Banks refuse "citizen account" - despite clear legal situation

Consumer advocates criticize unlawful practice / Every citizen is entitled to a basic account

Karlsfeld - In Germany, every consumer has a legal right to a so-called basic account ("B�rgerkonto"). Despite this, those affected repeatedly report that banks refuse to open an account for them - often citing poor credit ratings or internal decisions. Consumer advocates speak of an "unlawful practice" that pushes many people into financial hardship.

"The basic account is an enforceable right - not a favour from the bank," emphasizes consumer expert Johann Tillich from the Verein f�r Existenzsicherung (VfE). "Anyone who needs an account must not be excluded. Without an account, social participation is practically impossible."

Law obliges all banks

The Payment Accounts Act (ZKG) obliges all banks that offer payment accounts for private customers to also provide a basic account - from savings banks and cooperative banks to major banks and direct banks. The account must enable basic functions such as transfers, standing orders, direct debits and cash supply. Only an overdraft facility does not have to be granted.

Rejection only in exceptional cases

According to Section 15 ZKG, a rejection is only permitted in very limited cases - for example, if the applicant already has a functioning account, cannot present valid identification documents or has committed a criminal offense to the detriment of the bank in the past three years. A negative Schufa credit report is expressly not a reason for refusal.

"If banks refuse loans on the basis of creditworthiness or internal guidelines, they are breaking the law," explains Tillich. "This is not only unfair, but also open to attack."

BaFin can order the opening of an account

If an application is rejected, the bank must justify this in writing within ten business days. Consumers can then contact BaFin, which will examine the matter free of charge and can order an account to be opened. If the bank persists, there is a risk of fines.

A lawsuit is also possible. If you win, the bank will reimburse all legal fees and court costs. Advice and legal aid is available for people on low incomes.

Those affected feel marginalized

People who are already on the margins of society are hit particularly hard. "I asked three banks - they all said no," reports 42-year-old Markus L. from Berlin. "Without an account, I couldn't start my job or pay my rent. I felt like a second-class person."

Background

The basic account was introduced in 2016 to give all citizens access to cashless payment transactions - regardless of income, credit rating or residency status. It is considered a key prerequisite for social participation.

Verein f�r Existenzsicherung e. V.
Hermann-L�ns-Str. 14
85757 Karl
Germany

https://vfe-schuldenberatung.de/

Herr Johann Tillich
0813193298

johann.tillich@vfe.de

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This release was published on openPR.