage account for ETFs and shares next to your current account, Smartbroker+ is a strong option. It gets interesting from 1 January 2027: Smartbroker+ has announced that it will offer the new state-subsidised pension depot (Altersvorsorgedepot). In the standard depot, there are no custody fees, no savings plan costs and no order commissions for the first three years. You need a regular Smartbroker+ account for this, which you can already open today.
Try Smartbroker+
Advertisement: this is my personal referral link. If you open an account through it, I may receive a reward from Smartbroker+. It costs you nothing extra.
Open Smartbroker+ Account →Savings: Your emergency fund needs to work
A current account is for spending, not for saving. Your "emergency fund" belongs in a Tagesgeld account (instant access savings). While you won't get rich from the interest alone, your money is available daily and is at least partially protected from inflation. For long-term wealth building, you should consider pension planning with ETFs.
What You Should Do Now
Let's check together whether you are still paying too much for your banking or giving away interest. As your legal fiduciary representative, I am legally on your side and am liable for the quality of my advice. Together, we can optimize your basic finances.