When your bank wants to raise the fees on your current account, you usually receive a letter, an email or a note in your online banking inbox. Legally this is an amendment of the payment services framework contract, and fixed rules on notice, form and consent apply. If you know them, you can calmly decide whether to object, stay or switch accounts.
In short: If your bank amends your current account contract, section 675g(1) of the German Civil Code (BGB) requires it to offer the change at least two months before the proposed effective date. Silence counts as consent only if this has been agreed, and in that case you can terminate immediately before the change takes effect. The amount of an increase is stated in your bank’s notice. Last updated: November 2026.
Key points at a glance
- The bank must offer a contract change at least two months before it takes effect (section 675g(1) BGB).
- Consent by silence can apply only if it has been agreed (section 675g(2) BGB).
- If such a deemed-consent clause applies, you may terminate the contract without notice before the change takes effect.
- In the change offer the bank must point out the consequences of silence and your right to terminate free of charge and without notice.
- On 27 April 2021, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) declared clauses invalid that deem the customer’s consent given when bank terms are changed (XI ZR 26/20).
- If you want to switch, the Payment Accounts Act gives you a right to support through the account switching service.
How do I recognise a fee change?
The bank must submit the change as an offer in the form prescribed by Article 248, sections 2 and 3 of the Introductory Act to the Civil Code. The letter states the date from which the change is meant to apply and describes the fees affected. Read it completely and note the date it arrived. Typical occasions are new price lists, changed card fees or a new account model structure. Which amounts change is shown in the letter and in your bank’s current price and service list.
The statutory rules do not show whether banks overall are raising fees more often at the moment. The topic is discussed publicly, but what counts for you is what your own notice says and which deadlines depend on it.
Which notice period must my bank observe?
Under section 675g(1) BGB (in German), the payment service provider must offer the change to the user at least two months before the proposed effective date. The provision refers to changes of the payment services framework contract and does not mention fees expressly. A fee increase is such a change. In practice this means: a fee increase meant to apply on 1 July must have reached you by the beginning of May at the latest. If you receive the letter later, the date shifts accordingly. Keep proof of when it arrived.
| Question | Rule | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| When must the offer arrive? | At least two months before the change takes effect | Section 675g(1) BGB |
| When does silence count as consent? | Only if a deemed-consent clause has been agreed | Section 675g(2) BGB |
| What may you do under a deemed-consent clause? | Terminate the contract without notice before the change takes effect | Section 675g(2) BGB |
| What must the bank point out? | The consequences of silence and the right to terminate free of charge and without notice | Section 675g(2) BGB |
| When do changes apply immediately? | For changes in interest or exchange rates based on agreed reference rates | Section 675g(3) BGB |
Does my silence count as consent?
The law allows the parties to agree that consent is deemed given if you do not object before the change takes effect. This requires that the deemed-consent clause was agreed and that the bank expressly points out the consequences and your termination right in the change offer. If this notice is missing, you can raise it with the bank.
On the limits of such clauses, the BGH ruled on 27 April 2021 (case XI ZR 26/20, BGH press release no. 88/21 (in German)). It declared clauses invalid that deem the customer’s consent given when bank terms are changed. What this means for your specific increase depends on the case. Consumer advice centres and lawyers can review the clause in your contract.
How do I respond to the notice, step by step?
- Note the date of receipt and the date the change is meant to take effect, and check the two-month period.
- Check whether a deemed-consent clause is provided and whether the notices on consequences and termination right are included.
- Work out what the change means for your usage: which fees arise for card payments, cash and transfers?
- Compare the price lists of two or three other banks, using only the items you actually use.
- Object in writing if you do not accept the change, and keep proof of delivery.
- Terminate the account in good time before the change takes effect, or use the account switching service if you want to move.
An objection should be short and dated, state the account details and say clearly that you do not agree to the change. Ask for written confirmation and send it in a way that lets you prove delivery.
How does the account switching service get me to another account?
If you want to switch, consumers have a right to switching assistance under section 20 of the Payment Accounts Act (ZKG, in German). Under section 22 ZKG (in German), the new bank asks the old bank within two business days after receiving your authorisation to send standing orders, direct debit mandates and information on incoming payments of the last 13 months. The full process with all deadlines is in Gehaltskonto wechseln: Was beim Kontowechsel zu beachten ist (in German). For the termination itself see Girokonto kündigen: Frist, Ablauf und Restguthaben (in German).
When does switching pay off, and when does staying?
Switching makes sense if your account’s fees are permanently higher than what your usage requires. Start with the transactions of the last months: how often did you withdraw cash, how many foreign payments did you make, which card did you use? Only then can price lists be compared sensibly. An account with a high base price can still pay off if it includes services you would otherwise pay for individually. Conversely, a cheap account is expensive if items you need regularly are charged separately. This guide names no specific bank prices; they are in the respective price list.
If fees push your account into the red, look at the costs of overdrafts in Dispokredit für Studierende (in German). If your overdraft facility is terminated, see Dispo gekündigt: Was Banken dürfen und was du tun kannst (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Can the bank simply raise its fees?
No, it needs a change offer with a notice period. Under section 675g(1) BGB it must reach you at least two months before the proposed effective date. Whether a specific increase is permissible in your case can be clarified with a consumer advice centre or a lawyer.
Do I have to expressly agree to the increase?
Not necessarily. If a deemed-consent clause was validly agreed and the bank gives proper notice, silence counts as consent. How far such clauses reach was restricted by the BGH in 2021. Have the clause checked if you are unsure.
What happens if I do not react?
It depends on the contract. With a valid deemed-consent clause, the change takes effect on the announced date. Without one, the change needs your express consent. React before the change takes effect if you have doubts.
Does termination because of the increase cost me anything?
The law requires the bank to point out a right to terminate free of charge and without notice if a deemed-consent clause applies (section 675g(2) BGB). Termination is then possible before the change takes effect.
Can I find an account without fee increases?
That can only be judged by comparing price lists. This guide does not recommend specific accounts or banks.
What to do now
- Note the date of receipt and effective date and check the two-month period.
- Read the letter for a deemed-consent clause and termination notice.
- Compare your usage with the price lists of other banks.
- Object in writing or switch via the account switching service before the change takes effect.
Related guides
- Geld, Konto und Kredit: Der Überblick für junge Erwachsene (in German)
- Gehaltskonto wechseln: Was beim Kontowechsel zu beachten ist (in German)
- Girokonto kündigen: Frist, Ablauf und Restguthaben (in German)
- Dispokredit für Studierende: Was die Überziehung wirklich kostet (in German)
- Budget Planning for Students: A Monthly Plan in 3 Steps
Sources: Section 675g BGB, Gesetze im Internet; Section 20 ZKG, Gesetze im Internet; Section 22 ZKG, Gesetze im Internet; Federal Court of Justice (BGH), press release no. 88/21 of 27 April 2021 on judgment XI ZR 26/20 (in German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
