Open a Bank Account in Germany
The best bank accounts for expats in Germany in 2026 — from free digital accounts to full-service banks. What you need, what to avoid, and how to open one without speaking German.
You'll need a German bank account for almost everything: receiving your salary, paying rent, setting up direct debits for utilities and insurance, and proving you have local banking when applying for an apartment.
The good news is that opening a bank account in Germany has gotten much easier in recent years — especially with digital banks. You can often be set up in under 15 minutes, entirely in English, without ever visiting a branch.
Two types of accounts to know
Girokonto — a current account for daily use. Salary, rent, purchases. This is what most people need first.
Sparkonto / Tagesgeldkonto — savings account. You typically open this later, once you're settled.
This guide focuses on the Girokonto — the account you need from day one.
Digital banks — the fastest option for expats
For most new arrivals, a digital bank is the best first account. They're free, English-friendly, and can be opened from your phone.
N26
German-founded, IBAN starting with DE, fully licensed bank. The free account has no fees and no minimum balance. English app and customer service. Mastercard debit card. Best for: expats who want a proper German bank account without the paperwork.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Technically a multi-currency account, not a full bank. Excellent for international transfers at real exchange rates. Good as a secondary account if you're sending money home regularly. Not ideal as your primary German account for receiving salary.
Revolut
UK-based, popular internationally. Works well for travel and FX. Limited functionality as a primary German account — some employers won't pay to non-German IBANs.
Traditional German banks
If you want a full-service bank with branches, or your employer or landlord requires a traditional bank:
Deutsche Bank
Large international bank with English-language services. Charges apply depending on account type. Good option if your employer has a corporate relationship with them.
Commerzbank
One of the largest retail banks. English service available. Some fee structures apply. Branch network across Germany.
Sparkasse / Volksbank
Local savings banks — excellent service, trusted by German institutions. Heavily German-language. If you speak German or have patience with translation apps, these are solid options. Account fees apply (typically €3–9/month).
ING
Online bank with good rates and no fees for the basic account. Some English support available. No branch network, which is fine for most daily needs.
What you need to open an account
Requirements vary slightly by bank, but you typically need:
- Valid passport (national ID for EU citizens)
- Meldebescheinigung — your German address registration certificate (Anmeldung). Most digital banks accept a German address without this for initial signup, but you'll need it for full verification.
- German mobile number — required for most banks for 2FA verification
For digital banks, identity verification is done via video call (VideoIdent) or at a Deutsche Post branch (PostIdent) — no appointment needed at a bank branch.
Can you open an account before arriving in Germany?
Yes — N26 and Wise both allow this. You'll need a European address to receive the card, but you can open the account remotely. This is useful if you want to have banking set up from day one of arrival.
Business accounts (for freelancers and GmbH owners)
If you're freelancing or running a company in Germany, you need a separate business account. Mixing personal and business finances creates headaches with the Finanzamt (tax office).
Good options for freelancers:
- Kontist — designed for freelancers, includes automated tax provisioning
- Holvi — small business account with invoicing features
- FYRST — Deutsche Bank's digital business account offering
- Commerzbank Business — traditional option with broader services
Common questions
Is a German bank account legally required?
Not by law — but practically essential. Employers pay salaries by bank transfer, landlords require direct debit mandates (Lastschrift), and utilities need a bank account. You can't function in Germany without one.
I don't have Anmeldung yet — can I open an account?
Some digital banks (N26, Wise) allow you to open an account with just your passport during the verification process. You'll often need to provide a German address later. For traditional banks, Anmeldung is usually required upfront.
What is a Giro card (EC card)?
The standard German debit card linked to your Girokonto. Widely accepted across Germany and much of Europe. Note: not the same as Visa/Mastercard debit — some international merchants don't accept Giro cards. Most digital banks also give you a Mastercard or Visa, which has broader acceptance.
Can I withdraw cash for free?
Depends on the bank. N26 allows free withdrawals at certain cash machines. Sparkasse cardholders withdraw free at any Sparkasse ATM. Cash machines (Geldautomat) are common across Germany — in supermarkets, train stations, and banks.
Are there fees?
N26 basic, ING, and DKB all offer free accounts with no monthly fee. Traditional banks charge €3–12/month for standard accounts. Premium accounts with extra features (international transfers, higher withdrawal limits) typically cost €10–20/month.