Search for "best bank for a loan in Germany" and you get a flood of pages crowning their own test winners. Many of those labels have no independent backing. Below you will find the actual results from recognized German test organizations, each with its source and publication date, so you can judge for yourself before comparing offers on our loan comparison page.
Key Takeaways
- Credible test results come from independent organizations like DISQ, Stiftung Warentest, DtGV, or ServiceValue, always with a named source and date.
- In the DISQ installment-loan test for n-tv (November 2025), DKB ranked first among direct banks; Sparda-Bank Hamburg topped the branch-bank category.
- Stiftung Warentest deliberately does not crown a single winner. It publishes monthly rate tables comparing around 40 banks.
- A top test rank does not guarantee the lowest rate for you. Your personal rate depends on creditworthiness, loan amount, and term.
- Always compare multiple offers via a Schufa-neutral soft inquiry before committing.
What "Loan Test Winner" Actually Means
Not every test-winner badge is equal. Some comparison portals award the title themselves without any independent evaluation. Under German unfair competition law (UWG), self-assigned quality claims can mislead consumers and create legal risk for the publisher.
A credible test result always names the testing organization, the publication date, and the exact category tested. The main recognized bodies in Germany are DISQ (Deutsches Institut fuer Service-Qualitaet), Stiftung Warentest, DtGV (Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Verbraucherstudien), ServiceValue, and Focus Money. Each uses its own methodology, so the rankings can differ between studies.
Quick check: When you see a test-winner label, look for three things: the test organization, the publication date, and the tested category. If any of those are missing, treat the label as marketing only.
DISQ Installment-Loan Test 2025: The Rankings
In November 2025, DISQ tested installment-loan providers in Germany on behalf of n-tv. The evaluation covered conditions, service quality, and transparency. Here are the results:
| Rank | Direct Banks (Direktbanken) | Branch Banks (Filialbanken) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DKB | Sparda-Bank Hamburg |
| 2 | ING | BBBank |
| 3 | SKG Bank | Targobank |
Source: DISQ (Deutsches Institut fuer Service-Qualitaet), test for n-tv, published November 2025.
One pattern stands out: ING appears near the top across several independent studies. That points to consistent quality over time, though it does not mean ING will offer the best rate for your specific situation.
Other Current Tests: DtGV, ServiceValue, and Focus Money
Several other organizations also evaluate installment loans in Germany. A brief overview:
- DtGV (2025): The Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Verbraucherstudien ranked ING first in its direct-bank installment-loan test, followed by Ikano Bank and norisbank.
- ServiceValue (2025): Barclays, ING, and norisbank all received positive ratings for installment loans in the ServiceValue study.
- Focus Money / Deutschland-Test: Under the label "Deutschland-Test Beste Ratenkredite," installment-loan providers are evaluated periodically. Always check the specific issue and publication year when citing this study.
What Stiftung Warentest Says About Installment Loans
Stiftung Warentest (through its Finanztest magazine) compares installment-loan conditions from around 40 banks every month. Crucially, it does not crown a single winner. Instead it publishes interest-rate comparison tables for different loan amounts and terms.
The reason is straightforward: the cheapest loan depends on your individual situation. A bank that comes out lowest for EUR 10,000 over 36 months may be noticeably more expensive for EUR 25,000 over 72 months. That is why comparing several offers always makes sense, for example through our loan comparison tool.
What Does an Installment Loan Cost in Germany in 2026?
There is no single "test-winner rate." For context: according to Deutsche Bundesbank interest-rate statistics, the average effective rate for consumer loans to households in Germany was around 8.5% per year in April 2026. We do not set rates and do not advertise any "from X%" figures, because the rate you receive depends entirely on your individual credit profile.
When comparing offers, focus on the Effektivzins (APR, which includes all costs) rather than the nominal rate. Pay particular attention to the 2/3-Zins: under German pricing rules (PAngV), lenders must disclose the rate that at least two thirds of applicants actually receive. This is a far more realistic figure than the headline "from X%" rate shown in ads. Your personal rate is only confirmed after a Schufa-neutral Konditionsanfrage (soft inquiry).
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Important: A high test ranking does not automatically mean the lowest rate. DISQ and similar bodies evaluate service quality, transparency, and conditions together, not just the interest rate. If price is your main concern, compare the APR across multiple lenders directly.
What to Look for When Choosing a Loan
Test results are a useful starting point, but the right loan for you depends on your own situation. The most important factors:
- Compare the APR (Effektivzins): This includes all costs and is the honest comparison figure. Do not be misled by a lower nominal rate (Sollzins).
- Check early-repayment options: Some banks allow free extra payments (Sondertilgung); others charge an early-repayment fee (Vorfaelligkeitsentschaedigung). This matters if you plan to pay off faster.
- Use a soft inquiry first: A Konditionsanfrage is Schufa-neutral and shows your personal rate without affecting your credit score.
- Choose the term carefully: Shorter terms mean less interest overall but higher monthly payments. Find the balance that fits your budget.
- Think twice about payment-protection insurance: Banks often offer Restschuldversicherung alongside loans. It adds cost and is often unnecessary, especially for shorter terms.
Looking for more detail on specific loan types? Our guides cover personal loan comparison and how ECB interest rate policy affects loan rates in Germany. For newcomers still building Schufa history, see our dedicated loan guide for foreigners in Germany.
Getting a Loan as a Newcomer: Schufa, Creditworthiness, and Your Options
If you have not lived in Germany long, your Schufa file may be thin or empty. That makes loan approval harder, but not impossible. Here is what helps:
- Fixed employment contract: The single most important factor. Fixed-term contracts can work, but banks will usually cap the loan amount.
- German bank account with salary history: Even three months of regular incoming salary meaningfully improves your chances.
- Soft inquiry, not a hard application: A Konditionsanfrage lets you check offers at multiple banks without leaving a hard inquiry on your Schufa record.
- Use a comparison platform: A loan comparison lets you reach multiple lenders at once and find providers that are open to applicants with short Schufa histories.
One option worth knowing about: some lenders offer rate-neutral (bonitaetsunabhaengige) pricing, meaning every approved customer pays the same interest rate regardless of their Schufa score. That can be particularly useful when your credit file is still thin and you want certainty about the rate upfront.