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Finance in Austria
Your independent guide to saving, investing and borrowing in Austria
What is the Austrian finance guide?
CheckEverything.at's finance hub is an independent guide to building savings, loans, current accounts, investing and ETFs in Austria for 2026. Every figure is grounded in public sources such as the FMA, the Austrian Ministry of Finance (BMF), the OeNB and the Chamber of Labour (AK). The goal is orientation, not product recommendations. From your first Bausparvertrag to Austrian ETF tax treatment, we explain what matters and what to ignore.
Personal finance in Austria comes with its own rulebook. Building society contracts (Bausparvertrag), the FMA as regulator, the flat 27.5% capital gains tax, ETF treatment that catches expats off guard. This page is the starting point. We explain the building blocks, name the official sources behind the numbers and link to our deeper guides for each topic. What you will not find here: ranked "best of" lists without evidence, return promises or nudges towards any single provider.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- 1.Emergency fund first: Three months of expenses in an instant-access savings account before you invest.
- 2.Clear expensive debt: A loan at 8% interest eats any return your savings can produce. Pay down consumer loans first.
- 3.Claim the Bausparprämie: Up to 18 euros per person per year from the state (1.5% on 1,200 euros, BMF 2026).
- 4.Check with the FMA: Verify products and providers on fma.gv.at before you sign anything.
Where to start
Order matters. Before you look at stocks, ETFs or a building savings contract, three things are worth sorting out first.
1
Build an emergency fund
Three months of expenses in an instant-access savings account. That is the cushion when the car breaks or the boiler dies.
2
Clear expensive debt
A consumer loan at 8% interest eats any return your savings can produce. Pay down expensive debt before you start investing.
3
Set a real goal
Saving for a flat in five years and saving for retirement in 30 are very different jobs. The goal decides which product fits.
Topics at a glance
Building Savings
A government-subsidised contract called Bausparen. How it works, what the premium is worth today and what to watch for.
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Loans
Installment loans, online loans, mortgages and credit options without KSV. What the conditions actually mean for your monthly budget.
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Current Account
What a current account costs in Austria and how to switch without losing direct debits. Written with newcomers in mind.
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Securities & ETFs
ETFs are popular in Austria for a reason, but Austrian tax treatment has surprises. The basics for first-time investors.
Learn more
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Read more →Frequently asked questions about finance in Austria
What is the Bausparprämie and who can claim it?
The Bausparprämie is a government top-up paid on annual deposits into an Austrian building savings contract. The rate is set each year by the Ministry of Finance and has ranged between 1.5% and 3% in recent years. It applies to deposits up to 1,200 euros per person per year. Any individual resident in Austria is eligible.
How are investment returns taxed in Austria?
Interest on deposits, dividends and capital gains are subject to a flat capital gains tax (KESt) of 27.5%. Domestic banks and brokers withhold it automatically. Building savings interest is taxed at a reduced rate of 25%. Losses from securities can be offset against gains within the same calendar year.
Is a Bausparvertrag still worth it in 2026?
A Bausparvertrag is no longer a high-yield product. It is a conservative savings tool with a state subsidy and the option of a low-interest building loan later. People who want the premium and the loan option can still use it sensibly. For pure wealth building, ETFs or instant-access accounts usually deliver more.
Where can I get independent financial advice in Austria?
The Arbeiterkammer (AK) and Budgetberatung Österreich provide free, product-neutral advice. Fee-only advisors charge an hourly rate instead of taking commissions and are also independent. Bank advisors typically sell their own products, which is not automatically bad but worth knowing.
Can expats open a bank account in Austria?
Yes. With a passport, Meldezettel (proof of address registration) and an Austrian address, you can open a current account at any bank in Austria. Bank Austria, Erste Bank and BAWAG handle onboarding in English. A social security number is usually not required for the account itself but may be needed for other financial products.
Who regulates banks and insurers in Austria?
The Financial Market Authority (FMA) supervises banks, insurance companies, investment firms and pension funds in Austria. It is also the contact point for licensing questions and consumer complaints. Deposits up to 100,000 euros per customer per bank are protected by statutory deposit insurance.
Independent sources and advice services
Every figure on this page is grounded in publicly accountable sources:
- Financial Market Authority (FMA)
Supervises Austrian banks, insurers and investment firms.
- Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF)
Taxes, building-savings premium and statutory rules.
- Austrian National Bank (OeNB)
Interest-rate statistics, credit market data and banking statistics.
- Chamber of Labour (AK)
Product-neutral money advice and complaint support.
- Budgetberatung Österreich
Free, independent household budget advice (German only).
Run your own numbers
Want to see what your Bausparvertrag, loan or savings plan actually costs? The calculator from our partner durchblicker.at lets you play through the options.
Open calculatorDisclosure: affiliate link. There are no extra costs for you.
Last reviewed on 27 May 2026