The banks in comparison: Stiftung Warentest takes a close look at accounts and online banking

Stiftung Warentest compared the banks in Germany. Accounts and online banking were examined. One insight dominates.

• Stiftung Warentest has tested several banks and checking accounts .
  
• The cost for a checking account should, according to Stiftung Warentest not exceed a certain amount.
• The consumer organization also gives tips on changing accounts .
  

Dortmund - Stiftung Warentest regularly examines various banking institutions and compares the offers in the accounts. In addition, the non-profit consumer organization also makes recommendations on accounts and a bank change, reports RUHR24.de *.

Comparison of banks: This is how Stiftung Warentest examines them

Stiftung Warentest has the banks and accounts using a model - Customer testing, which an online account uses. In addition, the tests are always carried out regularly, so that the data is always up-to-date and the user knows whether changing his bank is worthwhile (all service articles at RUHR24 *).

A total of 127 banking institutions are compared and more than 50 factors are tested. The test also noted that everyone had different needs when choosing their account .

Stiftung Warentest: These are the tips for checking accounts

Stiftung Warentest, which also tests products such as honey * in addition to banks and the like, gives three tips on current accounts :

• Check your own behavior , whether you can save in different places.
• Ask his bank if there is a cheaper account model for you.
• If this is not possible, the bank should be changed.

According to Stiftung Warentest , no customer should pay more than 60 euros a year for an account with online bookings and a checking card : "This price is acceptable for processing bookings, depending on the provision of ATMs , advice and secure technology for online banking . This limit can also undercut banks with branches . "

Account comparison: Stiftung Warentest recommends a contribution to account management

The test also showed that there is another way. At some banks, customers have to scroll up to 250 euros a year for a service similar to that of the cheaper models. According to the Stiftung Warentest , the bank should definitely be changed.

Stiftung Warentest regularly compares the conditions of different banks and accounts.

© Tobias Kleinschmidt / dpa

If you change banks, the advice from Stiftung Warentest can help: Many banks should offer a digital account switching service. According to the Stiftung Warentest, the price for the account management should first be determined and the (future) bank asked about different account models. 

These are the tips for changing the account of Stiftung Warentest

The bank can then support you with the change and inform the selected payment partners about the change. In the end, the old account must be canceled. 

Stiftung Warentest "Do not forget that: also advises account changes must also be reported to your employer, landlord, electricity providers and the telecommunications provider." Since many consider a bank change to be risky and complicated, the old and new banks have been obliged to cooperate with each other since 2016 . 

This means that the future bank is obliged to inform all of the customer's payment partners about the change.

We tested 19 banking apps for Android and iOS, respectively. Four apps each perform well, the app Revolut came in last. There is an all-clear in terms of security, all apps are comprehensively protected against external attacks. https://t.co/7AUZrxcvK8 pic.twitter.com/ZsxYYfCrvS

Account change: Banks are obliged to support customers

In addition, both banks are liable if damage occurs as a result of the bank change . The test also showed that there is another way. 

So in some need banks , the customer , for a similar service to scroll as with the cheaper models, up to 250 euros a year. According to the Stiftung Warentest , the bank should definitely be changed.

For many bank customers one is ATM very important in their vicinity. In order not to fall into a cost trap, however, money should only be withdrawn from ATMs belonging to your own banking group .

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The leader with most ATMs in Germany is the Sparkassengruppe with 23,600 ATMs. Followed by the Volksbank Raiffeisen banks , the CashGroup and the Cash Pool group. 

The bottom of the list are the ING banks with only 1,200 ATMs nationwide. Casi

* RUHR24.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.