How to open a bank account in Germany the easy way
What to look for in a German bank account
Accounts
- Girokonto — otherwise known as a current account or checking account, depending on where you’re from
- Tagesgeldkonto — instant access savings account
- Sparkonto — limited access savings account
- Depot — securities account
Cards
- Electronic Cash (EC) Card / Girocard — a debit card that’s linked to your account that you can use for direct payments and ATM withdrawals, but doesn’t have a 16-digit number for other payments like online shopping.
- “Kreditkarte” Visa or Mastercard — a debit card that’s linked to your account that does have a 16-digit number that you can use for all payments and withdrawals.
- “Kreditkarte” Credit Card — an actual credit card with a credit limit that usually gets billed automatically from your account once a month by SEPA direct debit (SEPA-Lastschrift), so your entire balance gets paid. Some German banks also allow you to carry debt from one month to another, but it’s uncommon.
- Maestro Card — a debit card like Visa or Mastercard that’s linked to your account that does have a 16-digit number that you can use for all payments and withdrawals.
Banks
- Deutsche Bank
- Commerzbank
- HypoVereinsbank
- Postbank
- Berliner Sparkasse
- Frankfurter Sparkasse
- Hamburger Sparkasse
- Stadtsparkasse München
- And so on…
- DKB
- Comdirect
- ING-DiBa
- N26
Send money abroad
International transfers with your N26 account are easy, fast and reliable.
International Money Transfer with N26What the bank account opening process typically looks like
Applying online
- Find the Girokonto registration form on the bank website
- Print it out and fill in your information
- Take the form to your local Deutsche Post location along with the “PostIdent” form, your passport or national ID card, and a copy of your German address registration, or Meldebescheinigung, to verify your identity
- Send the signed ID verification and application form to your chosen bank
- Wait until they send you a confirmation by paper mail
Applying at a bank branch
- Make an appointment in advance or walk in and stand in line
- Ask to open a Girokonto and complete the application form
- Verify your ID with your passport or national ID card, and a copy of your German address registration (Meldebescheinigung)
- Wait until they send you a confirmation by paper mail
How to open an account with N26
What the bank account opening process could look like
First, you need the following documents:
- Your passport or national ID
- Download the N26 app in the App Store or Play Store
- Enter your email address so we can send you a confirmation message
- Enter some basic personal details
- Verify your ID instantly over video call using your passport or national ID
- Pair your account to your smartphone
Get a local IBAN with N26
At N26, we’ve taken the red tape out of opening a bank account in Germany. Open an online account in minutes—all you’ll need is your smartphone, a valid address in Germany, and a valid photo ID. You’ll get an official German IBAN, so you can pay and be paid like a local. Plus, there are no hidden fees and you’ll always have access to English-speaking customer service, so you can focus on settling in to your new home.
FAQs
- Can I open a bank account in Germany as a non-resident?
- Can I open an account in several countries?
- How long does it take to open a bank account?
Find similar stories
Related Post
These might also interest youCommunication consultant Corey Barber on setting up a freelance business in Germany
With five years of freelancing under her belt, Corey has plenty of experience. Here, she walks us through what went into setting up her business, as well as tips for new and aspiring freelancers.
Living in Toulouse: A guide for expats
For all of its charms, Toulouse can be tricky to navigate as a new expat. This article is a guide to expat life in Toulouse, including accommodation, work visas, study opportunities, and much more.
Living in Marseille: A guide for expats
For all of its charms, Marseille can be tricky to navigate as a new expat. This article is a guide to expat life in Marseille, including accommodation, work visas, study opportunities, and much more.