Switching Loyalty is Common: Nearly Two-Thirds of Account Shifters Would Repeat Their Decision Instantly
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the banking sector in Germany has seen a significant shift, with increased competition driving a surge in the number of primary checking account switches among customers. According to a recent survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the digital association Bitkom in 2025, over half (57%) of Germans have already switched their primary checking account.
The survey, which polled 1,003 people aged 16 and above in Germany, revealed that customer loyalty to their primary bank has significantly decreased over the years. Five years ago, only 43% had switched, compared to 23% in 2016. The data indicates that the trend of switching banks has been on the rise, with 9% of Germans having switched their account once, 19% having done so twice, and 70% having done so three or more times.
The increased competition in the banking sector, driven by digitalization and the entry of neobanks and fintech companies, has given customers more choices. Banks now need to offer compelling digital services to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Automated migration services have made the process of switching primary checking accounts easier for customers, contributing to this shift.
Interestingly, the survey found that 66% of customers who have switched their primary checking account reported that their last switch went completely smoothly. However, 36% of people still have concerns about switching, with concerns such as complexity and potential issues with data migration often cited.
The survey data does not explicitly detail the current trends and concerns in digital account switching among Germans. However, Bitkom has been involved in several relevant studies and initiatives related to digital technology and economy in Germany. For instance, Bitkom conducted a study on the future of cryptocurrency payments among German businesses, which found that while nearly half of the surveyed companies believe that crypto payments will become widespread in the next decade, only a small fraction currently use them.
In conclusion, the digital account switching trend in Germany reflects a growing demand for better digital services and increased competition in the banking sector. As customers become more tech-savvy and demand more from their banks, banks will need to adapt and innovate to meet these changing needs.
[1] Bitkom Research (2025). The Future of Cryptocurrency Payments among German Businesses. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/en/digital-economy/digital-payments/cryptocurrency-payments/ [2] Bitkom Research (2023). Digital Sovereignty and Startup Financing: German Startups' Perspectives. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/en/startups/financing/ [3] Bitkom (2022). eIDAS Summit 2022: Focus on Digital Trust and Identity. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/en/events/eidas-summit-2022/
- With the rise in digitalization, fintech companies and neobanks are playing a significant role in the increasing competition within Germany's banking sector by offering innovative digital services that traditional banks must emulate to attract and retain customers.
- The five-year trend of financial business in Germany, as indicated by the switching of primary checking accounts, suggests that customers are gravitating towards more tech-driven solutions, possibly indicating an interest in fintech and digital services.
