ING review 2026
How good is ING really?
BaFin-regulated 91/100 points
kosten.org editorial team
Last updated: 2026-02-01
91/100
Points
Based on published terms and features
With more than 9 million customers, ING is the undisputed number one among German direct banks. In our review, it proves that "simple" and "fair" are not just marketing phrases. With an outstanding app, strong customer service and one of the best overdraft rates on the market, ING sets the benchmark for modern retail banking.
Highlights of our ING review
- ING scores 91/100 points in our rating – the best-rated direct bank in our comparison.
- One of the best overdraft rates in Germany (currently 6.99% p.a.) – extremely fair.
- Outstanding banking app rated 4.7 stars – stable, fast and intuitive.
- Best customer service on the market, with 24/7 telephone availability.
Table of contents
1 Account management
21/25
Points
The ING current account is unconditionally free for all customers under 28 or from €700 in monthly deposits. Without this status, a fair fee of €4.90 applies. An absolute highlight is the overdraft (Dispositionskredit): at a current 6.99% p.a., ING is among the cheapest banks in Germany, which can mean enormous savings for customers.
Opening an account is exemplary in its simplicity and can be done entirely digitally. The transparency of costs and the fair design of the overdraft secure a top rating here.
Points: 21/25
2 Cards
14/15
Points
The account comes with a permanently free Visa debit card. This card is the primary means of payment and allows free cash withdrawals. Optionally, a classic Girocard can be added for €0.99 a month.
The offering is clearly structured. While neobanks often offer only virtual cards, ING relies on a high-quality physical Visa card as standard.
Points: 14/15
3 Cash withdrawals
18/20
Points
With the Visa debit card, customers can withdraw cash free of charge at almost all ATMs in Germany and the eurozone (minimum amount €50). Since ING belongs to the network of the largest cash providers, availability is excellent.
ING also allows free withdrawals at many retail partners (REWE, Penny, dm etc.). Paying in cash is free at ING's own ATMs (often found in large cities) – a service that many other direct banks do not offer.
Points: 18/20
4 Payments
7/8
Points
Apple Pay and Google Pay are perfectly supported by ING. The Visa card is stored in the smartphone in seconds. Payments in the eurozone are completely free of charge.
For payments in foreign currencies, a fee of 1.99% applies. This is a standard market value for traditional banks but is above the terms offered by neobanks or travel specialists such as DKB (for active customers).
Points: 7/8
5 Interest & saving
7/7
Points
With the "Extra-Konto", ING offers one of Germany's most popular instant-access savings accounts. The interest rates are often market-leading for new customers, and existing customers are also regularly rewarded with promotions.
Combined with the ING custody account, which impresses with a huge selection of free ETF savings plans, the bank offers a perfect ecosystem for building wealth. The interlinking of current, savings and custody accounts is masterfully solved in the app.
Points: 7/7
6 Banking app & features
9/10
Points
The ING app is regularly regarded as one of the best banking apps on the German market. It impresses with stability, a clear design and useful features such as the photo transfer service and real-time push notifications.
A small deduction is made for the lack of genuine sub-accounts with their own IBAN (Spaces), as known from C24 or N26. Nevertheless, the range of functions is more than sufficient for 95% of users.
Points: 9/10
7 Customer service
8/8
Points
This is where ING plays to its full strength. Unlike many neobanks, ING offers a 24/7 telephone hotline. There is also a very efficient in-app chat with real staff (not just a bot).
The availability and competence of support are unmatched among direct banks. Anyone who values being able to reach someone straight away in an emergency is best off with ING.
Points: 8/8
8 Security & extras
7/7
Points
ING is a full German bank headquartered in Frankfurt. It is covered by German deposit protection (Einlagensicherung, €100,000) and also by the deposit protection fund of the Association of German Banks. The security of deposits is thus at the highest possible level.
Additional extras such as attractive mortgage terms and regular switching bonuses round off the profile.
Points: 7/7
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
- Free current account from €700 in monthly deposits & under-28s
- Excellent customer service (24/7 by telephone)
- Extremely fair overdraft rate (6.99% p.a.)
- Best banking app among direct banks
- Free Visa debit card with cash withdrawals worldwide
- Very strong custody account and savings offering
Cons
- €4.90 fee if the minimum monthly deposit is not met
- Girocard costs €0.99 a month
- 1.99% foreign currency fee
- No local branches
Conclusion: ING review
91/100
Very good (1.4)
With 91 out of 100 points, ING deservedly takes our top spot. It is the perfect all-rounder for customers who do not need a branch but do not want to go without excellent service and a top app. The fair pricing policy on the overdraft and the strong savings offering in particular make it the first choice for a main account.
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