Cash Withdrawal

An electronic account card is a standard feature of most German current accounts. This card allows you to make cashless payments in stores, and withdraw money from cash machines. You can use your account card to withdraw cash in-store or from an Automated Teller Machine, or ATM, outside bank opening hours.

Banks in Germany tend to cooperate to enable customers to access their money free of charge via ATMs belonging to any member of a 'cash group'. These groups agree to allow a customer from bank A to withdraw cash from their account at a cash machine owned by bank B, without charging the customer a fee for the privilege.

If you withdraw cash from an ATM that is not owned by your bank, nor by a member of your bank's cash group, you will be charged for the transaction: typically this charge is €5, and is debited from your account immediately. Cash machines will typically feature a list of banks whose customers will not be charged for using the machine: if your bank is not on the list you will be charged.

In order to withdraw cash you must enter your four digit Personal Identification Number, or PIN. This number will be sent to you by post when you open your account: when it arrives, ensure that the letter has not been opened or damaged. If you have reason to believe that someone may know your PIN details, contact your bank immediately.