Blocked Account Comparison in Germany: Expatrio vs. Fintiba
Published on the Kommonplace Germany| Category: Blocked Accounts in Germany
Quick Summary: A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a mandatory requirement for most non-EU international students applying for a German student visa. This guide compares the two leading providers — Expatrio and Fintiba — covering requirements, setup steps, fees, monthly payouts, and which provider may suit you best.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Blocked Account in Germany?
- Who Needs a Blocked Account?
- Step-by-Step: How to Open a Blocked Account
- Blocked Account Requirements
- Expatrio vs. Fintiba: Full Comparison
- Service Charges & Fees Compared
- Monthly Payout & Deposit Amount
- Additional Benefits & Offers
- Which Provider Is Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Resources on Kommonplace
What Is a Blocked Account in Germany?
A blocked account (Sperrkonto in German) is a special type of bank account required by German immigration authorities to prove that international students have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses while studying in Germany.
The German government requires that you deposit a set minimum amount currently €11,904 per year (2024/2025), which equals €992 per month into this account before your visa can be approved. The funds are then “blocked” and released to you in monthly instalments once you arrive in Germany.
🔗 Browse all Blocked Account providers in our Germany Directory to find verified, student-trusted options.
The blocked account serves as financial proof assurance to the German Embassy or Consulate that you can support yourself without relying on public funds.
Who Needs a Blocked Account?
You need a blocked account if you are:
- A non-EU/EEA student applying for a German student visa (National Visa, Type D)
- An applicant at a German Embassy or Consulate requiring proof of financial resources
- A student planning to study at a German university or Hochschule
You may not need one if you:
- Are an EU/EEA citizen (free movement rights apply)
- Have a scholarship (e.g., DAAD, Erasmus+) that covers your living costs fully
- Can provide an official sponsorship letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a German resident
🔗 See our full guide: Financial Requirements for Studying in Germany
Step-by-Step: How to Open a Blocked Account
Opening a blocked account is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough applicable to both Expatrio and Fintiba:
Step 1 — Choose Your Provider
Compare Expatrio and Fintiba (see full comparison below) and decide which best fits your needs based on fees, speed, and additional services.
Step 2 — Register Online
Visit the provider’s website and create an account using your email address and personal details (name, nationality, date of birth, passport number).
Step 3 — Submit Identity Verification (KYC)
Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This is done entirely online via video identification (VideoIdent) or by uploading your passport/ID documents. No branch visit required.
Step 4 — Receive Your Account Details
Once your identity is verified, you will receive your German IBAN and blocked account details — usually within 1–5 business days.
Step 5 — Transfer the Required Funds
Transfer the minimum required amount (€11,904 for 2024/2025) from your home country bank account into your new blocked account. International bank transfers may take 3–7 business days.
Step 6 — Receive Your Confirmation Letter
Once funds are received and confirmed, the provider issues an official confirmation letter (Kontosperrungsbestätigung). This is the document you submit to the German Embassy as proof of funds.
Step 7 — Submit to the Embassy
Include the confirmation letter in your student visa application package.
Step 8 — Arrive in Germany & Unlock Monthly Payouts
After arriving in Germany, activate your account with the provider. Your funds will be released in monthly instalments directly to your German bank account.
Blocked Account Requirements
Before you apply, make sure you have the following ready:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for the full duration of your intended stay |
| University Admission Letter | Proof of enrolment or conditional offer from a German university |
| Minimum Deposit Amount | €11,904 (as of 2024/2025, set by the German Foreign Office) |
| Personal Details | Full name, date of birth, nationality, home address |
| Email Address | For account registration and communication |
| Source of Funds | Ability to transfer funds from a bank account in your home country |
| Video Identification | Online ID verification via webcam (passport or national ID) |
⚠️ Important: The required deposit amount is reviewed annually by the German Foreign Office. Always verify the current figure at the official DAAD website or your German Embassy before applying.
Expatrio vs. Fintiba: Full Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the two most popular blocked account providers for international students in Germany.
| Feature | Expatrio | Fintiba |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany | Cologne, Germany |
| Regulated by | BaFin (via partner bank Sutor Bank) | BaFin (via partner bank Bankhaus von der Heydt) |
| Account Type | Blocked account (Sperrkonto) | Blocked account (Sperrkonto) |
| Minimum Deposit | €11,904 | €11,904 |
| Setup Fee | €89 (one-time) | €89 (one-time) |
| Monthly Fee | €4.90/month | €4.90/month |
| Identity Verification | Online (VideoIdent / IDnow) | Online (VideoIdent / IDnow) |
| Languages Supported | English, German | English, German |
| Account Opening Time | 1–3 business days | 1–5 business days |
| Confirmation Letter | Digital + physical | Digital + physical |
| Monthly Payout | €992/month (2024/25) | €992/month (2024/25) |
| Health Insurance Add-on | ✅ Yes (Expatrio Health) | ✅ Yes (via partners) |
| Student Discounts | ✅ Available via partner network | ✅ Available via partner network |
| Mobile App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Customer Support | Email + Live Chat | Email + Live Chat |
| Free German Bank Account | ✅ Yes (via partners) | ✅ Yes (via Fintiba basic account) |
| IBAN Issued | German IBAN | German IBAN |
| Visa Rejection Refund | ✅ Full refund of deposit | ✅ Full refund of deposit |
Service Charges & Fees Compared
Understanding the full cost of opening a blocked account helps you budget correctly before arriving in Germany.
| Fee Type | Expatrio | Fintiba |
|---|---|---|
| One-time Setup Fee | €89 | €89 |
| Monthly Management Fee | €4.90/month | €4.90/month |
| Annual Fee (12 months) | €58.80 | €58.80 |
| Total Cost (1 year) | ~€147.80 | ~€147.80 |
| Transfer Fee (incoming) | Free | Free |
| Transfer Fee (outgoing payout) | Free | Free |
| Early Closure Fee | None (if visa refused) | None (if visa refused) |
| Visa Refusal Refund | ✅ Full deposit refunded | ✅ Full deposit refunded |
| Health Insurance (optional) | From ~€34/month | Varies by partner |
💡 Tip: Both providers charge the same base fee structure. Where they differ is in the bundled services and partner offers which can make one provider significantly more cost-effective depending on your situation. 🔗 Compare all student financial services in Germany
Monthly Payout & Deposit Amount
The monthly payout is determined by the German Foreign Office and updated annually. Here is how it works:
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Deposit Required (2024/25) | €11,904 |
| Monthly Payout | €992/month |
| Payout Frequency | Once per month |
| Payout Method | Transfer to your German bank account |
| Payout Start | After arrival and account activation in Germany |
| Duration | 12 months (renewable if studies continue) |
Both Expatrio and Fintiba follow the same payout schedule set by German law. You cannot withdraw more than €992 per month regardless of the total balance in your account.
Additional Benefits & Offers
Beyond the core blocked account, both providers offer valuable add-ons that can simplify your move to Germany.
Expatrio
- 🏥 Expatrio Health Insurance — Public health insurance designed for students, directly integrated into the platform. Simplifies the process of getting the mandatory health insurance required for university enrolment.
- 🏦 Free German Bank Account — Partnership with German banks to open a free current account alongside your blocked account.
- 💼 Expatrio Premium Bundle — Combines blocked account + health insurance at a discounted rate.
- 🎓 Student Discount Network — Access to discounts on accommodation, transport, and services across Germany.
- 📱 Mobile App — Manage your account, track monthly payouts, and upload documents digitally.
Fintiba
- 🏥 Health Insurance Partnership — Connects students with accredited German health insurance providers.
- 🏦 Fintiba Basic Account — A free German bank account that can be opened alongside your blocked account, useful for day-to-day expenses in Germany.
- 📋 Fintiba Step — A guided onboarding service that walks you through every step of your move to Germany, from visa to registration.
- 🌍 International Transfer Support — Guidance on how to send funds from different countries without losing money on exchange rates.
- 🤝 University Partnerships — Fintiba works directly with several German universities to streamline the verification process.
Which Provider Is Right for You?
Both Expatrio and Fintiba are reputable, BaFin-regulated providers with nearly identical fee structures. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
| Scenario | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|
| You want health insurance bundled with your blocked account | Expatrio (Premium Bundle) |
| You want guided step-by-step onboarding support | Fintiba (Fintiba Step) |
| You need the fastest account setup | Expatrio (1–3 days avg.) |
| You want a free German current account included | Either (both offer this) |
| You’re applying from a country with slow international transfers | Fintiba (strong transfer guidance) |
| You want the best student discount network | Expatrio |
| You have a university that partners with a provider | Check your university’s recommendation |
🔗 Ready to apply? Browse verified providers in our Blocked Accounts Germany Directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any bank account as a blocked account? No. A blocked account must be opened with an approved provider. Regular bank accounts do not qualify for visa purposes.
Q: What happens if my visa is refused? Both Expatrio and Fintiba offer a full refund of your deposited amount (€11,904) in the event of a visa refusal. Service fees are non-refundable.
Q: How long does it take to open a blocked account? Typically 1–5 business days from completing identity verification. The most common delay is the international bank transfer arriving in the account.
Q: Can I access all my money at once after arriving in Germany? No. Funds are released in monthly instalments of €992. This is a legal requirement, not a provider policy.
Q: Is the deposit amount the same for everyone? Yes — the minimum amount is set by the German Foreign Office and is the same for all nationalities. In 2024/2025 it is €11,904.
Q: Do I need a blocked account if I have a scholarship? It depends on the scholarship. Full scholarships that cover all living expenses may exempt you, but you must provide official documentation. Check with your German Embassy.
Q: Can I open a blocked account before I receive my university admission? Some providers allow you to start the process, but you will typically need at least a conditional offer letter before the account is fully activated.
Related Resources on Kommonplace
🔗 Blocked Accounts in Germany — Full Directory 🔗 Health Insurance for International Students in Germany 🔗 How to Apply for a German Student Visa 🔗 Cost of Living in Germany for Students 🔗 Opening a German Bank Account as an International Student 🔗 Find Universities in Germany — Kommonplace Directory
References & Sources
- German Foreign Office — Financial Requirements for Student Visa: auswaertiges-amt.de
- DAAD — Proof of Financial Resources: daad.de
- Expatrio Official Website: expatrio.com
- Fintiba Official Website: fintiba.com
- BaFin — Federal Financial Supervisory Authority: bafin.de
- Make it in Germany — Blocked Account Guide: make-it-in-germany.com
This article is part of the Kommonplace Germany Directory — your all-in-one platform for living, studying, and thriving in Germany. For Internationals. By Experience.
Last updated: July 2026