Last verified: 4 September 2026
Every non-EU student needs a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to prove they can fund their first year in Germany. In 2026 the required deposit is €11,904, released at €992/month after arrival. This guide compares the active providers so you can pick the right one for your country, budget and timeline.
⚠️ Verify fees before you pay. Provider setup and monthly fees change often and differ by package and promotion. The figures below reflect commonly cited 2026 pricing, but your checkout total is the only figure that counts. Always confirm the required amount and accepted providers on your German mission’s official website before transferring money.
The 2026 Required Amount (This Part Is Fixed)
| Visa type | Monthly | Annual deposit | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa (§16b) | €992 | €11,904 | BAföG federal standard |
| Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) | €1,091 | €13,092 | Higher job-seeker rate |
| Language / prep course visa | €992 | €11,904 | Same as student |
Provider Status in 2026 — Read This First
| Provider | Status for new applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Expatrio | ✅ ACTIVE | Fully open worldwide. |
| Fintiba | ✅ ACTIVE | Oldest provider; instant card confirmation. Excludes US citizens (FATCA). |
| Coracle | ⏸️ PAUSED | Paused new applications since Aug 2025 — verify coracle.de first. |
| Deutsche Bank | ⛔ DISCONTINUED | Stopped offering blocked accounts in 2022. |
Full Comparison Table (2026)
| Feature | Expatrio | Fintiba | Coracle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status (new apps) | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | ⏸️ Paused |
| Setup / opening fee | ≈ €49–€119* | ≈ €89–€159* | ≈ €89–€99 (when open) |
| Monthly fee | €0–€5* | ≈ €4.90–€9.90* | €0 |
| Buffer deposit (refunded) | ≈ €100 | ≈ €100 | ≈ €80 |
| Setup time (after funds arrive) | ~1–5 business days | Instant (card) / 2–4 days (wire) | ~1–7 days (when open) |
| Country support | Very broad (190+) | Broad (100+), no US citizens | Broad (when open) |
| German IBAN provided | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Free German current account | ✔️ Yes (bundled) | ✖️ No (basic tier) | ✖️ No |
| Health insurance bundle | ✔️ Yes (public + private) | ✔️ Yes (in Plus) | Optional add-on |
| Mobile app | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ✖️ Web only |
| Accepts under-18s | Check current terms | ✔️ Yes (parental consent) | Check terms |
| Visa-rejection refund | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | Confirm terms |
| Embassy acceptance | ✔️ Worldwide | ✔️ Worldwide | ✔️ Worldwide |
Which Provider Should You Choose?
💰 Cheapest total cost → Expatrio
Lowest setup fee and often €0 monthly on the Value Package, with a bundled current account and insurance. Best all-in-one option for most self-funded students from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Bangladesh.
⚡ Fastest / last-minute → Fintiba
Instant confirmation by credit card and the highest embassy name-recognition. Ideal if your appointment is close. Note: it does not accept US citizens.
🇺🇸 US citizens → Expatrio
Fintiba excludes US citizens under FATCA, so Expatrio is the practical choice.
⏸️ Coracle
Historically the low-cost, no-monthly-fee option, but paused for new applications since August 2025. Only consider it if it has reopened — verify on coracle.de first.
How to Open a Blocked Account — Step by Step
- Confirm the current amount (€11,904 for a student visa in 2026) on your German embassy’s website.
- Choose an active provider — Expatrio or Fintiba — and start the online application from your home country.
- Upload your documents: passport, and admission letter or application proof.
- Transfer €12,000–€12,100 so wire and FX fees don’t drop the arriving balance below €11,904. Use a low-cost transfer service, not a standard bank wire.
- Receive your blocking confirmation (Sperrbestätigung) — usually within days of the money arriving.
- Submit the confirmation with your visa application at the embassy or via the Consular Services Portal.
- After arrival: register your address (Anmeldung), activate the account, link a German current account, and receive €992/month for 12 months.
💡 Insider tip: Your first monthly €992 can take 2–3 weeks to release while your address registration is verified. Bring €1,500–€2,000 in unblocked cash to cover your first month in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need in 2026?
€11,904 for a student visa (€992/month), or €13,092 for the Chancenkarte (€1,091/month).
Which providers actually work right now?
Expatrio and Fintiba are fully active. Coracle is paused; Deutsche Bank exited in 2022.
Do I get my money back if the visa is rejected?
Yes — the deposit is refunded. Refund speed and terms differ by provider, so check before transferring.
How much extra should I send for fees?
Transfer €12,000–€12,100 so international fees don’t push the arriving balance below the €11,904 minimum.
Are all providers accepted by every German embassy?
Yes. Embassies check the amount, name match and a valid confirmation — they don’t rank brands.
Disclaimer: Blocked-account amounts and provider fees are set externally and change over time. We verify figures at the date shown above but cannot guarantee they are current when you read this. Always confirm the required amount and accepted providers on the official website of the German mission for your country before transferring any money. Informational only — not financial or immigration advice.
