BBVA Germany launches first variable long-term interest rate of 2% p.a.
As of 1 February 2026, BBVA Germany will move the first customers whose introductory offer is coming to an end to the variable interest model of their free current account. As part of its commitment to long-term remuneration with transparent conditions, the bank is setting the variable interest rate for the first quarter of 2026 at 2.0% p.a. This rate applies until 31 March 2026. The variable long-term interest rate is set for each quarter and communicated to customers in advance.
At 2.0% p.a., the new rate is significantly above the bank’s ongoing minimum guarantee of 25% of the European Central Bank (ECB) deposit facility rate (currently 2.0%). According to the ECB data portal, this rate is currently around four times higher than the German market average for overnight deposits. This underlines BBVA’s strategy of offering customers in Germany a free current account with no conditions, combined with a long-term interest rate.
The interest applies to the balance held in the current account, including the Sparbox which is a dedicated section with saving goals and rules, up to a maximum balance of €500,000 per customer. This ensures that all of the customers’ money is working for them at all times, without the common requirement to transfer funds to a separate savings account. This approach simplifies financial management, making it both effortless and more rewarding for customers. Customers whose introductory offer is still running will continue to receive the contractually agreed rate of 3% p.a. until the end of their promotional period. The offer for new customers also remains unchanged, representing a highly competitive proposition in the German market: when opening an account, they currently continue to benefit from 3% interest p.a. and 3% cashback for the first six months.
“We entered the German market with the promise of building long-term relationships with our customers here, based on trust and tangible, long-term value,” says Luis Fiestas de Fuentes, Head of Digital Banking Germany at BBVA. “Setting the first variable interest rate shows that we are staying true to this ambition. Our focus is on creating a sustainably valuable customer experience that remains transparent, simple and rewarding”
BBVA’s value proposition in Germany is based on three core features:
- A permanently free current account with no monthly fees or hidden conditions.
- An attractive variable interest rate that lets customers’ money work for them directly in their current account – automatically and without having to move it to separate savings accounts.
- A permanently free physical and digital debit card.
This model combines the simplicity and cost efficiency of a digital provider with the security and comprehensive product offering of a global financial institution. "German customers are demanding. They value transparency, reliability and sustainable benefits more than short-lived promotions," adds Fiestas de Fuentes. "By setting a follow-up interest rate of 2.0% here, we want to reinforce that customers can count on strong, sustainable value—day in, day out."