Best Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for Internationals in Germany (2026)
A Sperrkonto (blocked account) is a special bank account required by German authorities to prove you can financially support yourself during your studies or stay. As of 2026, you must deposit at least €11,904 per year (€992/month). Each month, €992 is released for your living expenses. Three main providers serve this market: Expatrio, Fintiba, and Coracle — each with different fee structures and features.
Required: Before applying for a German student visa or residence permit
Filter by your situation
62% of international students chose Expatrio
3 providers found
Students who want a reliable, fully digital experience with health insurance bundling
Budget-conscious students who want the lowest total fees
Students who want the fastest possible account opening
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Cost Calculator
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€99.00
€99.00 setup + €0.00/mo
€147.80
€89.00 setup + €4.90/mo
€149.00
€89.00 setup + €5.00/mo
Save €50.00 over 12 months by choosing Coracle over Expatrio
12-Month Cost Comparison
Cumulative cost including setup fee + monthly fees
Coracle saves you €50 over 12 months compared to Expatrio.
Live Provider Status
Crowdsourced from 1704+ user reports
3.2d↓
Avg. processing
98.5%
Success rate
847
Reports
3.8d→
Avg. processing
97.2%
Success rate
623
Reports
5.1d↑
Avg. processing
95.8%
Success rate
234
Reports
Status data is crowdsourced and may not reflect every experience. Processing times vary by nationality and season.
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Ask the Community
Real answers from people who have been through it
How to Choose the Right Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
The biggest difference between Sperrkonto providers is the fee structure. Coracle charges €99 one-time with no monthly fees (€99 total/year). Fintiba charges €89 + €4.90/month (€147.80 total/year). Expatrio charges €89 + €5/month (€149 total/year). All three are accepted by every German embassy. If budget is your priority, Coracle wins. If you want the fastest setup, Fintiba opens accounts in minutes. If you want a health insurance bundle with cashback, Expatrio's Value Package is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much money do I need for a Sperrkonto in 2026?
- You need to deposit at least €11,904 per year (€992 per month × 12 months). This amount is set by the German government based on the BAföG rate. You will also need to add provider fees and a small buffer (€80-100) on top of this amount.
- Which Sperrkonto provider is the cheapest?
- Coracle is the cheapest over 12 months at €99 total (one-time fee, no monthly charges). Fintiba costs €147.80/year and Expatrio costs €149/year.
- How long does it take to open a Sperrkonto?
- Account opening takes minutes to hours online. However, full activation (including deposit verification) typically takes 3-5 business days. Fintiba is known for the fastest initial account creation.
- Can I get my money back if my visa is rejected?
- Yes. All three providers (Expatrio, Fintiba, Coracle) refund your blocked amount if your visa is rejected. Expatrio and Coracle also refund the setup fee. Fintiba does not refund the setup fee.
- Do I need to speak German to open a Sperrkonto?
- No. All three providers offer their entire process in English. No German language skills are required.