What is Tagesgeld? Definition and how it works
Tagesgeld (an instant-access savings account) is one of the most popular forms of short-term saving in Germany. You can access your money at any time – unlike a Festgeld (fixed-term deposit) there is no fixed term. Interest is variable and can change at any time, but is currently up to 4.10% p.a.
The basic principle is simple: you transfer money to your Tagesgeld account and earn interest on it. The money is available daily and can be transferred back to your reference account (your current account) at any time. Many banks offer new customers a promotional rate that is guaranteed for a few months. Depending on the bank, interest is credited monthly, quarterly or annually.
Tagesgeld at a glance
Tagesgeld interest rate comparison 2026 – current rates at a glance
The highest offer in our comparison is currently 4.10% p.a. Tagesgeld rates broadly follow the European Central Bank's (ECB) deposit rate: when the ECB cuts its key rates, banks usually follow a few weeks later. The highest rates are often offered by direct banks and foreign banks covered by EU deposit protection, frequently as a time-limited rate for new customers.
Top 5 Tagesgeld offers (updated daily)
| Bank | Interest rate | Rate guarantee | Deposit protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crédit Agricole Savings | 4.10% | 4 months | 🇫🇷 €100,000 |
| Openbank | 4.01% | 4 months | 🇩🇪 €100,000 |
| DISTINGO Bank | 3.95% | 6 months | 🇫🇷 €100,000 |
| Ferratum | 3.81% | - | 🇲🇹 €100,000 |
| Hamburg Direct Bank | 3.81% | 4 months | 🇩🇪 €100,000 |
Deposit protection – how safe is your Tagesgeld?
The banks in our comparison are covered by the statutory deposit protection scheme (Einlagensicherung) of their EU country. Under EU law (Directive 2014/49/EU), deposits of up to €100,000 per customer and bank are protected (in non-euro countries the equivalent in local currency); compensation must be paid out within 7 working days. For banks based abroad, the scheme of that country is responsible – and its financial strength also depends on the country's economic situation.
- German deposit protection (🇩🇪): statutory protection plus, often, additional voluntary protection
- French deposit protection (🇫🇷): €100,000 protected by law
- Spanish deposit protection (🇪🇸): €100,000 protected by law
- Swedish deposit protection (🇸🇪): SEK 1,050,000 protected (roughly €90,000–95,000 depending on the exchange rate; for accounts held in kronor there is also currency risk)
The best Tagesgeld providers 2026
Crédit Agricole Savings
The Crédit Agricole Savings Tagesgeld account (instant-access savings account) currently pays 4.10% p.a. The promotional rate is guaranteed for 4 months, and is variable afterwards. Deposit protection 🇫🇷 covers balances of up to €100,000. The offer is for new customers.
Openbank
The Openbank Tagesgeld account (instant-access savings account) currently pays 4.01% p.a. The promotional rate is guaranteed for 4 months, and is variable afterwards. Deposit protection 🇩🇪 covers balances of up to €100,000. The offer is for new customers.
DISTINGO Bank
The DISTINGO Bank Tagesgeld account (instant-access savings account) currently pays 3.95% p.a. The promotional rate is guaranteed for 6 months, and is variable afterwards. Deposit protection 🇫🇷 covers balances of up to €100,000. The offer is for new customers.
Pros and cons of Tagesgeld
Pros
- ✓ Available daily
- ✓ No minimum deposit (usually)
- ✓ 100% deposit protection up to €100,000
- ✓ Free account management
- ✓ Attractive rates for new customers
Cons
- ✗ Variable rates can fall
- ✗ New-customer rates are time-limited
- ✗ No guaranteed return
- ✗ Inflation risk
Tips for saving with Tagesgeld
- Use new-customer offers: switch to another provider once the rate guarantee expires
- Park your emergency fund: Tagesgeld is well suited to an emergency reserve (often cited: three to six months of expenses)
- Mind the deposit protection: do not deposit more than €100,000 per bank – spread larger sums across several banks
- Watch rate changes: check regularly whether your provider is still competitive
Tagesgeld vs. Festgeld – which is better?
| Criterion | Tagesgeld (instant access) | Festgeld (fixed term) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Daily | Only after the term ends |
| Interest rate | Up to 4.10% (variable) | Up to 3.50% (fixed) |
| Rate certainty | May change | Guaranteed |
| Ideal for | Emergency fund, short-term goals | Long-term savings goals |
Conclusion: Tagesgeld is ideal for an emergency fund and short-term savings goals. For longer-term investments with rate certainty, Festgeld is the better choice. A commonly cited rule of thumb: keep three to six months of expenses as a reserve in a Tagesgeld account, and put money with a fixed date of use into Festgeld. For longer investment horizons, securities may also be an option – with price risk. This is not investment advice.
