Scalable Capital March 16: New 2.5% Savings Rate Beats Trade Republic
Scalable Capital 2.5% interest goes live on 16 March, raising the bar for German savers. The new variable savings account pays 2.5% p.a., topping Trade Republic’s 2.0%, with monthly payouts on euro balances. Scalable also ends 2.0% interest on brokerage cash on 31 March, pushing clients to move idle funds into savings. Real-time transfers link saving and trading, so cash can earn interest until the moment it is needed. For many in Germany, this marks a fresh round in the deposit rate battle.
What changed on March 16
Scalable Capital 2.5% interest is now the headline rate for its new savings account, while Trade Republic offers 2.0%. The rate is variable, and interest pays out monthly for smoother compounding. Accounts can be opened in the app with no fixed term. German press reports the move directly targets its Berlin rival source.
Scalable will stop paying 2.0% on brokerage cash balances on 31 March. That change encourages clients to shift idle cash into the new savings account to keep earning. The separation is clear, which helps investors keep trading funds lean while letting larger cash reserves work harder. Expect in-app prompts to move money and track earned interest.
How the new savings account works
The account pays a variable rate, so it can rise or fall. Interest accrues daily and credits monthly, which improves cash flow and clarity. Scalable Capital 2.5% interest applies to euro balances with no lock-in, making it suitable for emergency funds or short-term goals. Investors can keep cash productive while waiting to invest.
A key feature is instant transfers between the savings account and the trading wallet. That keeps capital earning until just before an order is placed. It reduces missed interest on settlement days and weekends. In practice, users can top up, invest, and move proceeds back to savings within the app without delay.
Why this matters for German savers
A 2.5% variable rate from a major neobroker pressures high-street banks and online platforms. It also keeps retail yields closer to the ECB deposit rate, which guides short-term money pricing. German outlets note this is a clear step-up in the savings market source. For many, Scalable Capital 2.5% interest sets a new reference point.
Higher savings rates raise funding costs for banks but attract sticky balances for brokers. Large retail cash holdings could shift toward apps that pay more and integrate investing. That may push incumbents to update offers to defend deposits. For investors, broader competition often means better pricing, clearer terms, and faster features over time.
What to check before moving cash
Interest is taxable in Germany. The flat tax is 25% plus solidarity surcharge, and church tax may apply. Use a Freistellungsauftrag to apply the Sparer-Pauschbetrag, currently €1,000 per person or €2,000 for couples. This can shield part of your interest. Calculate your net yield to compare offers. Scalable Capital 2.5% interest should be assessed on an after-tax basis.
Review product terms in the app before moving funds. Check how the variable rate is updated, when monthly interest posts, and any account plan costs. Confirm transfer limits and cut-off times. Make sure the setup fits your cash needs, from emergency funds to near-term investing. Keep some liquidity outside the trading app for bills and unexpected expenses.
Final Thoughts
Scalable’s move resets the savings benchmark in Germany. A variable 2.5% with monthly payout and instant transfers makes idle cash more productive without locking it away. If you hold large balances in a trading wallet, shift only what you need for near-term orders and place the rest in savings. File or update your Freistellungsauftrag to use the Sparer-Pauschbetrag and compare net yields. Track upcoming ECB meetings, since policy can steer short-term rates. Set alerts in the app for changes to Scalable Capital 2.5% interest and review offers quarterly to stay competitive.
FAQs
Is the 2.5% rate fixed or can it change?
It is a variable rate. Interest accrues daily and pays monthly, but the percentage can move up or down based on market conditions and the provider’s policy. Always check the current rate in the app before large transfers, and set alerts for changes so your cash keeps earning competitively.
What happens to interest on brokerage cash after March 31?
Scalable will no longer pay 2.0% on brokerage cash from March 31. After that date, check the app for the current rate on trading balances. To keep earning, consider moving idle funds into the savings account, which currently offers Scalable Capital 2.5% interest with monthly payouts and real-time transfers.
How does this compare to Trade Republic interest?
Scalable’s savings account pays 2.5% p.a., while Trade Republic advertises 2.0% on cash. Both are variable and can change. Evaluate net yield after taxes, payout frequency, and app features like instant transfers. Keep enough liquidity for trades, then place excess funds where the after-tax return and flexibility suit your needs.
Are interest earnings taxed, and how can I reduce the bill?
Yes. Interest is subject to 25% flat tax plus solidarity surcharge, and church tax may apply. Use a Freistellungsauftrag to apply the Sparer-Pauschbetrag of €1,000 per person, €2,000 for couples. This allowance can shield part of your interest so more of the Scalable Capital 2.5% interest lands in your account.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
What brings you to Meyka?
Pick what interests you most and we will get you started.
I'm here to read news
Find more articles like this one
I'm here to research stocks
Ask our AI about any stock
I'm here to track my Portfolio
Get daily updates and alerts (coming March 2026)