Reinzahlen

Reinzahlen is a banking term used in German to describe the act of paying money into a bank account, thereby increasing the account balance. The term covers deposits of cash or checks and can refer to deposits made to one’s own account or to someone else’s account. Reinzahlen is typically contrasted with transfers (Überweisungen) from another account and with direct debits.

Overview of practice and methods: Reinzahlen are usually carried out at a bank branch, via a cash desk, or at a cash handling machine such as an ATM. In traditional settings, deposit slips or Einzahlungsbelege are filled out to credit the funds to the intended account, including information like the account number and the depositor’s name. In many banks, deposits to one’s own account can be made with or without teller assistance, while deposits to another person’s account may require additional details or authorization.

Regulatory and practical considerations: Cash deposits are subject to regulatory and security procedures designed to prevent money laundering and fraud. Banks may require identification for larger deposits and may perform enhanced due diligence when appropriate. Large or suspicious deposits can trigger internal reviews or reporting obligations under applicable money laundering laws. Cash deposits may be credited immediately or after processing, depending on the bank’s policies and the payment method.

Relation to other concepts: Reinzahlen complements other forms of adding funds to an account, such as card reloads or electronic transfers. It is part of routine cash handling in retail banking and personal finance.

See also: Einzahlung, Einzahlungsbeleg, Überweisung, Bargeld, Geldwäschegesetz.