Smart Finance

Those who order goods from non-EU countries should expect higher fees.

Shopping Is Getting More Expensive Additional Fee Applies to Many Online Orders

Black Friday and Singles' Day Are Getting More Expensive Starting Nov. 1, a new fee will apply to orders from non-EU shops.

Important Changes and Deadlines Consumers Face in November

Attention, Consumers! New Rules Starting November: Changes in Shopping, Travel, and Cars

In November, several rules for consumers will change. These deadlines and updates regarding rail travel, cars, and online shopping are important.

The federal government is planning a comprehensive tax package for 2027.

Government Plans More Money Starting in 2027? Tax Changes to Relieve Millions of Workers

The 2027 Tax Reform Promises Relief for Millions of Workers: Who Benefits Most

Two people are sitting on a sofa in front of a laptop. One person is on the phone with a focused expression, while the other is looking at the screen with a furrowed brow, holding a bank card in hand.

ECJ Ruling on Online Banking Fell for Phishing? Bank Can't Simply Refuse Reimbursement

The European Court of Justice strengthens phishing victims' rights. Banks must promptly refund unauthorized payments.

Major Transition! How Withdrawing Money from ATMs Will Change in the Future

ATMs, websites, and shops must become more accessible. The EU is also making cash withdrawals easier and increasing transparency.

Close-up of a contactless card payment. One hand holds an orange card over a black card reader, which is held by another hand. The terminal features a keypad along with green, yellow, and red function buttons. The background is dark and blurred.

Law in Progress New Rule Aims to Simplify Card Payments Significantly

Minimum Amounts for Card Payments to Be Eliminated New regulations aim to facilitate digital payments and prevent surcharges.

Taxi Alternatives Could Become Cheaper Again in Munich

Ruling Overturned? Uber and Bolt Could Become Cheaper Again

Taxi alternatives could become cheaper in Munich after the court overturns the minimum price ruling.

Current Phishing Scams Threaten Numerous Bank Customers

Warning for Millions of Users How Risky Is Mobile Banking on Your Smartphone?

The number of cyberattacks on Android smartphones is rising sharply. Why mobile banking is becoming riskier and how to protect yourself.

Gemini can now keep an eye out for deals for users.

New Feature in the U.S. Does Gemini Have Access to Your Money? The Truth Behind Wallet Integration

Google is linking its Wallet with the AI assistant Gemini and plans to simplify more everyday activities in the future.

A woman smiles at the camera as her face is scanned.

Is a Glance Enough Soon? Revolut Tests Facial Payment System

Revolut Tests Facial Payments in London Here's how payment via facial recognition works and what data the bank stores.

Hidden Claude Feature Discovered Chaos AI to Manage Your Bank Account Soon

A new section called "Money" has been discovered in the Claude app. This feature could potentially analyze financial data directly in the future.

Dispute Escalates Privacy Advocates File Lawsuit Against Schufa

Schufa Faces Legal Trouble as Data Protection Advocates File Lawsuit Against Alleged "Shadow Database"

Starting in November 2026 Klarna to Link Credit Card to Paid Subscription in the Future

Klarna to Charge for Visa Card Use: Membership Required Starting November 2026

Shock for Customers! Amazon to Discontinue Popular Payment Method

Amazon is expected to discontinue monthly billing by the end of 2026. This could significantly change the way customers purchase on account.

A new wave of phishing is currently targeting Sparkasse customers. Criminals are sending deceptively authentic emails in an attempt to obtain sensitive online banking data.

Security Alert Attention, Savings Bank Customers: This Email Could Empty Your Account

Warning: Criminals are sending deceptively authentic emails to Sparkasse customers in an attempt to obtain sensitive online banking data.

ING CEO Steven van Rijswijk discussed the free account in an interview.

Restructuring at the Direct Bank If You Have an ING Account, You Should Know This Change for 2027

The ING checking account is expected to remain free of charge beyond 2027. However, the conditions and services that will apply are still unclear.

A card reader sits on a light wooden table. The display shows several tip options in percentages, including 18, 20, and 25 percent, along with a button for a custom amount. A hand taps the screen. A blue payment card is inserted into the side of the terminal.

Manipulative Consumer Advocates Warn of Nasty Tip Trick

Criticism of tip suggestions on card readers: Surveys reveal why customers often feel pressured when paying cashless.

Sparkasse Changes Credit Card Payment Approvals

For Greater Security Sparkasse Warns: Failure to Act Could Prevent Online Payments

The Sparkasse is discontinuing the S-ID-Check app. Anyone who wants to continue making online payments with a credit card must switch by the end of January 2027.

Go, More, Extra and Max New Subscription Models at ING! End of Free Accounts?

ING Plans New Checking Account Models for Germany: What Customers Might Expect by Mid-2027 and Unanswered Questions

New Rules ING App No Longer Works on These Smartphones

ING is raising the requirements for its banking app. Users should now check if their smartphone is still supported.

In Germany and Austria Amazon Launches New Installment Payment Option With PayPal

Amazon to Introduce PayPal Installment Payments in August 2026 Find out the terms and potential costs associated with this new payment option.

Hotels, Rental Cars and Apps Girocard Set for a Revolution! New Features Coming in 2027

The Girocard is set to receive new features starting in 2027. Planned additions include apps, travel bookings, and digital age verification.

What Should the New Euro Banknotes Look Like? The ECB Wants Your Opinion.

Culture or Nature? You Decide What the New Euro Banknotes Will Look Like

The European Central Bank is planning new euro banknotes. We can vote on the design until Sept. 21.

Fully Automated Tax Filing at the Push of a Button: How okElster Will Work Starting July 2026

With okElster, filing your tax return is just a click away. The Elster+ app automatically imports salary and pension data.

Whether you need to verify your payment with a PIN or a signature follows clear rules.

Did You Know? Why Signatures Are Nearly Obsolete in Card Payments

When paying by card, a PIN is required, while a signature is now rarely needed. Here's why and what's behind it.

Woman Holding Smartphone and Credit Card

Secure Analyses ChatGPT Now Checks Your Bank Account

OpenAI has introduced a new financial feature in ChatGPT for bank accounts. Users can now analyze data with it.

Customers Must Act ING Revamps Online Banking: Account Lockout Looms Without New Login

ING is introducing a new login system. Those who don't switch risk having trouble accessing their accounts.

New Wave of Fraud New PayPal Scam Uses Real Emails–Even Experts at Risk

A new PayPal scam uses legitimate emails for fraud. Here's how to spot the trap and effectively protect your data.

Holds the credit card up to a card reader

Bitkom Survey Germans Feel Bothered by Digital Tips

Many feel influenced by tipping options at card terminals. A survey reveals what users think about preset amounts.

Symbolic Representation of Payment with a Fingernail

Swiss Invention Paying With Fingernails? What’s Behind the New Payment Method

Paying Without a Smartphone? A Chip in Your Fingernail Makes It Possible. But How Practical Is the Technology Really?