The Local Germany

Sparkasse to take on Google Pay with new app

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 17:56:10 +0200

Germany's huge network of public sector Sparkassen savings banks will on Monday launch its own mobile payment app, taking on Google Pay in a country where cash is still king.

Banks can keep addressing women as men, high court rules

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 10:34:54 +0100

Germany’s highest court in Karlsruhe on Tuesday ruled that women do not have to be addressed in forms as females.

Sparkasse banks start charging own customers for withdrawals

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 11:55:57 +0200

For many foreigners new to Germany, it’s annoying enough to be charged for withdrawing cash at any ATM. But paying to take money out at your own bank seems a step too far.

Bank ejects Muslim woman over full-face veil

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:20:40 +0100

The case of a woman who was not allowed to enter a Sparkasse bank branch because of her face-covering niqab has sparked debate in western Germany.

Sparkasse ATMs out of action in western states

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 15:13:11 +0200

ATMs at Germany's publicly-owned Sparkasse banks in south and west Germany are refusing to provide customers with cash and bank statements on Friday due to a problem at one of the group's computer centres.

Banks jack up ATM fees for non-customers

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:33:18 +0200

Germany's big private banks are increasing fees for customers at other financial institutions to withdraw cash from their ATMs, making ordinary people pay the price for a bankers' spat.

Banks test touch-free payment cards

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:50:00 +0100

Germany’s Sparkasse group of banks is testing a new touch-free payment system that promises to revolutionise the way regular people do their everyday shopping.

Banks lower ATM fees

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:55:00 +0200

Several German banks have lowered their ATM charges for withdrawing money from rivals' accounts, following government intervention.

ATM charges still too high, consumer groups say

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:21:00 +0100

Consumer groups insist ATM fees have not fallen far enough despite regulations brought in two weeks ago to combat fees that had soared as high as €10 per withdrawal.

Hamburg bank made customer psych profiles

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:21:00 +0100

A Hamburg savings bank came under fire Thursday for creating psychological profiles of its customers labelling them as financial "hedonists" or "disciplinarians," according to a media report.

Sparkasse announces refunds for 2010 glitch

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:14:00 +0100

Shoppers hit by a "Year 2010" computer bug that has rendered their bank cards useless will be compensated for any fees accrued through alternative payment, the German Savings Bank Association (DSGV) told daily Bild on Friday.

German investors flee to Sparkasse safety

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:41:00 +0200

Germans are moving their nest eggs to the safety of state-owned banks, despite Chancellor Angela Merkel's pledge this week to guarantee all savings and current accounts.