German Blocked Account
What is a German Blocked Account?
The German blocked account is a bank account created to secure a fixed deposit of the living allowance for a student for a specified study period, usually a year. This sum of money is then paid back to the student every month in equal installments until the deposit runs out. This is to make sure you are well financed for your studies and live a comfortable life.
How is the German Blocked Account different from a regular account?
The blocked account is different from an ordinary bank account because you cannot directly access and withdraw money from it. To receive the monthly payment, you have to open a regular debit account. The monthly sum is then paid into your ordinary debit account allowing you to access it whenever you wish via an ATM card or mobile banking.
Why do you need a German Blocked Account?
To study in Germany, you need to show that you have enough money to fund your studies. One way of doing so is by opening a blocked account and depositing your allowance there. This will help you get a visa or a residence permit to study in Germany. There are other ways too to prove sufficient financial ability, you can see them here.
How can you open a German Blocked Account?
– The first step is to choose your preferred blocked account provider.
– Then apply online and submit all the required documents.You will then receive a preliminary confirmation that your blocked account is open.
– To complete your application you will need to pay the full deposit amount to your provider through a bank transfer or any other accepted method.
– Once they receive your money, they will send you a blocked confirmation letter which you can use to apply for your visa or residence permit.
Check our comparison to see your choices for blocked account providers.
*Please note that this process does not apply for Deutsche Bank blocked accounts.
Let's compare
Here is a breakdown of the costs and services of the 3 most common blocked account providers for students. Depending on your preferences, we trust you will find the perfect match for you.
For a more detailed analysis of Expatrio and Fintiba providers services, click here to jump to the section.
Blocked Account Comparison
Expatrio
- Quick &Easy Online Registration
- Fast: official opening confirmation
- Health Insurance available as an add on option
- Add on Packages available
- 49€ set up fee
- 5€ Monthly Fee
- 100€ Refundable Buffer Fee
*10,445 €
*includes refundable 100€ buffer fee
FINTIBA
- Quick & Easy Online Registration
- Fast: official Opening Confirmation
- Health Insurance available as an add on option
- Add on Packages available
- 89€ set up fee
- 4.90€ Monthly Fee
*10,384 €
*Based on Fintiba Basic Plan
DEUTSCHE BANK
- No online application available, application submitted via Post
- Up to several weeks in waiting & activation time
- Insurance not included
- 150€ set up fee
- 5.90€ Monthly Fee
- Rejection possible
*10,457 €
*Other fees may be incurred
* Amount may vary depending on conditions. Values quoted here are not binding but based on estimated projections from data at the time of publishing of this page.
Expatrio offers a full value package to students. This package includes the Blocked Account, Health Insurance, an online banking account among other bebefits.
In addition to the Blocked account, they offer German Health Insurance with TK(Techniker Krankenkasse) which is a reknowned insurance company.You can also get your ISIC Card Iinternational Students Identity Card) with your health insurance that allows you student discounts and other benefits.
They offer an interim health insurance cover which insures your travel and arrival stage provided by Dr.Walter. This ensures you are covered before you activate your statutory health insurance in Germany.
Fintiba is also a good and reliable choice. Fintiba has two packages for students. Fintiba Basic and Fintiba Plus.
Fintiba Basic offers just a blocked account with other services such as Health Insurance not included.
Fintiba Plus offers in addition to the Blocked Account, statutory Health Insurance with DAK. As an option, additional private travel insurance with MAWISTA is included which covers you prior to arrival and activation of your DAK insurance. You can also add a private insurance cover for extra needs not covered b DAK.
A good thing is that if you have the basic plan, you can upgrade to the Plus in your user account if need arises.