DKB Girokonto u18 review 2026
How good is DKB Girokonto u18 really?
BaFin-regulated 84/100 points
kosten.org editorial team
Last updated: 2026-02-08
84/100
Points
Based on published terms and features
DKB is one of the largest direct banks in Germany and, with the u18 current account, offers a full, free bank account for children and teenagers. Unlike prepaid solutions such as Bling or VIMpay, it is a genuine current account with its own IBAN – which makes DKB particularly attractive for older teenagers who already receive transfers or have a part-time job.
Highlights of our DKB Girokonto u18 review
- DKB u18 scores 88/100 points – the best free children's account with an IBAN.
- Completely free: no account fees, no card fees, no hidden costs.
- Visa debit card for free payments and cash withdrawals worldwide.
- BaFin-regulated with German deposit protection (Einlagensicherung) up to €100,000.
Table of contents
1 Costs & plan model
20/20
Points
The DKB current account u18 is the prime example of a free children's account: zero euros for account management, zero euros for card fees, zero euros for transfers. Children and teenagers are automatically classed as active customers, so they receive all premium terms.
The account also stays free after the 18th birthday – no fees apply until age 28. DKB is thus the only bank to offer a seamless, free account solution from childhood into young adulthood.
Scoring (20/20): Full marks. Completely free without restrictions, no hidden fees, no subscription models.
2 Cards & acceptance
15/15
Points
DKB's free Visa debit card is the heart of the u18 account. It works worldwide at all Visa acceptance points – online and offline. Contactless payment (NFC) is integrated. Particularly valuable: the card allows free cash withdrawals worldwide.
The u18 account has a full IBAN. Grandparents, relatives or employers can transfer directly to the account – a decisive advantage over prepaid solutions. Optionally, a Visa Charge card can be added for €2.49/month.
Scoring (15/15): Full marks. Visa debit card worldwide, own IBAN, NFC – it can't get better for a children's account.
3 Financial education & pedagogy
5/15
Points
This is DKB's biggest weakness: as a classic direct bank, it offers no playful financial education features. No task system, no savings goals with gamification, no rewards for completed tasks. The app is a standard banking app – functional, but not designed for children.
However, the instant-access savings account that comes free of charge is a practical savings tool. And the junior custody account allows parents to invest in funds or shares for their children – a feature no prepaid provider can offer.
Scoring (5/15): No child-friendly financial education, no task system, no gamification. The instant-access savings account and junior custody account rescue a few points.
4 App & usability
10/15
Points
The DKB app is a full banking app that is also used for the u18 account. From age 14, teenagers receive their own online banking access. The app offers an account overview, transfers, card control and an account switching service.
The app is functional and reliable, but was not developed specifically for children. There is no child-friendly interface and no separate children's app. The app rating is 4.2 stars in the App Store.
Scoring (10/15): Solid banking app, but not child-friendly. Usable from age 14, below that only controllable via the parents. No separate children's app.
5 Security & parental controls
14/15
Points
DKB u18 is a credit-balance account – overdrafts are ruled out. The "Card Control" function lets parents manage card functions in a targeted way: online payments on/off, limit withdrawals, restrict the card regionally or block it completely.
As a BaFin-regulated bank, DKB is subject to German financial supervision. Deposit protection is €100,000 via the compensation scheme of German banks. This is the highest level of security in the children's account comparison.
Scoring (14/15): Almost perfect. BaFin regulation, German deposit protection and Card Control set the security standard. Minimal deduction: no push notifications for every single transaction (visible only in the account statement).
6 Cash & payments
10/10
Points
DKB's Visa debit card allows free cash withdrawals worldwide – a unique selling point. In Germany, in the eurozone and worldwide, no fees apply (ATM operator fees may still be charged).
Transfers, SEPA direct debits and standing orders are free. The account supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payments in foreign currency with the Visa card are also free.
Scoring (10/10): Full marks. Withdraw and pay free of charge worldwide, free SEPA transfers, Apple/Google Pay.
7 Customer service
5/5
Points
DKB offers telephone support (on working days), email support and an extensive FAQ section. Live chat is also available. As one of the largest direct banks in Germany, service quality is high.
Scoring (5/5): Full marks. Telephone, chat, email and an extensive Help Center.
8 Extras & special features
5/5
Points
DKB u18 offers extras that no prepaid provider has: a free instant-access savings account with attractive interest and a junior custody account for long-term wealth building. The DKB Club offers cashback and rewards.
The automatic transition to the regular DKB current account at 18 (free until 28) is a big plus for long-term planning.
Scoring (5/5): Full marks. Instant-access savings account, junior custody account and DKB Club are unique extras.
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
- Completely free – the best value for money
- Own IBAN for transfers and part-time jobs
- Visa debit card free worldwide
- BaFin + German deposit protection (Einlagensicherung)
- Instant-access savings account and junior custody account included
- Free until age 28
Cons
- No child-friendly app or financial education
- No task/reward system
- A parent must be a DKB customer
- No separate children's app design
- Account opening for minors somewhat involved
Conclusion: DKB Girokonto u18 review
84/100
Very good (1.8)
The DKB current account u18 scores 88 out of 100 points and is the best free children's account with a full IBAN. Anyone looking for a genuine bank account with a Visa card, free services worldwide and the highest security will find the best solution at DKB. The only drawback: DKB offers no playful financial education – parents have to take an active role themselves or add Bling as a complement.
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