Sparkassen Banks Launch Crypto Trading in Banking App
Germany’s Sparkassen banking group has introduced cryptocurrency trading within its banking application, initially rolling out the service with five savings banks. The feature, priced at €0.99 per transaction, began on Monday.
The first five participating institutions are Frankfurter Sparkasse, Taunus Sparkasse, Sparkasse Karlsruhe, Sparkasse Rottal-Inn, and Niederrheinische Sparkasse RheinLippe. The service, branded as “Krypto powered by Deka,” is operated by DekaBank, the securities firm owned by the Sparkassen.
According to a report from Bloomingbit, customers of these Sparkassen will be able to trade Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Polygon (POL) without requiring a separate securities account.
Gradual Rollout and Expansion Plans
The decision to join the crypto trading service rests with each individual Sparkasse. The German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) informed the dpa news agency that an additional 30 to 40 banks are expected to integrate the service monthly. Joachim Schmalzl, a member of the DSGV executive board, stated that the association aims to connect a significant portion of interested Sparkassen by the first half of 2027.
Trading Mechanics and Pricing
DekaBank’s pricing sheet, dated September 2026, indicates no minimum order requirement, with a cap of €250,000 per trade. All transactions are processed as requests for quotes. DekaBank provides a binding price within a limited timeframe, calculated based on a market reference price plus its own spread, which is not disclosed. The sheet also allows DekaBank to adjust pricing for large volumes or periods of heightened volatility.
Custody and Withdrawal Policies
DekaBank will hold private keys in trust for customers within a shared omnibus wallet, with no fees associated with custody. Withdrawals are free of charge but are restricted to addresses associated with four approved providers: Crypto Finance, Tangany, Bullish Europe, and Börse Stuttgart Digital Custody.
Börse Stuttgart Digital Custody was the first German entity to receive licensing under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) in January 2025. The DSGV confirmed to dpa that Börse Stuttgart is also collaborating with DekaBank on the custody aspect of this new service.
Risk Disclosures and Customer Guidance
The savings banks will refrain from offering customers advice on cryptocurrency or broadly promoting the service. Clients engaging in crypto trading will receive explicit warnings regarding significant price fluctuations and the potential for complete loss of investment. DekaBank’s website further clarifies that cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by statutory deposit insurance.
Evolution of Sparkassen’s Stance on Crypto
The DSGV initially explored a crypto wallet for its customers in December 2021. However, Handelsblatt reported that the board voted against a cryptocurrency offering the following year. By early 2024, committees within the savings banks were reportedly advising their institutions to avoid crypto trading.
The board reversed this stance in 2025, tasking DekaBank with developing the service. This decision was attributed to customer demand and the establishment of a legal framework by MiCA.
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