Comparing German Blocked Accounts: Fees, Features and Eligibility (2026)
By: Simon Heinrich – Last updated: 07/2026
Core fees and buffer
| Provider | Setup / opening | Monthly | Extension | Buffer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expatrio | 119 € | 9 € | 119 € | 100 € |
| Fintiba | 159 € | 9.90 € | 159 € | 100 €* |
| Studely | 127 € | – | 127 € | 100 €* |
| EDUBAO | 95 € | 5,90 € | 59 € | 70 €* |
| VietinBank | 50 € | 4.90 € | 35 € | 75 €* |
| Coracle** |
* Buffer: This amount is not always listed in the official price sheet; it is often requested to cover transfer fees, exchange-rate fluctuations, and intermediary bank charges so the required blocked sum arrives in full.
**Currently not available for new sign-ups.
Total cost after 1 year vs. 5 years (excluding buffer)
Calculation logic:
“Year 1” = setup + 12×monthly fee (or the annual fixed price).
“5 years” = setup + 60×monthly fee + extensions (simplified as: setup + 60×monthly + 4×extension; for annual fixed price: 5×annual price).
The buffer is shown separately in Table 1 and is intentionally not included here.
| Provider | Year 1 (excl. buffer) | 5 years (excl. buffer) |
|---|---|---|
| Expatrio | 119 + 12×9 = 227 € | 119 + 60×9 + 4×119 = 1135€ |
| Fintiba | 159 + 12×9.90 = 277.80 € | 159 + 60×9.90 + 4×159 = 1,392 € |
| Studely (12‑month fixed price) | 127 € | 5×127 = 635 € |
| EDUBAO | 95 + 12×5,90 = 165,80 € | 95 + 60×5,90 + 4×59 = 685 € |
| VietinBank | 50 + 12×4.90 = 108.80 € | 50 + 60×4.90 + 4×35 = 484 € |
| Coracle** |
**Currently not available for new sign-ups.
Features, processing time and eligibility comparison
Beyond costs, choosing the right provider depends on processing speed, age restrictions, and eligible nationalities. Our selection criteria: This comparison focuses exclusively on globally accessible providers operating with fully licensed EU partner banks, ensuring standard statutory deposit protection of up to €100,000 per client. Country-restricted or local accounts (such as Kotak Mahindra or ICICI) are intentionally excluded to ensure safe and universal applicability.
| Feature / Criteria | Fintiba | Expatrio | EDUBAO | VietinBank | Studely |
| Typical Processing Time | Fast (1–3 business days) | Fast (1–3 business days) | Fast (1–3 business days) | Medium (manual processing) | Medium (1–5 business days) |
| Online Application | Yes (App / Web) | Yes (App / Web) | Yes (App / Web) | Paper / Digital Scan | Yes (App / Web) |
| Suitable for Minors (<18) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| US Citizens accepted? (FATCA) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Restricted | ✅ Yes |
| Partner Bank / Custodian | Frankfurt International Bank | UniCredit | BNP Paribas | VietinBank Germany | OuiTrust |
| Deposit Protection (€100,000) | ✅ Yes (EU/DE) | ✅ Yes (EU/DE) | ✅ Yes (EU/FR) | ✅ Yes (EU/DE) | ✅ Yes (EU/FR) |
| Integrated Girokonto? | ❌ No | ⚠️ Optional | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Optional |
A Note on "Value Packages" and Bundled Girokonten
Many providers promote all-in-one packages that combine the blocked account with health insurance and a German checking account. While this sounds convenient at first, we generally recommend caution for two main reasons:
- SCHUFA Credit Score and Financial Footprint: In-app banking solutions provided by blocked account platforms are often simplified fintech products. Most of them do not report to SCHUFA. Opening a standard German bank account with an established direct bank early on helps you build an active SCHUFA history over time. A longer, positive banking history makes it significantly easier later to get credit cards, phone contracts, or buy items on installments.
- Suboptimal Insurance Options: Bundled travel or private health insurance policies included in package deals may not offer the best coverage or value for your specific situation once you arrive in Germany.
👉 Our recommendation: Use a specialized blocked account provider purely for your visa proof, and open a separate, fully-fledged German checking account alongside proper health insurance independently.
->If you stay for five years (e.g., Bachelor and Master), choosing a model with no monthly fee or a low-cost extension can reduce your total costs significantly compared to high monthly fees.
FAQ
Do I really need a blocked account - or is an alternative enough?
It depends on your embassy/immigration office requirements and your visa category. Accepted alternatives (e.g., a formal declaration of commitment or other proof of funds) are listed in the official checklist. Note: Deutsche Bank used to be a well-known blocked-account option, but since July 2022 it no longer opens new blocked accounts, so in practice most applicants use specialized providers today.
When should I open my blocked account?
Early enough so you have the official confirmation before your visa appointment (showing the deposited amount and the monthly available amount). Also plan time for identity checks, the transfer, and possible follow-up questions.
What is the buffer - and why does it exist?
The buffer is an extra amount to ensure the required blocked sum arrives in full despite fees, exchange rates, or transfer routes. If it isn’t needed, it is paid out at the end.