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German Savings Rates Seen Flat Into Mid‑2026 as Returns Lag Inflation

Stable policy has kept deposit yields modest, resulting in negative real returns for many savers.

Overview

  • Analysts say savings rates should hold steady at least until mid‑2026 after the ECB left policy unchanged at four meetings, with the deposit rate at 2.0%.
  • Verivox reports two‑year term deposits averaging 2.04% as of December 22, 2025, with the prior decline leveling off in the autumn.
  • Nationwide instant‑access accounts average about 1.30%, while many savings and cooperative banks pay far less at roughly 0.37% and 0.42% respectively.
  • Promotions and new entrants may create brief opportunities, including an announced Chase Germany launch in Q2 2026 and past BBVA teaser rates of 3%.
  • Stiftung Warentest finds rate‑hopping yielded only about €220 extra on €50,000 versus a one‑year 2.7% term, and it warns of active interest‑rate scams.