Girokonto Extra

Introduction

Girokonto Extra is the middle tier of three account models offered by direct bank comdirect, aimed at customers who want a current account, a Visa credit card, and an interest-bearing instant-access savings account all in one place.

Fees

Girokonto Extra normally costs 2.90 euros per month. A current promotion, however, lets new customers run the account free for 12 months. For comparison, comdirect also offers Girokonto Aktiv (free with active use, no credit card) and Girokonto Plus (9.90 euros, with the full range of features).

Bonus and features

New customers opening Girokonto Extra receive a bonus of 150 euros. The exact terms of participation (such as deadlines or minimum usage) are set out in the bank's price and services list and were not detailed on the product page itself.

The account includes a Visa credit card and a free instant-access savings account paying 1.75 percent interest per year. Cash withdrawals are free worldwide up to 5 times a month, as is card payment abroad. A classic Girocard can be added optionally for 1 euro a month. Girokonto Extra does not include the travel insurance package, which is reserved exclusively for Girokonto Plus customers. The overdraft interest rate is 8.90 percent per year.

Account features include round-the-clock customer service, contactless payment, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Garmin Pay, a cash service via the app, and standard online banking through the comdirect app including real-time transfers and standing orders. The account can be opened entirely online in three steps: filling out the application, identity verification (instantly online or at a post office), and setting up a chosen PIN along with photoTAN activation. comdirect states it has been named best bank among 36 banks tested in the €uro-Bankentest for the ninth year running, as well as best direct bank.

Who it suits

Girokonto Extra suits customers who want a credit card built into their account and who withdraw cash for free more often than the 3-times-a-month limit on Girokonto Aktiv, but who don't need the full feature set — including travel insurance — of Girokonto Plus. Anyone looking for a simple, permanently free account without a credit card is often better served by Girokonto Aktiv.

Verdict

Girokonto Extra offers good value for anyone who wants a credit card and an interest-bearing savings account bundled in — currently even free for 12 months. The 150-euro bonus makes getting started even more attractive, although the exact conditions for it weren't detailed on the product page.