
Customers of the first participating institutions will be able to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum and other crypto assets via the Sparkasse app from Monday.
AI-generated summary
The savings banks are now gradually offering their customers trading in cryptocurrencies via the app.
Competition in crypto trading is increasing: now the savings banks also want to appeal to private customers with their own offering. They are gradually rolling out a new offer. What's behind it?
The prices of crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum fluctuate greatly, critics warn of speculative bubbles. But the interest is great. (Symbolic image) Photo: Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez/dpa
Frankfurt/Main. The savings banks are entering the business with crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. From this Monday, the first customers will be able to trade cryptocurrencies via the existing Sparkasse app, as the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV) announced to the dpa news agency. The offer will initially be available at the first participating savings banks, and 30 to 40 more houses will be added each month.
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Solana and Polygon are initially planned, according to the DSGV. "The offer is aimed at customers who want to buy, sell and store cryptocurrencies independently. There is no provision for advice or active applications from the savings banks across the board." There is no uniform nationwide start date for the offer, which is provided by the savings bank securities provider Dekabank.
“When a savings bank starts, it decides for itself,” said Joachim Schmalzl, managing board member of the DSGV, to the dpa. "The interest in the group is great, and more institutions will be added week by week. We want to have a large number of interested savings banks connected by the first half of 2027."
Cryptocurrencies popular but risky
Cryptocurrencies are particularly popular among young people. Smartphone banks such as N26, Trade Republic and Revolut have been offering trading in Bitcoin and Co for some time, and Volksbanks recently also got into the business.
There have long been concerns among savings banks because cryptocurrencies fluctuate greatly and are considered risky. Even if some cryptocurrencies have gained significantly in the long term, critics continue to warn of speculative bubbles.
“We weighed up very carefully whether and how a crypto offering would suit us,” said Schmalzl. The decisive factor was customer demand and the fact that there was a reliable European legal framework. According to the DSGV, the aim of the offer is to provide access in a regulated environment to customers who consciously choose crypto. The crypto assets are held by Dekabank in cooperation with the Stuttgart Stock Exchange.
When it comes to prices, the offer is aimed at competing with smartphone banks. The fee is 0.99 euros per order, said Dekabank. A depot connection is not absolutely necessary.
“From the perspective of savings banks, cryptocurrencies remain highly speculative investments,” emphasized the DSGV. Customers are expressly advised “of strong price fluctuations and the risk of a total loss”. Securities investments, savings plans and advice continue to be the focus for broad, long-term wealth creation.
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AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Connection of additional savings banks amounting to 30 to 40 houses per month
Likely · Within months
Connection of a large number of interested savings banks in the first half of 2027
Likely · Within months

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