Expatrio vs Fintiba vs Deutsche Bank

A blocked account is a special bank account required by the German government to prove you can financially support yourself during your stay. For 2026, you must deposit €11,904 (equivalent to €992/month for 12 months). Only €992 is released each month. It is mandatory for the student visa application at German embassies.

Yes, with Expatrio and Fintiba you can open the account fully online from anywhere in the world using video verification. Deutsche Bank requires an in-person visit to a branch in Germany or a special appointment at some German embassies, making it impractical for most applicants abroad.

Deutsche Bank has the lowest total cost (no setup fee, €3.90/month). However, you need to be physically present to open the account. Among online providers, Expatrio is cheaper (€49 setup + €5/month = ~€109/year) compared to Fintiba (€89 setup + €4.90/month = ~€148/year).

Yes, but it involves closing one account and opening another, which can take several weeks. The remaining balance is transferred to your new provider. It is best to choose the right provider from the start to avoid the hassle and potential gap in monthly withdrawals.

Once your visa status changes (e.g., you get a work permit), you can request to close the blocked account and withdraw the remaining balance. The process takes 2–4 weeks depending on the provider. With Expatrio and Fintiba, you can also convert to a regular bank account.

Yes. The deposit amount is set by the German government, not the bank. For 2026, it is €11,904 (€992 x 12 months). All three providers require the same deposit. The difference is only in setup fees, monthly charges, and service quality.