kosten.org editorial team
Last updated: 2026-03-13
58/100
Points

With more than 300 branches and 3.5 million customers, TARGOBANK is one of the largest retail banks in Germany. As part of the French Crédit Mutuel group, it combines branch-bank service with digital banking. We rate the current account using our transparent 100-point methodology.

Highlights of our TARGOBANK review

  • TARGOBANK scores 65/100 points in our rating – a solid branch bank with weaknesses on costs.
  • Free online account with no minimum monthly deposit.
  • More than 300 branches across Germany with personal advice.
  • BaFin-regulated with German deposit protection.

1 Account management

16/25
Points
The online account is free with no conditions – a plus compared with many branch banks. The Komfort account costs €3.95 a month, the Plus account €7.95 a month with additional services. The overdraft rate of 12.43% a year is at the upper end – clearly more expensive than ING (6.99%) or DKB (9.75%). The rate for tolerated overdrafts (beyond the agreed limit) of 14.92% is also high. Scoring (16/25): The free basic account is good, but the high overdraft rate and the more expensive premium accounts cost points.

2 Card offer

9/15
Points
A Visa debit card comes with the free online account. A traditional credit card is available from €2.49 a month. The Gold credit card with an insurance package costs €6.95 a month. Compared with neobanks such as N26 or Revolut, which offer free Visa/Mastercard cards, the card offer is chargeable. Scoring (9/15): The included Visa debit card is good, but the chargeable credit cards cost points compared with providers whose cards are included.

3 Cash withdrawals

11/20
Points
Withdrawals are free at TARGOBANK's own cash machines (about 300). At other banks' cash machines, 3 free withdrawals a month are possible with the Visa debit card. Cash can be deposited at TARGOBANK branches. Fees apply abroad. The bank's own cash machine network is much smaller than that of the Sparkassen (23,000) or the Cash Group (9,000). Scoring (11/20): Own cash machine network too small, only 3 free withdrawals at other banks' machines. Cash deposits in branches are a plus.

4 Paying

5/8
Points
Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported. Contactless payment works with the Visa debit card. Foreign-currency payments incur a fee of 1.85% – customary in the market, but more expensive than at specialised neobanks. Scoring (5/8): All standards are in place. Foreign-currency fees prevent a higher rating.

5 Interest & saving

2/7
Points
There is no interest on balances in the current account. TARGOBANK offers a call-money account (Tagesgeld, an instant-access savings account) with customary market rates as a complement. New customers occasionally get interest promotions. TARGOBANK's focus has traditionally been more on lending than on savings. Scoring (2/7): No interest on the current account and only an average call-money offer.

6 Banking app & features

4/10
Points
The TARGOBANK app offers basic banking functions: transfers, balance enquiries and card management. App ratings are average at 3.5 stars. Modern features such as sub-accounts, budgeting tools or multibanking are missing. Instant transfers are available. Scoring (4/10): Functional, but without modern finance features. App ratings are below average compared with neobanks.

7 Customer service

6/8
Points
Customer service can be reached by phone, email and in more than 300 branches. Phone availability is Mon–Fri 8am–10pm, Sat 8am–4pm. The branch network is TARGOBANK's strength – personal advice for all financial questions. No 24/7 support is available. Scoring (6/8): Strong branch network with good phone availability. Deduction for the lack of 24/7 support.

8 Security & extras

5/7
Points
BaFin-regulated with statutory deposit protection of up to €100,000 plus the voluntary deposit protection of the Association of German Banks. As part of the Crédit Mutuel group, a strong parent company stands behind the bank. Loan and insurance products are available directly. Scoring (5/7): Solid security structure, but no special new-customer bonus or outstanding extra.

Pros & cons at a glance

Pros

  • Free online account with no conditions
  • More than 300 branches with advice
  • BaFin-regulated with deposit protection
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay

Cons

  • High overdraft rate (12.43% a year)
  • Credit card chargeable
  • Small own cash machine network
  • App without modern features

Conclusion: TARGOBANK review

58/100
Satisfactory (3.1)

TARGOBANK scores 65 out of 100 points. For customers looking for a free current account with a branch network who occasionally value personal advice, TARGOBANK is an option. The high overdraft rate and the limited cash machine network are the biggest weaknesses.

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