Expatrio vs Fintiba
The two blocked account providers you can open in 2026, compared on fees, speed, and features. We also explain why Deutsche Bank and Coracle are no longer options for new students.
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Setup and Fees
| Criteria | Expatrio | Fintiba |
|---|---|---|
| Setup fee | €89 | €159 |
| Monthly account fee | €5/month | €9.90/month |
| Confirmation speed | 1-3 business days | Around 24 hours |
| Total first-year cost | ~€149 | ~€277.80 |
Account Features
| Criteria | Expatrio | Fintiba |
|---|---|---|
| Online setup | Yes, fully online (video verification) | Yes, fully online (video verification) |
| Free German bank account | Yes, included | Not included; needs a separate account for payouts |
| Bundled health insurance | Yes, free cover up to €953 (under 30, public-uni) | Optional (Fintiba Plus) |
| Debit card | Virtual + physical Mastercard | Virtual Mastercard |
| Monthly withdrawal | €992/month (1/12 of €11,904) | €992/month |
Visa and Embassy
| Criteria | Expatrio | Fintiba |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy acceptance | Accepted at all German missions | Accepted at all German missions |
| Confirmation document | Issued after deposit is confirmed | Same or next day after deposit |
| Deposit amount (2026) | €11,904/year | €11,904/year |
| Refund if visa rejected | Full fee refund | Refund per provider terms |
Eligibility and Support
| Criteria | Expatrio | Fintiba |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants under 18 | Not supported | Supported |
| US citizens / US tax residents | Supported | Not supported |
| English support | Full English support | Full English support |
| Best for | Most students (cheapest, all-in-one) | Tight timelines, under-18, US-resident edge cases |
One owner, two brands
Expatrio and Fintiba are no longer rival companies. Following a 2025 merger, both sit under CHAPTERS Group (Fintiba also acquired Coracle in December 2024). The choice between them is about packaging, price, and speed, not corporate independence or safety. Your deposit is held at a regulated partner bank in every case.
Options that are no longer available
- Deutsche Bank: discontinued blocked accounts for new international students and now serves existing customers only. It required an in-person branch visit, which never suited applicants abroad.
- Coracle: paused new applications in August 2025 with no reopening date, and was acquired by Fintiba in December 2024. Do not rely on it for a current application.
The Verdict
For most international students, Expatrio is the best overall choice: the lowest fees, a free German bank account and insurance bundled in, and a full refund if your visa is rejected. Choose Fintiba when your visa appointment is only days away (it confirms in around 24 hours), if the applicant is under 18, or if Expatrio does not fit your case. Deutsche Bank and Coracle are not options for new students in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and why do I need one?
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 (€992 per month for 12 months), and only €992 is released each month. It is mandatory for the student visa application at German missions.
Which blocked account providers can I actually open in 2026?
Expatrio and Fintiba are the two providers a new student can open today. Deutsche Bank no longer offers blocked accounts to new international students, and Coracle paused new applications in August 2025, so neither is a usable option for a fresh visa application.
Is Deutsche Bank still an option for a blocked account?
No. Deutsche Bank discontinued blocked accounts for new international students years ago and now serves only existing customers. Use Expatrio or Fintiba instead, both of which open fully online from abroad.
What happened to Coracle?
Coracle paused new applications in August 2025 with no reopening date announced, and it was acquired by Fintiba in December 2024. It is not accepting new accounts, so it should not be relied on for a current visa application.
Which is cheaper overall, Expatrio or Fintiba?
Expatrio is cheaper: €89 setup plus €5 per month works out to about €149 for the first year. Fintiba is €159 setup plus €9.90 per month, about €277.80 for the first year. Fintiba is the faster option, confirming in around 24 hours.
Are Expatrio and Fintiba independent competitors?
Not anymore. Both are now part of CHAPTERS Group following a 2025 merger, so they are two brands under one owner rather than rival companies. For a student the real differences are packaging, price, and speed. Your funds are held at regulated partner banks either way.
Can I open a blocked account from outside Germany?
Yes. Both Expatrio and Fintiba let you open the account fully online from anywhere using video verification, so you can complete it before you travel for your visa appointment.
Is the deposit amount the same for both providers?
Yes. The deposit amount is set by the German government, not the provider. For 2026 it is €11,904 (€992 for 12 months). The difference between providers is only setup fees, monthly charges, speed, and bundled services.
Not Sure Which Provider to Choose?
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