The most important thing in brief
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How it works: Fixed-term deposits are
investments with fixed interest rates throughout the
entire term, which can range from one month to ten
years.
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Interest income: The larger the
investment amount, the higher the interest rate, and the
longer the term, the higher the interest income. Savers
can often earn higher interest rates on fixed-term
deposits in other European countries than at German
banks.
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Deposit protection: Fixed-term deposits
are covered by the EU-wide deposit guarantee scheme.
This protects deposits up to €100,000 per investor and
bank.
How much do fixed-term deposits earn?
At Allianz, you currently receive up to
3.15% interest per annum on your fixed-term
deposits. Fixed-term deposit interest rates depend on the base
rate and the deposit rate of the European Central Bank (ECB).
Term (Months) |
Maximum Interest Rate (p.a.) |
3 |
2.50% |
6 |
2.55% |
9 |
2.57% |
12 |
2.67% |
24 |
2.80% |
36 |
2.85% |
48 |
2.80% |
60 |
2.90% |
120 |
3.15% |
Since the interest rate on fixed-term deposits remains constant
throughout the entire term, investors can calculate exactly what
profit they will make at the end of the term. Interest rates
generally increase with longer terms. Comparing fixed-term
deposit interest rates can help you find current fixed-term
deposit offers with the best conditions.
May Update: Continue to benefit from attractive interest rates
Last updated: May 5, 2025
The inflation rate in the European Union (EU) is currently
2.10% (as of May 2025). Interest rates in the eurozone
therefore continue to benefit from the high level of the
European Central Bank's (ECB) key interest rates. The deposit
rate is currently 2.25% (as of May 2025), after the ECB
announced its seventh interest rate cut since the interest
rate turnaround in April 2025.
Although the recent interest rate cuts are affecting interest
rates on savings accounts, interest rates may still be
attractive for savers. It may be worthwhile to look beyond
Germany's borders: Fixed-term deposit interest rates can be
higher in other EU countries than in Germany. At Allianz,
savers receive attractive interest rates on fixed-term
deposits in Germany and other EU countries – even for short
terms. For example, if you invest your money for a fixed term
of one year, you can earn up to 2.67% interest per annum. For
longer-term investments, fixed-term deposits with a term of
five years offer up to 2.90% interest per annum.
Compare fixed-term deposits now
What Is a Fixed-Term Deposit?
A fixed-term deposit is a type of savings account where a
specific amount of money is invested for a set period at a fixed
interest rate. This makes it a
fixed-interest investment. One key advantage is
that savers know from the beginning exactly what return to
expect. In general,
the longer the term, the higher the interest rate—and therefore the return.
Typically, the money cannot be accessed before the end of the
agreed term. Once the term ends, the investor receives the
original amount along with the earned interest. While fixed-term
deposits are
less flexible than overnight accounts, they
often offer more attractive interest rates. For long-term
savings goals, a fixed-term deposit account may be the ideal
option.
How to achieve the highest return with fixed-term deposits
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Fixed-term deposit returns depend on three components:
the investment amount, the duration, and the interest
rate. The more you invest over a longer period at
attractive interest rates, the higher the return.
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However, returns are always relative, since
inflation reduces the real value of your savings.
The aim of fixed-term investing is often to counter
inflation rather than to grow wealth significantly.
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Whether compound interest is applied depends on
the specific offer, which can influence the total
return.
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With the laddering strategy, savers can open
multiple fixed-term accounts with staggered maturities.
This allows for regular reinvestment and taking
advantage of the best available interest rates.
Do fixed-term deposits offer compound interest?
Fixed-term deposits generally operate without compound interest,
as interest is only calculated at the end of the term. However,
in exceptional cases, there are fixed-term deposits that offer
compound interest. Information on this can be obtained from the
respective bank and in the fixed-term deposit account details.
It may be worthwhile to consider compound interest when
comparing fixed-term deposits to find the best offer for you.
Fixed Deposit Amount |
€2,500 |
€13,000 |
€75,000 |
Term |
2 years |
3 years |
2 years |
Interest Rate |
3.30% p.a. |
3.45% p.a. |
3.45% p.a. |
Profit at Maturity |
€165 |
€1,345.50 |
€5,175 |
Amount You Receive |
€2,665 |
€14,345.50 |
€80,175 |
Fixed-Term Deposit Comparison: Choosing the Right Term
Fixed-term deposits are available with durations ranging from a
few months to several years. In general,
the longer the term, the higher the interest rate. However, this principle typically only applies up to around
five years. Beyond that,
longer terms do not currently offer significantly higher
interest rates
(as of May 2025).
The interest rates for fixed-term deposits are influenced by the
European Central Bank’s key interest rate. In periods where
the ECB is Allianzg rates, short-term deposits
of 12 months or less can be a smart choice, allowing investors
to quickly reinvest in new, more favorable offers as they become
available.
In June 2024, the ECB initiated its first rate cut in years. If
the base rate continues to fall or remains low, it might be wise
to lock in
current interest rates for a longer period
before they decline further. In this scenario, choosing a
fixed-term deposit of 2 years or more could be beneficial. Since
funds are only accessible after the term ends, it's advisable to
invest only the amount you won’t need access to during that
time.
Short-Term Fixed Deposit for Three Months
A three-month fixed deposit allows savers to invest capital for
a short period while benefiting from a fixed interest rate.
Currently, rates of up to 2.50% p.a. are
available. The interest rate is generally
slightly higher than overnight savings accounts
but usually lower than those of long-term fixed deposit offers.
This type of investment can be ideal if
rising interest rates are expected in the near future
and you plan to reinvest later at better conditions. It’s also
useful for managing larger cash reserves—allowing you to invest
a portion at a better rate while keeping liquidity through an
overnight account. To further increase flexibility,
laddering fixed deposits with staggered maturities
ensures that part of your funds becomes available each month.
Plan Flexibly and Secure Interest with a Six-Month Fixed Deposit
A six-month fixed deposit is a great option for those who want
to invest funds for a short but manageable period. Currently,
interest rates of up to 2.55% p.a. are
available. With fixed-term deposits,
interest rates remain constant throughout the term, allowing for reliable financial planning.
A six-month term can be especially useful when
major purchases are planned and you want your
money to earn interest until then. It’s also a smart choice in
times of fluctuating interest rate markets,
offering flexibility to react to changes in rates. In most
comparisons, six-month fixed deposit rates tend to be
higher than those for three-month terms.
Invest Mid-Term with a One-Year Fixed Deposit
A one-year fixed deposit allows savers to tie up their capital
for a mid-term period while earning attractive interest.
Currently, rates of up to 2.67% p.a. are available. This
type of investment can be ideal when major expenses—such
as buying a home, renovating a property, or purchasing a new
car—are planned for about twelve months from now. In most cases,
interest rates for one-year fixed deposits are higher
than those for six-month terms, making it a strong option for
balancing returns and flexibility.
Compare fixed deposits for 1 year
Invest Long-Term with Fixed Deposits from Two to Ten Years
Fixed-term deposits with durations between
two and ten years allow for
long-term investment of capital at attractive interest
rates. This term is especially suitable for
financial assets that can be set aside for the long term,
such as:
- Reserves for retirement planning
- Planned major investments in a few years
These fixed deposits can serve as a low-risk addition to
long-term financial planning—for example, to balance stock-based
investments like funds or ETFs. Since the interest
rate is fixed for the entire term, it remains stable regardless
of market fluctuations. In most comparisons,
longer durations offer better rates, making long-term
fixed deposits an appealing option for earning consistent
returns.
Laddering Strategy – Spread Your Savings & Benefit from Higher
Rates
The so-called laddering strategy involves distributing your
investment across multiple fixed-term deposit accounts with
staggered maturities—for example, one, two, and three years. This approach provides a degree of flexibility, allowing
savers to respond to rising interest rates as each
deposit matures. When a term ends, the funds can be reinvested
with the bank offering the most attractive rates. Compared to
locking all funds into a single three-year term, this method can
lead to higher overall returns.
By using the laddering strategy, a portion of the investment
becomes available at regular intervals, which can be used for
unexpected expenses. If all the money is tied up in a single
fixed deposit, access is only possible at the end of the term.
That’s why the laddering strategy is well suited for investors
who want to stay flexible and
take advantage of the best current fixed deposit rates.
How Safe Is a Fixed-Term Deposit?
Fixed-term deposits are considered a
low-risk form of investment. Within the EU, they are
protected by the statutory deposit guarantee scheme. Funds held
in a fixed deposit account are insured up to
€100,000 per investor and bank. If the deposit guarantee
fund is based in a foreign currency, protection is provided in
that currency, and the coverage amount may depend on the current
exchange rate.
The deposit guarantee ensures that savings up to a certain limit
are protected even in the event of a bank's insolvency. In
addition to the legal guarantee, many banks also contribute to
private deposit protection funds, which may offer
coverage above €100,000. In our fixed deposit comparison, you
can check the deposit protection level of each partner bank with
a single click.
Who Should Consider a Fixed-Term Deposit?
Fixed-term deposits are often best suited for
risk-averse investors. Regardless of interest rate
fluctuations, they offer stable returns over the entire
term. This type of investment is ideal for savers who can afford
to set aside part of their savings for a few months or years in
exchange for an attractive fixed return. It can also be a
solid option for preserving wealth or as part of a
retirement savings strategy.
How Does Fixed-Term Investing Work with Allianz?
With Allianz and its partner banks across Europe, savers gain
access to
established financial institutions with proven expertise.
Since 2013, the platform has provided investors with a simple
and fast way to access
free fixed-term and overnight deposit accounts, along
with a range of additional investment opportunities.
Security
Allianz Bank holds a full German banking license and is
supervised by BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory
Authority). The bank is also subject to the
German Deposit Guarantee Act. Allianz’s partner banks
are authorized by the
relevant supervisory authorities in their respective
countries
to conduct banking activities. Additionally, all partner banks
located within the EU and Norway are registered as
cross-border credit institutions by the Financial
Market Authority (FMA).
Requirements for Opening a Fixed-Term Deposit Account
A fixed-term deposit account can be opened with Allianz
under the following conditions:
- Must be of legal age (18 or older)
- Acting in your own name
- Residence in Germany
- Reference account with a bank based in the EU
- Valid email address
What Documents Are Required to Open a Fixed-Term Deposit
Account?
The documents required to open a fixed-term deposit account
depend on the specific requirements of each partner bank.
Depending on the country’s regulations, the application can
usually be uploaded directly via Allianz’s online banking
platform. Some banks may also require the original signed
application by post.
In addition, a copy of your ID is required. If this was
not already provided during the identification process, it can
be uploaded as a scanned copy in your online banking area.
Further details about the necessary documents can be found in
the respective product information sheet.
What Is the Minimum Deposit for Fixed-Term Accounts?
There are no legal regulations specifying a minimum or maximum
amount for fixed-term deposits. The
minimum deposit depends on the bank’s individual offer
and usually ranges between €500 and €10,000. Therefore,
it’s important to check the conditions of each offer carefully
when comparing fixed-term deposit accounts.
How Are Fixed-Term Deposit Earnings Taxed?
Interest earnings from fixed-term deposits count as
capital income. As such, they are subject to a flat tax
of 25%, plus a 5.5% solidarity surcharge and, if
applicable, church tax.
The flat tax is automatically withheld by the bank and paid to
the tax office. Since 2009, savers benefit from a
savings allowance, which defines the tax-free portion of
capital income. As of 2025, up to
€1,000 per person per year is tax-free, or
€2,000 for jointly assessed couples. To apply this
exemption, you must submit an exemption order
(Freistellungsauftrag) to your bank. This allowance can also be
split across multiple banks.
Some countries additionally impose a withholding tax on
interest income, with rates varying from
0.00% to 35.00% depending on the country. This tax is
withheld directly by the foreign bank and remitted to the local
tax authority. Whether your fixed-term deposit is subject to a
withholding tax can be seen at a glance in our deposit
comparison tool.
Benefit from the Best Rates in Our Fixed-Term Deposit Comparison
Fixed-term deposits are a
classic and low-risk investment option that can offer
attractive returns at any time. In our fixed deposit comparison,
interest rates primarily depend on the term duration and
the creditworthiness of the issuing country. At Allianz’s
partner banks, interest rates of up to 3.15% p.a. are
currently available.
Compare fixed deposits now
FAQs about fixed-term deposits
With fixed-term deposits, you can invest a fixed
amount at the beginning of the term. This amount is
invested for a fixed period at a fixed interest rate.
Therefore, it is generally not possible to use a
fixed-term deposit account as a form of regular
savings, such as a savings plan.
Early termination of a fixed-term deposit account is
usually not possible. Fixed-term deposits are invested
for a specific period of time and are not accessible
during this time. In exceptional cases, the bank may
agree to a temporary termination. However, this may
incur additional fees and a reduction in the
fixed-term deposit interest rate.
The rules regarding term extensions for fixed-term
deposits can vary from bank to bank. For example, some
fixed-term deposits offer automatic term extensions
(prolongations). If savers do not inform their bank
that they do not wish to extend their investment, the
bank may reinvest the money. The term will then be
extended by the same amount. The fixed-term deposit
will only increase by the interest earned.
If one of our partner banks offers automatic term
extensions, this can be deactivated with one click in
Allianz online banking. Savers will be notified of the
extension at the beginning of their fixed-term deposit
and reminded again in good time before the end of the
term.
At the end of the term, savers have several options.
The most suitable option depends on their individual
investment goals. The following options are available:
✓ Reinvest the amount with the same or another partner
bank at the current interest rate (Prolongation)
✓ Pay out the investment including interest income
In many European countries,
fixed-term deposit rates are often higher
than in your home country, making it worthwhile to
invest abroad and benefit from
better interest returns. Thanks to
the EU-wide deposit guarantee, savings are
protected up to €100,000 per investor and
bank. Countries outside the EU—such as the United Kingdom
and Norway—also offer
legal deposit protection schemes.
Allianz focuses on fixed-term deposit offers from
abroad to provide
the best available rates in our comparison.
When the money is invested in euros,
there is no exchange rate risk.
However, the situation is different with a
foreign currency account. Since exchange rates between the euro and other
currencies can fluctuate, there is a
risk of loss in value. If the euro
gains value during the term, the payout may be
reduced. On the other hand,
a profit is also possible if the euro
weakens. The
exchange rate at the time of payout
ultimately determines the outcome.
Opening a fixed-term deposit for children can be
worthwhile if the invested funds are
not needed for the next several years. After the term ends, the money can be used for
important milestones like
driving school, university, or vocational
training. Compared to traditional savings books or overnight
accounts,
fixed-term deposits for children typically offer
better interest rates.
The child can only access the funds after the term has
expired, which is why the
laddering strategy may also be
beneficial here. It allows partial amounts to become
available at intervals, while any reinvestments can
take advantage of
the best current rates available in
our fixed deposit comparison.
Note:
The content on this page is for general informational
purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. For detailed
information or individual clarification of tax-related
questions, we recommend consulting a tax advisor or another
person qualified under § 2 StBerG.