Overdraft interest

Dispozinsen (overdraft interest) are the costs of overdrawing your current account (arranged overdraft). They are among the most expensive interest rates of all.

Typical overdraft interest in Germany (2026):

• Sparkasse: 12–15%
• Volksbank: 11–14%
• Commerzbank: 12–13%
• ING: 7–8%
• DKB: 8–10%

For comparison:

• Instalment loan: 3–7%
• Mortgage: 3–4%
• Overnight money (you receive): 2–3%

Sample calculation: €2,000 in overdraft at 13% interest = €260 interest per year = €21.67 per month. For NOTHING.

What to do if you're stuck in your overdraft?

✅ Refinance immediately with an instalment loan (5–7% instead of 13%)
✅ Review your budget: where can you cut spending?
✅ Have the bank lower your overdraft limit (reduces temptation)