20.09.2024

The Ideal Current Account for Students: A Comprehensive Comparison

For students, the right current account is like a trusted companion on the path to graduation. It should be affordable, offer a free credit card, and have low interest rates. In this comparison, we will examine the best offers specifically designed for students’ needs, showing how these accounts not only simplify everyday life but also create financial margins. Discover which options provide the best conditions and how you can benefit from additional rewards.

Attractive Benefits: Free Account Management and Credit Cards for Students

Students use digital platforms for free account management and credit cards.

In the world of students, meeting financial needs is often a balancing act between studying and limited income. A fundamental need is to have the right current account, which is not only economical but also offers flexibility and modern features. Various options are available for students that stand out for free account management and credit cards without additional fees—decisive factors for better managing everyday finances.

Let’s start by taking a look at the N26 current account. It offers completely free management with no minimum deposit, ideal for those who cannot rely on a steady cash flow. The highlight is the free Mastercard debit card, enabling cost-free payments worldwide. Combined with an advanced banking app and support for Apple Pay and Google Pay, N26 positions itself as a leader in digital banking. However, students should consider the one-time shipping fee for the physical card.

Another interesting candidate is the Revolut current account, which also does not require a minimum deposit or a Schufa check. The combination of virtual and physical Visa cards allows for flexible use, facilitated by free withdrawals up to a certain monthly amount worldwide. Revolut also has the advantage of allowing the use of multiple currencies, which can be useful for traveling students. However, the lack of a physical card and limited free withdrawals are factors to consider.

The ING current account offers free access with a monthly entry of €1,000 or for students under 28 years. It comes with a free VISA debit card and enables convenient cash withdrawals at almost all ATMs in Germany. However, maintaining this advantage requires financial discipline, as failing to meet the conditions incurs a monthly fee.

In general, these accounts offer a solid foundation for financial flexibility in student life. The choice should fall on the account that best supports one’s individual lifestyle—whether through the use of modern payment platforms, international transactions, or the absence of credit checks. These options are, therefore, perfect companions on the path to financial independence during studies.

Rewards and Interest Rates: What Students Should Consider When Choosing Their Current Account

Students use digital platforms for free account management and credit cards.

The decision to open a new current account for students often means more than just safeguarding money. Especially during the study period, when the budget is limited, interest rates and rewards are particularly important factors in choosing the right account. In this section, we will tell you which banks offer attractive rewards and how they manage interest rates.

The N26 current account is highly sought after for its modern and paperless opening, as well as its virtual credit card. However, a significant disadvantage of this account is the high interest rate of 13.40% per annum. This can become particularly burdensome in cases where there is a need to overcome short-term financial difficulties. A point in its favor might be the free cash withdrawal worldwide, although without additional rewards for students, the offer remains somewhat dim.

Completely different is the Comdirect student account. With an interest rate between 9.40% and 13.90%, it remains flexible while also offering an attractive incentive in the form of a €50 reward for new customers. This money can be used as a helpful boost to the student budget. Furthermore, three free cash withdrawals per month worldwide are allowed, making this account interesting even for those who love to travel.

The DKB-Cash Student stands out for one of the lowest interest rates, at 8.68% per annum, making it particularly attractive for students who occasionally need a financial cushion. Even though no specific student reward is offered, the interest rate on the savings account of up to 1.75% could be a reason to consider this account.

However, many rewards are tied to conditions, such as in the case of the 1822direkt student current account. Here, a reward of €75 is offered until April 2025, but it is linked to certain conditions. The interest rate is 10.61%, in the mid-range.

Finally, BBBank offers up to €150 welcome bonus with its Visa DirectCard, if the requirements are met. Even though the bank does not offer an overdraft, the ability to withdraw cash worldwide without costs eases the budget of many students.

It is clear that comparing interest rates and rewards shows that for students it is useful to weigh their specific needs against the conditions offered by banks. Here, the student’s life situation often plays a fundamental role: do they need flexibility with short-term loans, or are rewards for everyday life more significant? These considerations should influence the choice of the most suitable student account.

Frequently asked questions

A suitable current account for students should be affordable, offer a free credit card, have low interest rates, and provide additional rewards. Modern features such as support for digital payments and virtual credit cards might also be beneficial.

Some recommended current accounts for students include the N26 account that offers free management with no minimum deposit, the Revolut account which lies in its flexibility with no Schufa check, and the ING account which is free with a monthly entry of €1,000 or for students under 28 years old.

Yes, many banks offer benefits such as rewards, low-interest rates, free account management, and free credit cards. Specific examples include Comdirect’s €50 reward for new customers, and DKB-Cash’s low-interest rate of 8.68% per annum.

There are a few potential drawbacks. For example, the N26 has a relatively high interest rate of 13.40% per annum, and many rewards for other banks are tied to certain conditions. Furthermore, the Revolut does not come with a physical card and has limited free withdrawals.

While these accounts are tailored for students, some features, like free account management, low-interest rates, and rewards, could be beneficial for others as well. However, certain features, such as no minimum deposit or income requirement, might be especially appealing for students with changing or unstable incomes.