Opened in 2006, Zweite Wiener Vereins-Sparcasse (the “second savings bank”) offers banking products to people who find themselves in precarious financial situations, meaning they have limited or no access to conventional banking services, and require special advice and support. The primary goal of this outstanding project, which was set up with funding from the ERSTE Foundation, is to enable individuals to achieve lasting financial stability. Customers are referred to Zweite Sparkasse exclusively by social partner organisations. So far, Zweite Sparkasse has accompanied around 25,000 people on their journey towards overcoming their financial difficulties.
Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein and Wiener Städtische Versicherung have been partners of the bank for people without a bank since 2007, offering customers basic insurance coverage which includes one free legal consultation each quarter, as well as free accident insurance for account holders and their children. Zweite Sparkasse savings bank customers can also take out household insurance including third-party liability protection at a cost of only EUR 3 per month.
The bank has branches in Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Salzburg, Vienna, Villach, Linz, and – since 2024 – Dornbirn. Zweite Sparkasse has no profit targets and does not operate for financial gain. It is run solely by around 360 Erste Bank und Sparkassen employees who work on a voluntary basis – in line with the philosophy of the Sparkassen banks, which are committed to working for the good of society. For this, it was awarded third place in the Inclusion category of the 2024 State Prize for Voluntary and Civic Engagement. The State Prize recognises outstanding achievements in volunteering and civic initiatives.
Further information is available at www.sparkasse.at/diezweitesparkasse.