Discover expert finance hacks tailored for Germany that will transform the way you manage money and achieve your financial goals. From simple tips to save more to smart strategies for investing, these practical solutions are designed to work seamlessly, whether you're in Berlin, Munich, or anywhere else in Germany.
1. Earn Cashback on Every Purchase with iGraal
What You’ll Save: 3-10% cashback on purchases on various brands, potentially €50-200 annually.
How It Works:
- Download the iGraal app and browse brands like Amazon, Zalando, or MediaMarkt and many many more.
- Shop through the app to earn real cashback (not points) on every purchase.
- Transfer your earnings to your bank account whenever you’re ready.
Pro Tip: Combine iGraal with corporate benefits promo codes to double your savings on brands you love.
Try It Out: Sign up for iGraal with this Bonus Link to get a €5 starting bonus.
2. Always Carry Cash for Small-Town Adventures
What You’ll Save: Avoid ATM fees (€3-5 per withdrawal) and awkward moments at cash-only spots.
How It Works:
- Keep at least €50 in cash on you when heading out, especially in smaller towns.
- Use it for places like local bakeries, markets, or small cafes that don’t take cards.
- Replenish your cash stash during fee-free withdrawals at your bank.
Pro Tip: Split the cash into smaller bills (€5s and €10s) for easier transactions. Also, never withdraw money from EURONET ATMs across Europe, they will charge you
ATTENTION: Avoid using EURONET ATM for withdrawing cash in Germany.
What You’ll Save: €5-18 per withdrawal, potentially €50-200 annually if you withdraw frequently.
How It Works:
Skip Euronet ATMs and use those from major German banks like Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, or Volksbank, which often have lower or no fees for local accounts.
Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversions (DCC) to avoid a 10-13% surcharge on exchange rates.
Withdraw larger amounts less often to minimize per-transaction fees.
Pro Tip: Check your bank’s app for a fee-free ATM locator before heading out.
3. Simplify Your Finances with Bunq’s Online Banking
What You’ll Save: €20-50 annually on fees compared to traditional banks, plus exchange rate savings.
How It Works:
- Open a Bunq account online (no branch visits needed) and get a German IBAN.
- Create sub-accounts to budget for rent, groceries, or travel.
- Approve all direct debits manually to stay in control of your spending.
Pro Tip: Use Bunq’s multi-currency feature to save on exchange fees when shopping internationally.
Try It Out: Check out Bunq and sign up with this Bonus Link to start managing your money smarter.
4. Opt Out of Church Tax to Keep More of Your Income
What You’ll Save: 8-9% of your income tax, potentially €300-1,000+ per year.
How It Works:
- Declare your exit from the church ("Kirchenaustritt") at your local Standesamt or Amtsgericht.
- Pay a one-time fee (€30-75) to process the exit.
- Enjoy the tax savings starting the next calendar year.
Pro Tip: Time your exit in December to be exempt for the entire following year.
5. Stretch Your Money with Advanzia Gold Card’s Interest-Free Period
What You’ll Save: Annual credit card charges as this is a Lifetime free credit card without any charges.
How It Works:
- Use the Advanzia Gold Card for daily expenses like groceries or bills.
- Keep the money you would’ve spent in a high-interest savings account for up to 7 weeks.
- Pay off the full balance before the interest-free period ends to avoid charges.
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder to pay off the balance a few days before the deadline.
Try It Out: Get the Advanzia Gold Card via this Bonus Link and get 80€ for free. 🤯
6. Grow Your Wealth Affordably with Scalable Capital
What You’ll Save: €50-100 annually on fees compared to traditional advisors, plus long-term investment gains.
How It Works:
- Sign up for Scalable Capital and start investing with as little as €1.
- Let their robo-advisor build a diversified ETF portfolio based on your goals.
- Set up a monthly savings plan to invest consistently and benefit from compound interest.
Pro Tip: Start small (€20/month) to get comfortable, then increase as you gain confidence.
Try It Out: Explore Scalable Capital with this Bonus Link and see if they’re offering sign-up bonuses.
7. Invest in Bitcoin with Strike
What You’ll Save: Best app in the world for investing in Bitcoin. Your Future "You" will thank you.
How It Works:
- Sign up for Strike and buy Bitcoin with low fees.
- Send Bitcoin to a recipient’s wallet or Strike account in seconds.
- They convert it back to local currency (or keep it as Bitcoin).
Pro Tip: Double-check the recipient’s wallet address to avoid errors—Bitcoin transactions are irreversible.
Try It Out: Start saving in your future with hardest money on Strike using this Bonus Link.
8. Travel Smarter with American Express Platinum Perks
What You’ll Save: €100-300 annually on lounge access and travel credits, offsetting the card’s fee.
How It Works:
- Use the American Express Platinum Card for free airport lounge access via Priority Pass.
- Redeem annual travel credits (up to €200) for flights or hotels.
- Earn Membership Rewards points to redeem for future travel or cashback.
Pro Tip: Book hotels through Amex to get instant elite status for upgrades and perks.
Try It Out: Check out the American Express Platinum Card with this BONUS LINK and earn 30000 Amex Reward points as starting bonus.