Bank Nickel's Innovative Approach to Diversity and Inclusion: The Unconventional Role of Kiosks in Banking
Nickel: A Revolutionary Approach to Inclusive Banking
Nickel, a banking service under the BNP Paribas Group, is transforming the traditional banking landscape by offering inclusive and accessible banking services. With a hybrid digital-physical presence, Nickel is making banking available to underserved populations, particularly those who have been excluded from mainstream banking [1][3].
The service, which expanded into Germany in July 2025, has partnerships with over 12,000 partner outlets such as tobacconists, ensuring accessibility even for those less comfortable with digital-only services. This extensive physical network is a key feature of Nickel's model, providing a local and everyday approach to banking [1].
Customers can open an account appointment-free and without a Schufa check, a process that usually takes just a few minutes. The account opening and management are available in several languages, including English and French, catering to a diverse customer base [2].
The central product offered by Nickel is a checking account with a German IBAN and a Mastercard debit card. The standard account costs 25 euros annually, the premium model 50 euros, and the metal variant with additional services 105 euros per year. The debit card is immediately usable but does not bear the name of the account holder, a feature beneficial for non-binary individuals and others [4].
Nickel's target market includes individuals who have been excluded from traditional banking products, such as those with poor credit, no fixed address, or temporary residence status. The lack of personalization on the card, combined with the company's focus on simplicity and accessibility, makes Nickel an attractive alternative for these customers [5].
In addition to cash withdrawals costing 1.50 euros, deposits come with a fee of 2% of the amount (3% in the shop), with the first deposit upon opening being free [6]. Account management can be done via app, web portal, or SMS, allowing usage without a smartphone or stable internet connection [7].
Since July 2024, Nickel has a cooperation with Ria Money Transfer, a global money transfer service provider, allowing customers to transfer money to over 190 countries outside the SEPA area [8]. This partnership further expands Nickel's reach and solidifies its position as a universal offering open to everyone [1].
Under the leadership of Dagmar Gaede, who has been leading Nickel's business in Germany since July 2024, the service is further developing the account and establishing it in the German market. Gaede, previously working at the Nexi Group and PayPal for eleven years, brings valuable experience to this endeavour [9].
By integrating a digital platform with widespread physical access points, Nickel is overcoming barriers to banking and serving customers who may face barriers to traditional banking. The company's commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and simplicity sets it apart in the increasingly digital banking industry [10].
[1] https://www.nickel.de/ [2] https://www.nickel.de/en/account-management/ [3] https://www.nickel.de/en/partner/ [4] https://www.nickel.de/en/debit-card/ [5] https://www.nickel.de/en/target-group/ [6] https://www.nickel.de/en/fees/ [7] https://www.nickel.de/en/account-management/ [8] https://www.nickel.de/en/money-transfer/ [9] https://www.nickel.de/en/about-us/ [10] https://www.nickel.de/en/sustainability/
The finance diversity-and-inclusion business is a crucial aspect of Nickel's operations, as the banking service under the BNP Paribas Group focuses on serving underserved populations who have been excluded from mainstream banking. In line with this, Nickel's target market includes those with poor credit, no fixed address, or temporary residence status.
