Spoření s bonusem

ČSOB savings account for active cardholders

Spoření s bonusem (Savings with a Bonus) from ČSOB is a classic notice-free savings account on which the bank offers an enhanced bonus rate in exchange for actively using a payment card and having income paid into the account. It suits clients who already regularly pay by card with ČSOB and have their salary directed there, rather than people looking for a completely condition-free place to park money long-term. It can be opened with a minimum initial deposit of CZK 5,000.

Interest: 3.8% p.a. up to CZK 250,000, only 2% above that

The bonus rate of 3.8% p.a. applies to a balance of up to CZK 250,000. For savings above CZK 250,000 up to CZK 1,000,000, a significantly lower rate applies, a maximum of 2% p.a. A client holding a larger balance therefore does not earn 3.8% on all of their savings, only on the first quarter-million — the rest is remunerated considerably worse. The product description does not state any rate for savings above CZK 1,000,000.

How to get and keep the bonus rate

For the first 90 days after opening the account, the bank grants the bonus rate with no conditions attached. That is a long enough trial period for a client to try the product without committing to anything — in practice it works as a three-month welcome bonus. Once that period ends, conditions kick in: the account requires at least 5 card payments per month and a monthly income of at least CZK 15,000 paid into the account. An exception applies to young clients aged 18 to 26, who only need to meet the five-card-payment condition — the income requirement does not apply to them, which makes this account a relatively accessible product for students and recent graduates without a high income.

To earn the full 3.8% rate, an additional monthly amount of at least CZK 1,500 must be set aside into one of the bank's other products — investments, pension savings, or building savings. Meeting the card and income conditions alone therefore does not automatically guarantee the full rate; the client must also commit to regular saving outside this account, in another ČSOB product. The product description does not state what rate applies if a client fails to meet this last condition even after the first 90 days — that needs to be verified directly at a branch or via internet banking before opening the account.

Fees and other conditions

According to the product description, opening the account, its maintenance, incoming and outgoing payments, and statements are all free of charge — none of these should reduce the return on savings. The minimum initial deposit of CZK 5,000 places this product more among accounts for clients who already have some savings built up than an account for starting to save from zero.

Who the account suits

It makes the most sense for ČSOB clients who already routinely pay by card at least five times a month and have their regular salary directed there — they meet the conditions for keeping the bonus rate automatically, without extra effort. It is also attractive for younger clients under 26, who do not have to prove any income. Conversely, for clients who just want to park money with no further activity, or who are not willing to take out another savings or investment product from the bank, earning the full bonus rate after the first 90 days may prove difficult.

Pros and cons

• Bonus rate of 3.8% p.a. up to a balance of CZK 250,000
• First 90 days with no conditions to earn the rate
• Account opening, maintenance and payments free of charge
• Easier conditions for clients aged 18-26 (no income requirement)

• After 90 days, two to three conditions must be met at once (card payments, income, saving into another bank product)
• Above CZK 250,000 the rate drops sharply to a maximum of 2% p.a.
• Minimum initial deposit of CZK 5,000
• The product description does not state the rate if the savings-elsewhere condition isn't met

Verdict

Spoření s bonusem pays off mainly for clients who already actively use a ČSOB payment card, have their income directed there, and are also willing to take out one of the bank's other savings or investment products. Without meeting all of these conditions, the real return after the first three months is likely to fall below the advertised 3.8%, and for savings above a quarter of a million crowns it drops further to a maximum of 2% p.a. For short-term, entirely condition-free savings, the product is most attractive precisely during the initial 90 days after opening.