The P-Konto is a shield for the duration of the battle, not a lifestyle: it secures the subsistence minimum while you sort out the debt. The combination of P-Konto in week one plus debt counselling in month one is the standard exit route walked by hundreds of thousands every year. There is nothing shameful about it.
P-Konto: Daily Life and the Way Out
Unused balance carries over for up to three months, card and online banking keep working. In parallel, the debt itself belongs on the table.
✓ Verified: 18/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
› Details and tips
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Max recommends:
I use the carryover: protected money unspent this month carries into the next 3 months — that is how I saved for the lawyer. I put rent and insurance at the month start while the allowance is fresh.
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Lea recommends:
A P-Konto is a shield for the duration of the battle, not a lifestyle. The combination of P-Konto in week one plus free debt counselling in month one is the standard exit route walked by hundreds of thousands yearly. For hopeless debts, consumer insolvency clears the rest after 3 years.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The creditor sends new seizures — start over each time? ▾
No: the P-Konto status and your certificates work automatically against all current and future seizures. New orders only change the creditor queue, not your protection.
Can I pay normally with the P-Konto (card, direct debit)? ▾
Yes: the P-Konto is a normal current account with card, transfers and direct debit — up to the protected amount. Above the Freibetrag the bank executes nothing; below it, everyday banking continues as usual.
Debt paid off — how do I get a normal account back? ▾
Request reconversion in writing — from the next month the account runs normally and the SCHUFA marker is deleted. Keep the creditor confirmation of repayment forever.