”Postbank Business Giro” is the name of the new business current account which Postbank wants to particularly direct at small and medium-sized businesses from now on. It costs a flat rate of DM 8.50 per month and is therefore quite reasonable in comparison with the current market. With a monthly receipt of payment of DM 20 000 the account is even available with no charges. It includes 100 paperless transactions; each subsequent one costs six pfennigs. Two EC cards, monthly bank statements by post, standing orders and postage paid giro envelopes are also included free of charge. Paper-based transactions will be charged at one Mark each.

In comparison with the old Postbank prices, the new account is above all clearly more economical if used often. The account is of particular advantage for companies who complete transactions online using a computer, as then there are no charges for paper-based transactions. Cost saving through online banking is consistently passed on to the customers by Postbank. Already today one in three of Postbank’s 400 000 business customers look after their accounts online.

As an additional free service, Postbank offers its business customers the banking software ”Postbank ModernCash” as well as advice through the Business Line, which is available 24 hours from Monday to Saturday. The overdraft facility is very reasonable in comparison with the current market at 11.5 percent.

With the new business current account, Postbank is implementing the results of a current survey of business customers. The majority of those asked would rather pay a flat rate price than individual charges. Flat rate charges are seen as being clear, understandable and fair. Crucial for this is the price for the overdraft facility. It is the deciding factor over and above account charges when choosing an account. 40 percent of those asked who do not yet bank online are planning to start online banking.

Solidarity with small and medium-sized businesses In future, Postbank wants show more solidarity with small and medium-sized businesses. With products aimed at the areas of transactions, liquidity, financing, investments and provision for the future, it wants to stand by small and medium-sized businesses as their principal banker. The range of products will however remain easily comprehensible. The products will be as they have always been, value for money and fast. The main focus is the introduction of E-Commerce into business. Deutsche Post and Postbank can together offer a joint, comprehensive service, which extends from customer order via delivery and invoicing to payment.

An overview of ”Postbank Business Giro”:


 

Flat rate price	DM 8.50 per month, free with minimum receipt of payment of 20000 per month
Paperless transactions	100 pieces included, each thereafter DM 0.06
2 EC cards/b>	Included
Online and telephone banking	Included
Banking software ”Postbank ModernCash”	Included
Advice from Postbank Business Line	Included, Mon to Sat 0:00 to 24:00
Standing orders (set up, change, cancel)	Included
Monthly bank statements by post	Included
Postage-paid giro envelopes	Included
Paper-based tasks (paper-based transfers, cheque requests etc)	DM 1.00
Overdraft facility	Currently 11.5% per annum

Those interested can obtain information and application forms to open an account from Deutsche Post branches or from the Postbank Business Line on 0180 30 40 900. On the Internet the information is available at  www.postbank.de/geschaeftskunden . Existing Postbank business customers need take no further action. Their accounts will be automatically changed to the new prices.