Bank account seized (Kontopfändung) — what to do? P-Konto, protected amount, and how to respond

A bank account seizure (Kontopfändung) is a shock — suddenly the account is blocked, and even money for rent or food is out of reach. Here's a calm overview of what to do now and how to become functional again.

What happens with an account seizure?

A creditor has had the account seized using a court order (usually after an enforcement notice or court judgment). The bank then has to block the account — even for payments that have nothing to do with the claim, like salary or child benefit.

The P-Konto: your most important tool

Any regular account can be converted into a protected account (Pfändungsschutzkonto, P-Konto) within a few days. On a P-Konto, a base allowance is automatically protected from seizure — currently around 1,590 euros per month (the exact amount changes regularly, check with your bank). This means: even with a seizure, you can freely access money up to this amount.

Important: apply for the P-Konto conversion with your bank immediately if a seizure is threatening or already happening — ideally even earlier, if debts are foreseeable.

A higher allowance is possible

If you have children or other people you support financially, you can apply for a higher allowance. For this you need a certificate, e.g. from the Jobcenter, Sozialamt, or a debt counseling service.

What to check first

Is the underlying claim even valid?
Do you already have a P-Konto, or do you need to convert now?
Are you eligible for a higher allowance (children, support obligations)?
Was the seizure formally delivered correctly?

How should you respond?

1. No P-Konto yet – apply for the conversion at your bank immediately, this usually happens within a few days.

2. The allowance isn't enough for your situation – get a certificate for a higher allowance and submit it.

3. You think the claim isn't valid – get legal advice, possibly apply for enforcement protection.

4. You want to find a solution with the creditor – actively offer a payment plan, which might get the seizure lifted.

Quick example of a letter to the bank

request to convert to a P-Konto
if applicable, request for a higher allowance with certificate
request for quick processing

This is exactly where BriefMagic helps: describe your situation in your own language – it turns into a clearly structured letter in German, with the right tone for the bank or creditor. You don't need to know the exact rules or hunt for the right phrasing yourself. There's a translation back into your language too, and the letter stays saved in case a reply comes.

Quick summary

Apply for a P-Konto immediately if a seizure is threatening or happening.
The base allowance is automatically protected.
With children or support obligations: apply for a higher allowance.
Check whether the underlying claim is even valid.

This article doesn't replace legal advice. For complicated cases, a debt counseling service (Schuldnerberatung) can help urgently.