+012 345 6789
info@example.com
Mon - Fri : 09 AM - 09 PM

Deposit Protection: Safeguarding Your Investments

When it comes to investing, it’s not only the returns that matter — the security of your deposits plays a crucial role. Across Europe, various deposit protection systems exist to protect investors in case of a bank failure. These systems ensure that your capital is secured up to a certain amount.

European Deposit Guarantee

Unified Protection Across the EU

The European Union has introduced a uniform deposit guarantee scheme that applies to all member states.

Coverage amount

At least €100,000 per person and bank.

Covered assets

Balances in checking accounts, savings accounts, fixed-term deposits, and overnight deposits.

Objective

Protection of private customers and small businesses from bank insolvencies.

The protection is managed through national deposit guarantee schemes, which return deposits to customers within 7 to 20 business days in the event of a bank collapse.

Example: If you have €90,000 with a bank in France and €80,000 with a bank in Germany, both amounts are protected by their respective national deposit guarantee systems up to the EU limit of €100,000.

Voluntary Deposit Protection

Additional Security for Larger Assets

In addition to the statutory minimum protection, voluntary protection schemes offer additional safety. This is particularly relevant for investors with higher deposits.

Germany as an example:

Deposit Protection Fund of the Association of German Banks (BdB): Covers amounts beyond €100,000, sometimes up to millions

Protection scheme of the National Association of German Cooperative Banks (BVR): Full protection for all customer deposits

Protection scheme of the Savings Banks Finance Group: 100% protection for all savings deposits

Depending on the bank and the country, different voluntary protection systems offer investors additional security.

Deposit Protection in European Countries — National Differences

Although the EU mandates a minimum coverage of €100,000, some countries have additional or differing regulations.

Country Statutory Deposit Protection Additional Protection Systems
Germany€100,000BdB, BVR, Savings Banks Finance Group funds
France€100,000Fonds de Garantie des Dépôts et de Résolution
Italy€100,000Fondo Interbancario di Tutela dei Depositi (FITD)
Spain€100,000Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos de Entidades de Crédito (FGD)
Austria€100,000Einlagensicherung AUSTRIA GmbH
Netherlands€100,000De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB)
SwitzerlandCHF 100,000Esisuisse — up to CHF 100,000 per customer and bank
United KingdomGBP 85,000Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

Special Notes

Switzerland: The limit is CHF 100,000 per customer and bank, not per account.

United Kingdom: Protection is GBP 85,000, as the country is no longer part of the EU scheme.

Germany, Austria, Netherlands: Many banks offer additional protection through national funds.

Conclusion: What Should Investors Pay Attention To?

Diversification: Spread large deposits across multiple banks.

Check protection schemes: Not every bank participates in voluntary protection programs.

International deposit protection: Not all countries have the same level of deposit security.

Tip: Those looking to safeguard large sums should carefully research the voluntary protection schemes of each bank.