Banking Fees Rise in Germany in 2025 Amid Growing Economic Pressures

A recent survey conducted by Verivox in March 2025 revealed that 25% of bank customers in Germany have noticed increases in checking account fees, new card issuance charges, or ATM withdrawal fees—signaling a growing trend toward imposing additional costs on basic banking services

While half of customers still enjoy free banking services or pay annual fees of less than €50, this proportion may shift as banks continue adjusting their fee structures to cope with mounting economic challenges

These fee increases come amid a complex economic environment, as German banks face pressure on profit margins due to rising operational costs and a slowdown in economic growth. Banks are preparing for a potential deterioration in asset quality, particularly within consumer loan portfolios, which could lead to tighter lending standards and higher 

service fees as compensation for increased risk

Additionally, a report by consulting firm Oliver Wyman in March 2025 warned that German banks may experience a decline in short-term returns due to falling revenues and rising expenses, prompting them to seek alternative income sources such as service fee hikes

It is worth noting that in 2021, Germany’s Federal Court of Justice enforced stricter rules requiring banks to obtain explicit customer consent before changing terms and conditions, including fee increases. However, banks now appear to be leveraging this regulatory flexibility to pass some of their operational costs onto customers, given the current economic climate