ZKA's "Current Account for Everyone" ("Basic Account") recommendation

All banks operating current accounts for all sections of the population shall, on request, make available current account facilities to every citizen in the area in which they do business. This will enable the customer to receive credit items, to make cash deposits and withdrawals and to transfer funds. Overdrafts need not be allowed. Every bank shall be free to provide additional banking services. Banks shall, in principle, be prepared to operate current accounts for everyone, regardless of the nature and amount of the customer's income, e.g. unemployment benefit, social assistance. Entries with SCHUFA indicating that the customer's financial situation is poor shall not, by themselves, constitute grounds for refusing to operate a current account. A bank shall not be obliged to operate a current account for the applicant where this is deemed to be unreasonable. In this case, the bank may also close an existing account. Opening or continuing to operate an account shall be deemed to be unreasonable where

• the customer misuses the services provided by the bank, especially for illicit transactions, e.g. fraud or money laundering;
• the customer provides false information that is of major importance for the account relationship;
• the customer makes a serious nuisance of himself to or poses a threat to the safety of, staff or other customers;
• it is not possible to use the account for the intended purpose of remitting and receiving cashless payments because, for example, the account is frozen as a result of debt enforcement measures taken by creditors or remains dormant for a period of twelve months;
• it is not ensured that the bank will receive the customary fees agreed for operation and use of the account;
• the customer otherwise fails to abide by the arrangements.