Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse

What Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse does

Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse AG, headquartered in Graz, is the largest state savings bank (Bundesländer-Sparkasse) in Austria and a member of the Erste Group Sparkassenverbund. Founded in 1819, the bank operates a full-service retail and corporate banking franchise focused on the Styria region, approximately 632 employees. Its core product portfolio spans giro accounts (s Kompakt, s Plus, Jugendkonto, Studentenkonto), credit cards (Smartcard, Premiumcard, Miles & More co-branded), consumer and auto lending (3,000-50,000 EUR, up to 10 years), auto leasing (24-86 months), home loans, Bausparen (state-subsidized building savings), securities custody (ETFs, stocks, bonds, funds, crypto ETPs), and proprietary investment funds (Avantgarde Klassik, TOP-Fonds series). The bank distributes insurance products (Kredit-Protect Plus with Wiener Städtische) and leasing contracts (via Erste Bank und Sparkassen Leasing GmbH) on a commission basis.

The bank's technology backbone is the George digital banking platform — a cloud-based, API-first ecosystem shared across the Erste Group — providing web and mobile banking, biometric authentication (s Identity), card controls (Geo-Control), QR-initiated payments (Scan & Pay), automated micro-savings (Rundungssparen), installment plans (Split Now), and integrated securities trading (George Invest). The mobile app supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay, and Swatch Pay, with Mastercard Identity Check and Visa Secure for 3D-Secure transactions. Channel distribution combines an extensive regional branch network with self-service terminals, video banking, phone support, and Erste Group ATM access (~1,500 ATMs in Austria and 7 CEE countries).

Revenue is generated through five primary streams: (1) interest income from mortgage, consumer, and auto lending; (2) recurring account maintenance and card fees; (3) investment fund management fees (up to 1.50% p.a. on Avantgarde Klassik) and securities distribution; (4) commission income from leasing distribution and credit-protection insurance; and (5) credit card interchange and transaction fees. The go-to-market is hybrid: product-led growth for retail customers via George (self-service account opening, online credit applications, 24-hour auto loan approval), combined with enterprise field sales for SME/commercial banking, leasing, and wealth management through branch-based relationship managers. Customer segments span retail individuals, SMEs, self-employed professionals, HNW/family businesses, youth, students, and business founders, with youth and student segments targeted via free-account and reward programs (#glaubandich brand).

Name

Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse

Legal name

Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG

Website

https://steiermaerkische.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1819

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse is Austria's largest state savings bank, serving retail, SME, and wealth management customers in the Styria region with full-service banking via the George digital platform and a regional branch network, as part of Erste Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking

NAICS

Savings Institutions and Other Depository Credit Intermediation (522180)

SIC

Savings Institutions, Not Federally Chartered (6036)

akta.pro primary industry

Savings Banks (Public/State-Owned) (FSABAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Payables & Disbursements (ACH/SEPA, wires, checks, virtual cards) (FSABAIAB)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Commercial lending
• Wealth management
• Auto financing
• Savings accounts

Headquarters

HQ city

Graz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Interest Income: Traditional lending revenue from mortgage loans, consumer loans, auto financing, and overdraft facilities. Interest is charged on credit products including Wohnkredit (home loans), Autokredit (car loans), and Konsumkredit (personal loans).
2. Account and Card Fees: Monthly account maintenance fees, debit card issuance, credit card annual fees, transaction fees, and foreign currency transaction charges. Student and youth accounts offered free of charge under promotional terms.
3. Investment Fund Management: Management fees and commissions from proprietary investment funds including Avantgarde Klassik (up to 1.50% p.a. of fund assets), TOP-Fonds series, and third-party fund distribution. Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG serves as fund manager for TOP and Avantgarde funds.
4. Leasing Services: Revenue from auto and vehicle leasing through Erste Bank und Sparkassen Leasing GmbH. Customers lease vehicles with monthly rates; partnership provides commission and referral income to the bank.
5. Insurance Distribution: Commission revenue from sale of insurance products including Kredit-Protect Plus (group life insurance with Wiener Städtische Versicherung), travel insurance bundled with premium credit cards, and building insurance. Bank acts as tied insurance agent.
6. Credit Card Transaction Fees: Interchange fees from credit card payment processing, including Smartcard and Premiumcard products. Additional revenue from cash advance fees, foreign currency markups, and revolving credit interest.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse is a regional Austrian savings bank offering retail and commercial banking products including current and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, consumer and auto loans, vehicle leasing, securities custody, investment funds (notably Avantgarde Klassik), and insurance distribution, all delivered through the Erste Group George digital platform and a physical branch network across the Styria region. The bank also acts as fund manager for proprietary investment funds and distributes credit-protection insurance in partnership with Wiener Städtische Versicherung.

Product overview

Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse (Steiermärkische Sparkasse) operates as a regional Austrian savings bank and part of the Erste Group, offering a comprehensive digital banking ecosystem centered on the George platform. The product portfolio spans core banking products (giro accounts, credit cards, debit cards), lending solutions (auto loans, leasing, housing loans, consumer credit), investment products (securities depot, ETFs, investment funds including Avantgarde Klassik, bonds, stocks), savings products (savings accounts, building savings), and specialized offerings for youth, students, and the Generationendepot for intergenerational investing. Digital services are delivered through the George internet banking platform, George-App, George Junior for children, s Identity for authentication, and the Wechselstube Bot for currency exchange. Payment integrations include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay, Swatch Pay, eps-Überweisung, VISA Secure, and Mastercard Identity Check.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• George Digital Banking Platform Cloud-based digital banking platform (web and mobile) for retail and business customers, providing account management, transfers, card controls, securities trading, loan applications, and direct advisor messaging. Available across the Erste Group Sparkassen.
• George Junior Age-appropriate digital banking product for children aged 8-14 with parental supervision features and an introduction to money management.
• Girokonto (s Kompakt and s Plus Current Accounts) Current account products including s Kompakt Konto (basic tier, 40 euro online opening bonus) and s Plus Konto (full-service, first year free promotion). Includes debit card, mobile payment integration, and online account opening.
• Jugendkonto (Youth Account) Youth account offering free banking until age 19, with 20 euro start bonus or adidas backpack, and 2 euros per A-grade (Einser) on school reports.
• Studentenkonto (Student Account) Student account with free account maintenance until age 27 for enrolled students at Austrian universities and colleges, with 20 euro cash bonus for online opening.
• Smartcard Credit Card (Mastercard/Visa) Standard Mastercard or Visa credit card with cashback program, Split Now installment feature, and usage-based fees for cash advances and foreign currency transactions.
• Premiumcard Credit Card (Mastercard/Visa) Premium Mastercard or Visa credit card with comprehensive travel insurance, airport lounge access, foreign transaction fees, and 7% direct discount via Urlaub-und-sparen.at portal. First year free promotion.
• Miles & More Kreditkarte (Co-branded Airline Credit Card) Premium co-branded Mastercard or Visa credit card that earns Miles & More award miles on spending, with bundled insurance and premium travel benefits.
• Online-Autokredit (Auto and Motorcycle Loan) Online car and motorcycle loan with credit sum from 3,000 to 50,000 euros, terms from 12 months to 10 years, 24-hour approval and payout, fixed interest rate, and optional Kredit-Protect Plus credit protection insurance. Early repayment free of charge.
• s Leasing (Auto and Vehicle Leasing) Vehicle leasing service for new cars, motorcycles, and trucks with flexible terms from 24 to 86 months, individual rate calculation based on down payment and residual value, and a 200 euro e-Ladebonus incentive for electric vehicles.
• Student Leasing-Hit (Ford Puma Gen-E EV) Special electric vehicle leasing offer for students featuring the Ford Puma Gen-E at 221 euros monthly rate with full electric powertrain.
• Avantgarde Klassik Multi-Asset Fund Global multi-asset fund investing approximately 50% bonds, 25% equities, and 25% alternative assets such as gold and commodities, with anticyclical rebalancing. Available in distributing (AT0000A2K2S8) and accumulating (AT0000619556) share classes. Annual management fee up to 1.50%. Won first place at the Dachfonds Award.
• ETF-Sparplan (ETF Savings Plan) Exchange-traded fund savings plan enabling regular monthly investments starting from 50 euros, providing broad market diversification through index-tracking funds.
• Wertpapier-Depot (Securities Custody Account) Securities custody account enabling purchase and management of stocks, bonds, funds, ETFs, and crypto ETPs. Available as self-directed Selfinvest Depot or advisory-supported depot with consultation.
• Generationendepot (Intergenerational Securities Depot) Special securities depot allowing parents or grandparents to invest for minors or beneficiaries, with funds accessible only after a defined transfer date (minimum age 18).
• Bausparen (Building Savings) State-subsidized building savings product providing risk-free savings with government bonuses, available for goals including home purchases and renovations.
• s Kredit-Protect Plus (Credit Protection Insurance) Group credit life insurance covering the outstanding loan balance (up to 50,000 euros) in case of death, with optional Payment-Protection-Insurance (PPI) for unemployment, disability, or hospitalization. Premium is based on outstanding loan balance.
• Kontowechsel-Service (Account Switching Service) Free account switching service enabling transfer of standing orders and direct debits to a new account, with automatic notification of payment partners and optional prior-account closure.
• Wechselstube Bot (Foreign Currency Exchange Service) Digital currency exchange service accessible via chat interface for ordering foreign currency online and picking it up at a preferred branch.

Quantifiable outcome

• Auto loan disbursement within 24 hours of credit approval
• +6 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Erste Group / Erste Bank der oesterreichischen Sparkassen AGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSteiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse operates as part of the Erste Group's Sparkassenverbund (savings bank association). Erste Group provides shared technology platforms (George), product infrastructure, ATM network access, and distribution of Erste Group investment funds. The bank participates in Erste Group's joint marketing, product development, and operational frameworks.
• Erste Asset Management GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationErste Asset Management GmbH (a subsidiary of Erste Group) serves as the management company for the Avantgarde Klassik and TOP-Fonds investment funds. Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG acts as fund manager for TOP and Avantgarde funds. The bank is connected to Erste Asset Management for fund administration and distribution.
• Wiener Städtische Versicherung AG Vienna Insurance GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSteiermärkische Sparkasse acts as a tied insurance agent (vertraglich gebundener Versicherungsagent) for Wiener Städtische Versicherung, distributing Kredit-Protect Plus credit life insurance and other insurance products. Insurance premiums are included in loan payments and the bank receives commission for each policy sold.
• Cardif Allgemeine VersicherungminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCo-insurer alongside Wiener Städtische Versicherung for the Kredit-Protect Plus group life insurance product attached to consumer loans. Provides additional risk coverage for Payment-Protection-Insurance (PPI) add-on.
• MastercardcoreTechnology or IntegrationSteiermärkische Sparkasse issues Mastercard-branded credit cards (Smartcard and Premiumcard) under license from Mastercard. Cards support contactless payment, mobile wallet integration (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and security features including Mastercard Identity Check.
• VisacoreTechnology or IntegrationSteiermärkische Sparkasse issues Visa-branded credit cards (Smartcard, Premiumcard, and Miles & More co-branded card) under license from Visa. Cards support Visa Secure authentication and mobile wallet integration.
• Miles & MoreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCo-branded credit card partnership with Miles & More (Lufthansa frequent flyer program) offering premium card with award miles earning on spending. The card is jointly marketed by the bank and Miles & More program.
• Western UnionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWestern Union money transfer service available at selected Sparkassen locations in Austria, enabling international money transfers and money gifts to customers.
• eps (Electronic Payment Standard)coreTechnology or Integrationeps-Überweisung is Austria's standardized online payment system operated by all Austrian banks. Steiermärkische Sparkasse participates as an eps-accredited bank, enabling customers to pay securely at 1,000+ Austrian online merchants without sharing banking credentials.
• Münze ÖsterreichminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMünze Österreich (Austrian Mint) coin dealer partnership available at bank branches. Customers can purchase collector coins, Philharmoniker gold and silver coins, and Maria-Theresien-Taler coins for investment or gifting purposes.
• Erste Bank und Sparkassen Leasing GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributors Leasing (Erste Bank und Sparkassen Leasing GmbH) is the preferred auto and equipment leasing partner of the Sparkassen. Leasing products are distributed through bank branches and the George platform with 200 euro e-Ladebonus for electric vehicles. The bank acts as distribution intermediary.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Regional players

• Bank für Tirol und Vorarlberg (BTV): Regional state-owned bank in western Austria (Tyrol and Vorarlberg) with a comparable structure, product set, and public-law ownership model to Steiermärkische Sparkasse, though operating in a different geography.
• HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien AG: Lower-Austrian state/municipal bank offering retail, SME, and public-sector banking. Comparable structure to Steiermärkische Sparkasse as a regional Landesbank/Hypo institution, though focused on Lower Austria and Vienna.

Emerging players

• Revolut Ltd: UK-headquartered digital banking and payments super-app with a strong Austrian user base. Overlaps with Steiermärkische Sparkasse in retail current accounts, card payments, FX, and increasingly in investment and wealth products aimed at younger customers.
• N26 GmbH: Berlin-headquartered mobile-first direct bank operating in Austria. Competes for the same digitally-engaged retail and young-professional customers that Steiermärkische Sparkasse targets through George and its youth/student programs.

Direct peers

• UniCredit Bank Austria: Major Austrian universal bank offering retail, SME, and corporate banking across the country, directly competing with Steiermärkische Sparkasse for retail and business customers in Styria and nationwide.
• BAWAG Group AG: One of Austria's largest retail and SME banks, with a comparable product mix in current accounts, cards, consumer lending, and investments. Competes directly with Steiermärkische Sparkasse in the Austrian retail and business banking market.
• Oberbank AG: Upper-Austrian regional universal bank with a comparable mix of retail, SME, and corporate banking products. Operates in an overlapping Austrian market and follows a similar regional-bank-plus-digital strategy.
• Volksbank Wien AG: Austrian cooperative-style universal bank offering retail and SME banking products similar to Steiermärkische Sparkasse, including accounts, lending, leasing, and investment products across the Austrian market.
• Raiffeisen Bank International AG: Headquartered in Vienna and the lead entity of the Austrian Raiffeisen cooperative banking sector. Operates an extensive branch network and full retail/SME banking offering that overlaps directly with Steiermärkische Sparkasse's market in Austria.

Broad incumbents

• Erste Group Bank AG: Parent organization and operator of the Sparkassenverbund network in which Steiermärkische Sparkasse is embedded. Erste Group is Austria's largest banking group and provides the George platform, ATM network, and Erste Asset Management infrastructure that Steiermärkische relies on, making it the closest functional and structural peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/steiermaerkische
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/steiermaerkische
• Instagraminstagram.com/steiermaerkische.sparkasse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkasse