The Postbank is inexpensive and fine for the small depositor, but is very limited in the services it offers. As a rule you can use the ATMs of banks like your own without charge. If, say, your bank is a Sparkasse , the transaction is free at any other Sparkasse. German banks, like American ones, are getting into home banking. Within a few years most banks will be set up to permit you to check your balance, order a fund transfer and perform other transactions on line.
Some banks also offer, or are preparing to offer, a similar service via touch-tone telephones.
As a rule German banks are open from 9 to 4 and on Thursdays to 5.30 or 6.30.Some smaller branches shut at lunchtime. See also our Special Report on Deutsche Bank 24 .