Hey bunqer 🌈
Getting a garnishment can feel confusing and stressful. We're here to guide you through what happens to your German account when we receive a garnishment order, and how we support you through the process.
To understand what a garnishment is and why it happens, check out [this article].
What happens to my Bank Account?
Step 1. We'll notify you right away
When a creditor (such as a bailiff, institution, or creditor's representative) contacts us with enforceable garnishment documents, we temporarily freeze your Bank Account and notify you immediately in the app.
To check your messages from bunq:
Open your bunq app
Tap the bell icon next to your Profile in the top left corner
Find your garnishment notification in the messages
Step 2. We collect the garnishment amount
While we process the garnishment, your Bank Account stays frozen. We transfer the funds to a special bunq intermediary account, where they're reserved for the creditor.
If your account has enough balance to cover the full debt: We transfer the collected funds to the creditor immediately—either from the intermediary account or directly to them, depending on the garnishment order. Once the transfer is complete, we unfreeze your account so you can use it as usual.
If your account doesn't have enough balance to cover the debt: We keep your Bank Account frozen until you add enough funds to settle the garnishment. Once you've added sufficient funds to your account, contact Finn through the app. A specialist agent will review your case, process the payment to the creditor, and unfreeze your account.
Step 3. Your account is unfrozen
We unfreeze your Bank Account after:
The creditor receives the full payment, or
We receive an official written statement from the creditor confirming the proceedings are complete and your account can be released
If you've settled the debt outside of bunq or the amount has been reduced, we still need official written confirmation from the creditor before we can unfreeze your account or return any seized funds.
When will my account be unblocked?
Your account will be unblocked as soon as the garnishment payment is completed and we've received confirmation from the creditor—or an official release order.
To speed up the process:
If you've added funds to cover the garnishment, reach out to Finn in the app so a specialist agent can finalize the payment
If you've settled the debt directly with the creditor, ask them to send bunq an official written release
For questions about the garnishment itself or to request earlier release, contact the bailiff or creditor directly.
Is there a fee for processing a garnishment?
By German law, bunq is required to process every garnishment we receive. Depending on the case, we may charge a service fee for handling the garnishment on your German account.
For full details on fees, check out [bunq's Pricing Sheet].
What if I have multiple garnishments?
If you have more than one garnishment on your account, your Bank Account will stay frozen until all garnishment proceedings are completed. Each garnishment must be settled and officially released before we can unfreeze your account.