Sparkasse digital banking and security updates

Sparkasse is undergoing a transition in its digital banking and security infrastructure. The bank has integrated the European Payments Initiative (EPI) service, Wero, into its app, allowing for real-time transfers via mobile numbers or email addresses.

Simultaneously, Sparkasse is phasing out its S-ID-Check security app in favor of the S-pushTAN app to streamline online payment authentication. While new registrations for S-ID-Check ceased in mid-January 2026, existing users can continue using the service until it is fully discontinued, with deadlines varying by institution. For instance, Berliner Sparkasse plans to end the service by the end of 2026, whereas Sparkasse Mittelsachsen, Förde Sparkasse, and Sparkasse Hannover have set a final deadline of January 31, 2027.

Customers using specific credit and debit cards—including Sparkassen-Cards with Co-Badge Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit, classic credit cards, the Sparkassen-Karte Basis, and Sparkassen-Card Plus—must migrate to S-pushTAN to maintain 3-D Secure authentication for online shopping. To ensure uninterrupted e-commerce transactions, customers may need to register through their respective institutes, which involves receiving an activation letter containing a QR code by mail. Those already using S-pushTAN for online banking can often facilitate the transition through the app’s built-in assistant. For customers without online banking, chipTAN remains an alternative, though it requires a physical activation letter. This transition specifically affects online card payments; in-store purchases, online banking, and transfers remain unaffected.