Sichtguthaben

Sichtguthaben refers to funds held in a bank account that are immediately available for withdrawal or use without prior notice. This type of deposit is characterized by its liquidity, meaning the account holder can access their money at any time. Common examples of Sichtguthaben include current accounts (Girokonten) and savings accounts (Sparkonten) where funds are not subject to a fixed term or notice period.

The defining feature of Sichtguthaben is that the bank is obligated to repay the deposited funds upon demand. This contrasts with term deposits or fixed-term accounts, where funds are locked in for a specified period and early withdrawal may incur penalties or be impossible. Banks use these readily available funds to finance their lending activities and manage their short-term liquidity needs.

In monetary policy, Sichtguthaben held by commercial banks at the central bank are considered a key component of the money supply. These balances are essential for interbank settlements and for implementing monetary policy operations. The interest rate paid on these reserves by the central bank can influence overall lending rates in the economy.