ING-DiBa Germany: Complete Guide to One of Germany's Most Popular Direct Banks

ING-DiBa Germany: A Direct Bank Built for Modern Life

With over nine million customers, ING-DiBa is one of the largest and most recognisable direct banks in Germany. Operating entirely without a traditional branch network, it has built its reputation on straightforward products, competitive interest rates, and a digital-first experience that appeals to students, professionals, and families alike. If you are weighing your banking options in Germany, ING-DiBa deserves a close look — and this guide covers everything you need to know.

Who Is ING-DiBa?

ING-DiBa is the German subsidiary of the Dutch ING Group, one of Europe's largest financial institutions. In Germany, the bank operates under the ING brand and is fully licensed and regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). Deposits are protected up to €100,000 per customer under the German statutory deposit guarantee scheme, with additional protection through the private banks' deposit insurance fund.

Unlike traditional German banks such as the savings bank (Sparkasse) network or major institutions like Commerzbank, ING-DiBa has no physical branches. All banking is handled through its website and mobile app, supported by a customer service hotline and chat function. This lean model allows the bank to keep costs low and pass savings on to customers through fee-free accounts and better interest rates.

The Girokonto: Germany's Most Popular Free Current Account

The centrepiece of ING-DiBa's offering is its Girokonto (current account), which comes with no monthly maintenance fee under a straightforward condition: you must receive a monthly incoming payment — typically your salary or pension — to keep the account free of charge. If no incoming payment is recorded in a given month, a small monthly fee applies.

What the Girokonto Includes

• Free Visa debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals in Germany and abroad
• Free cash withdrawals at over 1,300 ATMs across Germany via the ING ATM network
• Free cash withdrawals worldwide in euros and foreign currencies (subject to fair-use limits)
• Real-time push notifications for every transaction via the mobile app
• Apple Pay and Google Pay compatibility
• Free SEPA transfers and standing orders
• A digital sub-account feature called Extra-Konto to separate savings goals

The no-fee structure makes ING-DiBa's Girokonto especially attractive for those who receive a regular salary. Compared to many traditional German banks that charge between €5 and €15 per month for a basic current account, the savings over a year are meaningful.

Savings Products: Extra-Konto and Fixed-Term Deposits

ING-DiBa has long been associated with competitive savings rates, particularly through its Extra-Konto — a flexible, no-notice savings account that can be opened alongside the Girokonto or as a standalone product.

Extra-Konto (Tagesgeld)

The Extra-Konto is a call money account (Tagesgeld), meaning your funds remain accessible at any time with no fixed term. The interest rate fluctuates in line with European Central Bank policy and is reviewed regularly. ING-DiBa periodically offers new customers an introductory bonus rate for the first few months, after which the standard variable rate applies. While rates change with market conditions, ING-DiBa has historically offered rates competitive with or above those available at traditional branch-based banks.

Festgeld (Fixed-Term Deposits)

For customers who do not need immediate access to their savings, ING-DiBa offers Festgeld accounts with terms typically ranging from three months to five years. Locking in funds for longer periods generally offers a higher rate, and the minimum deposit is accessible to most savers. This product suits those with a lump sum they can set aside without touching it for a defined period.

Investing with ING-DiBa: ETFs and Securities

ING-DiBa goes beyond basic banking by offering a full securities account (Wertpapierdepot), giving customers access to shares, bonds, funds, and ETFs directly within their banking relationship.

ING-DiBa ETF Savings Plans

One of the most popular features among younger, cost-conscious investors is the bank's ETF savings plan (ETF-Sparplan). Customers can set up automatic monthly investments into a wide range of ETFs starting from as little as €1 per month, making it one of the most accessible entry points into passive investing in Germany. Many popular index-tracking ETFs are available with no execution fee for the savings plan — an important advantage for long-term investors focused on minimising costs. If you are new to this approach, our guide on ETF vs Index Funds provides a helpful foundation before you start.

Standalone Stock and Fund Trading

Outside of savings plans, ING-DiBa offers flat-rate trading commissions for individual share and fund purchases, which are competitive among German online brokers. The platform integrates directly with the current account, making fund transfers seamless and giving investors a consolidated view of their finances in one place.

ING-DiBa Mortgage and Credit Products

Beyond savings and investments, ING-DiBa is also a notable player in German mortgage lending (Baufinanzierung). The bank offers fixed-rate home loans at competitive rates with flexible repayment options. Mortgage applications can be initiated online, and the bank uses a combination of digital tools and telephone advisers to guide applicants through the process — a model that works well for borrowers who are comfortable managing the process remotely.

For short-term credit needs, ING-DiBa offers an unsecured personal loan (Ratenkredit) with fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms. The application is fully digital, with a credit decision often delivered quickly. Unlike some providers, ING-DiBa publishes representative APR examples clearly — making it easier to compare costs before committing.

The ING App: Digital Experience in Practice

The ING mobile app is one of the bank's strongest selling points. It is consistently rated highly in the German App Store and Google Play, praised for its clean interface and breadth of features. Through the app you can:

• View all accounts, savings, and investment portfolios in one place
• Set spending limits and manage card settings
• Initiate transfers, manage standing orders, and view transaction history
• Access documents and tax certificates digitally
• Open new products without paperwork

Account opening is conducted entirely online using the VideoIdent process (video-based identity verification), meaning you can become a customer without visiting a branch or posting any documents. This makes it especially convenient for expatriates and new arrivals in Germany. For context on how ING-DiBa compares to other digital-first options, see our review of DKB Bank, another strong contender in Germany's online banking space.

Fees, Limits, and What to Watch Out For

ING-DiBa is largely transparent about its fee structure, but there are a few things worth noting. The free ATM withdrawals abroad apply under fair-use conditions — excessive withdrawals of small amounts may attract attention. Additionally, while the debit card is free, the bank does not currently offer a credit card in the traditional revolving sense within its standard retail product range.

Customers who receive no monthly incoming payment will be charged a maintenance fee, so the free account model is most beneficial for those in regular employment, receiving a pension, or who arrange a recurring transfer to satisfy the condition.

Who Is ING-DiBa Best Suited For?

ING-DiBa works particularly well for:

• Salaried employees who want a free, full-featured current account with good app support
• Passive investors who want to start an ETF savings plan with minimal fees
• Savers looking for competitive call money or fixed-term deposit rates
• Digital-first users comfortable managing all banking remotely
• Mortgage seekers wanting competitive rates with a streamlined online process

It is less ideal for those who regularly need in-person banking services, require business banking, or want a traditional overdraft facility as a primary credit tool.

Final Verdict

ING-DiBa has earned its position as one of Germany's favourite direct banks through a combination of genuinely free products, solid digital infrastructure, and a broad range of services that cover day-to-day banking, saving, investing, and borrowing under one roof. Whether you are a newcomer to Germany exploring your banking options or an existing customer wondering if you can do better, ING-DiBa consistently ranks among the top choices for individuals who prioritise value, simplicity, and a well-designed digital experience.

For those exploring the wider German banking landscape, it is worth comparing ING-DiBa alongside other options. Our review of Deutsche Bank 24 provides a useful counterpoint for those who prefer the backing of a larger traditional institution with digital capabilities.