TOOL
Every provider blocks the same amount — but the account fees differ. Calculate the total cost of ownership (setup + monthly fee over the whole stay) across the embassy-recognised providers, and see how much you overpay for the identical function.
You block (this is YOUR money, not a fee)
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This amount is frozen and paid back to you monthly after arrival (fully refunded if the visa is refused). It does not affect the provider’s cost — compare only the fees below.
⚖️ The order follows the total cost for your stay only, NOT our commission. We currently have no affiliate agreement with any of these providers.
Estimate based on provider tariffs at the verification date. Providers may change terms and prices — check the current price list on their site before opening. The blocked amount is tied to BAföG rates and changes at the turn of the year. Not financial or legal advice.
✓ Data verified on: 26 July 2026
All rates and thresholds follow the official figures published by the authorities:
Other options (not for an online application right now)
Coracle has not accepted new applications since August 2025 (system upgrade). A blocked account at a traditional bank (e.g. Deutsche Bank) is opened only in person at a branch after arrival — not usable before the visa. Hence the two providers you can genuinely open from abroad.
Some links may be affiliate links — the price does not change for you. No data is collected; everything runs in your browser.
The blocked amount (2026: €992/month, €11,904 for the year for students) is set by the state and identical everywhere — it is your money and comes back. Providers differ only in account fees: the one-off setup and monthly maintenance. Over a year the gap adds up noticeably — for the exact same function.
No. Funds sit in a separate account at the German partner bank with deposit protection up to €100,000 — it protects the deposit, not the brand. The partner bank is named in the terms; check that, not just the provider’s name.
The blocked amount is refunded against the official rejection notice. Some providers refund the service fee, others don’t — that is factored in above. Keep the rejection notice, or the refund drags on.
The free incoming/travel insurance in the bundle covers the first days until enrolment. After that you need full health insurance (usually statutory, ~€130/month) — a separate, provider-independent cost we cover in the GKV/PKV tool.
Registration takes minutes, the international transfer 1–5 days, the blocking confirmation 1–2 days after the money arrives. Plan to open it a week before your visa appointment.
For the Chancenkarte and job-seeker visa the 2026 rate is €1,091/month (€13,092 for the year) versus €992/month for students. Submitting the student amount for an Opportunity Card gets the application returned as incomplete. Switch the visa type above.