Be careful when choosing your checking account! The Italian expression prendere in giro means something like “to lead someone by the nose”. So that this doesn't happen to you, we have compared the most attractive student offers from the best-known German banks for you. All big, all safe, all basically okay - and yet there are small but very important differences that you should know before you choose a provider. Students in particular often have to turn over every cent twice.

A checking account – why, why, why?

Are you one of those people who are happy to be able to leave the annoying topic of finances to mom and dad? Understandable – money matters cause displeasure and aversion for many people. But don't worry: today we'll give you a compact overview of the topic. Based on this, you can easily choose the account that suits you perfectly.

First, a few general facts about checking accounts : A checking account is primarily used to process day-to-day payment transactions. You can use it e.g. B. deposit and withdraw cash, receive salary and BAföG payments, make transfers and direct debits and set up standing orders. And with many providers, they sometimes go into the red when there is a need.

Account, open! This is how you get the benefits for students

To open a student account , you usually have to meet two requirements:

1. Study. You must prove your student status with a certificate of enrollment. The bank can request proof again later.
2. To be young. A bit unfair, but that's how the banks do it: a maximum age limit is often specified, which is usually between 25 and 30 years.

You can open the account either in the branch or online. All you need to bring to the branch is your ID card . On the Internet, legitimation is carried out using the Postident procedure , which is carried out free of charge in a post office. Once the formalities have been completed, it will take a maximum of a few days until you can use your account.

If you no longer need your checking account, you can cancel it at any time. The law stipulates that the notice period may not be more than one month. And only if this was explicitly agreed upon in advance.

Account instead of piggy bank – this is how it works!

With current accounts for students, account management is almost always completely free. In addition, you should pay particular attention to the following points:

• Free of charge : Not only should account management be free, but also cash access. It is ideal if neither a minimum balance nor a regular monthly receipt of money is required.
• Flexible banking : Pure online banks, so-called direct banks, do not offer branch services. You can make cash deposits at a third-party bank, but these are subject to a fee. Saving tip: At the Deutsche Bundesbank, the deposit service only costs €1!
• Interest on balances : A checking account is not a savings account. As a rule, your balance will either not earn any interest at all or will only earn very little interest. However, even a credit interest rate of less than 1% can pay off in the long term.
• Low overdraft interest rates : Students usually only have the option of overdrafting their accounts if they can demonstrate a regular income, e.g. B. a part-time job. If you suspect that you will end up in the red, you should make sure that the overdraft interest is in the single digits, i.e. less than 10%.
• Free debit and credit card : Necessary and practical for withdrawing money and paying. You especially need a credit card when shopping online or abroad. Since students usually do not have a high income, the credit limit is within a manageable range, usually less than €1,000.
• Easy cash withdrawal : If you live in a big city, the number of ATMs where you can withdraw money for free is certainly sufficient. A comprehensive vending machine structure is also a great advantage when staying abroad.
• Extras : In order to attract students at an early stage, many financial institutions entice students with attractive bonus offers, from free starting credit to additional cash cards.

Under the microscope: the small print

To save you the tedious work of comparing, we have meticulously analyzed the top ten student accounts and compared them based on the criteria mentioned above. * Simply click on the table above for a larger view. You can also find our personal recommendation here.

allmaxx recommends: Postbank Giro plus

And the winner is… the Postbank account Giro plus ! The €100 starting credit is simply unbeatable. It is available until the end of the year for all students aged 22 and over. Postbank offers the advisory expertise of a branch bank combined with the convenience of online and telephone banking. Additional goodies such as: B. a free daily money account or fuel discounts at Shell make the decision easier. You can find an overview of all the advantages here .

Finally, a tip . As untempting as it may seem, before you decide on a financial institution, you should carefully examine the individual offers. Rates are changed frequently by banks. An offer that seems particularly attractive today may only be valid with restrictions tomorrow and will then only be in the middle range.