In short
Looking after your money comes with a small fee – as with anything where someone does work for you. An adviser can show you exactly how much it is for your offer.
Last checked: 11 October 2026 · 5 min read · RenteKannMehr editorial team
Now in more detail
Whoever invests and looks after your money receives a fee for it. That is completely normal. The good news: you can compare costs in advance – so you can calmly find an offer that suits you.
What costs are there?
- Acquisition and distribution costs: for arranging and setting up the contract.
- Ongoing administration costs: for running the contract or the investment account.
- Fund costs: the ongoing costs of the funds or ETFs it holds.
- Costs in the payout phase: for example for converting your capital into a pension.
- Switching costs: if you change provider.
Effective costs: one number for everything
Effective costs (Effektivkosten) combine all costs in a single number. You will find them in the product information sheet, and they make offers easy to compare.
How much does my offer cost?
The exact figures depend on the provider and the product. An adviser can show you the costs for your offer and compare them with others – with no obligation.
What the law regulates from 2027
- For the standard account (Standarddepot), effective costs may be no more than 1%.
- Acquisition and distribution costs are spread evenly over the saving phase instead of weighing on the first years.
- Changing provider costs no more than €150 in the first 5 years and is free of charge after that.
- You do not have to pay costs that were not disclosed.
Good to know
The cost cap applies to the standard account. For other offers, advice helps you compare the costs.