"ING Germany's CEO emphasizes that unrestrained expansion is not achievable"
ING Germany Announces Expansion Plans and New Products
ING Germany, the leading digital bank in Germany, has announced its plans to launch a Junior Current Account in August 2025 and a real credit card in 2026 as part of its strategic expansion [2]. The bank aims to grow its mobile primary customer base, adding 300,000 new mobile primary customers in Q2 2025 alone to reach a total of 14.9 million mobile primary customers [1][3].
The Junior Current Account, designed for children aged 7 to 17, is intended to help introduce young people to financial topics and emphasize financial inclusion from an early age [2]. Parents will have a cockpit to monitor their children's account activities. This initiative aligns with ING's commitment to fostering financial literacy among the younger generation.
The credit card launch in 2026 complements its existing offerings and addresses competitive pressures from neobanks like N26 and Revolut while maintaining leadership in Germany’s digital banking market [2][1].
ING Germany remains focused on balancing customer acquisition with capital strength, aiming to achieve a CET1 ratio of 13.3% [1]. The bank is also enhancing its digital infrastructure with AI tools, automated financial planning, and efficient mortgage processing, reinforcing its scale as the largest digital bank in Germany [1].
Under CEO Lars Stoy, ING Germany is pursuing a digital-first strategy aimed at sustainable growth, customer satisfaction, and operational agility [1]. Stoy emphasizes the importance of intensifying the connection with customers, rather than prioritizing growth at any cost. He also stated that the total number of customers can continue to grow, but not at any cost.
In addition, ING has introduced a new customer loyalty program for active traders in July [4]. Advancing from the "base level" to platinum status in the program offers benefits. The bank focuses on house bank customers who regularly use the app.
However, the bank is not immune to the challenges posed by lower interest rates, which are putting pressure on its profits. In the second quarter, ING's pre-tax profit was 381 million euros, a 20% decrease from the previous year [5]. Despite this, ING remains committed to leveraging digital innovation to sustain growth amidst a challenging financial environment.
In summary:
- Junior Current Account launch: August 2025
- Credit card launch: 2026
- Mobile primary customer target (current): 14.9 million as of Q2 2025, with ongoing growth
- Strategic focus: Sustainable digital growth, customer satisfaction, operational agility, and capital strength [1][2][3].
What is the intended launch date for the Junior Current Account targeted at children aged 7 to 17, as part of ING Germany's expansion plans? The Junior Current Account is scheduled to launch in August 2025.
In addition to the Junior Current Account, ING Germany is planning to launch a real credit card in 2026 to complement its existing offerings and strengthen its position in the competitive personal-finance and business market.
