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What is a Girokonto and why do you need one?
A Girokonto is a standard German current account. It is the foundation of financial life in Germany. Without one, you cannot receive salary payments, sign most rental contracts, or set up direct debits for utilities and insurance. Most bank accounts for expats are Girokonten with an IBAN, a debit card, and online banking access. Your employer will ask for your IBAN on your first day. Your landlord will want to see a German account before handing over keys. In practice, you need this account before almost anything else.
German banks offer several account types. A basic Girokonto covers everyday transactions. A Tagesgeldkonto is a savings account with better interest. A Festgeldkonto locks your money for a fixed term. For daily life, you only need the Girokonto. Everything else is optional.
Can you open a German bank account without an Anmeldung?
Yes, but your options narrow significantly. The Anmeldung is your official address registration at the Bürgeramt. Most traditional banks require it as proof of residence. However, several digital banks let you open an account using alternative identification methods. N26, for example, accepts a passport and a video identification process. You do not need an Anmeldung to start the application. Revolut operates similarly, though it is a Lithuanian-issued account rather than a German one.
The catch is that some landlords and employers still prefer a German IBAN from a bank with a physical presence. If you open with a digital-only provider before arriving, you may still want to switch to a traditional bank once you have your Anmeldung. This is common among expats who need bank accounts for expats that work immediately but also want long-term stability.
Which online banks work best for English-speaking expats?
Digital banks have become the default choice for many expats. They offer full English interfaces, fast sign-up, and low fees. N26 is the most popular option. The app is entirely in English. You can open an account in about eight minutes using your passport and a video call. Your German IBAN arrives instantly. The basic N26 Standard account is free. You get a virtual debit card immediately and a physical card by post.
Revolut is another strong contender. It offers multi-currency accounts, fee-free spending abroad, and an English-first interface. However, your IBAN is Lithuanian, not German. Some German employers and landlords reject non-German IBANs. Revolut works well as a supplementary account but may not serve as your primary salary account. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a borderless account with low conversion fees. It is useful for international transfers but lacks the full Girokonto features you need for rent and salary.
ING’s digital arm, ING-DiBa, offers a German Girokonto with English support. It is a traditional bank with a digital-first approach. You get a German IBAN, a free debit card, and a Tagesgeldkonto with modest interest. The application is online but may require a Postident verification at a post office. This takes longer than N26’s video identification.
Should you choose Deutsche Bank or Commerzbank?
Traditional banks still matter for certain situations. Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank are the two largest branch networks in Germany. They offer full-service banking, including mortgages, investment products, and business accounts. If you plan to stay long-term, buy property, or run a business, a relationship with a traditional bank can be valuable.
Deutsche Bank’s standard Girokonto costs EUR 6.90 per month. You can waive the fee if you receive a monthly deposit of at least EUR 700. Commerzbank’s basic account costs EUR 6.90 per month, waived with a EUR 700 monthly deposit. Both banks have English-speaking staff in major cities, but their apps and online banking are primarily in German. Commerzbank has improved its English support in recent years. Deutsche Bank’s app has limited English functionality.
The main advantage of these banks is their physical presence. You can walk into a branch for complex issues. They also have established relationships with landlords and employers who trust their name. The disadvantage is higher fees, slower processes, and less polished digital experiences. For most expats, a digital bank suffices for the first year or two.
How do monthly fees compare across German bank accounts?
Fees vary widely. Free accounts exist but often come with conditions. Paid accounts offer more services. Below is a comparison of common options for bank accounts for expats.
| Bank | Monthly Fee | Waiver Condition | English App | German IBAN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N26 Standard | Free | None | Yes | Yes |
| N26 You | EUR 9.90 | None | Yes | Yes |
| N26 Metal | EUR 16.90 | None | Yes | Yes |
| Revolut Standard | Free | None | Yes | Lithuanian |
| ING-DiBa | Free | None | Partial | Yes |
| Commerzbank | EUR 6.90 | EUR 700 monthly deposit | Limited | Yes |
| Deutsche Bank | EUR 6.90 | EUR 700 monthly deposit | Limited | Yes |
| DKB | Free | None | German only | Yes |
| Volksbanken / Sparkassen | EUR 5-10 | Varies by branch | Rarely | Yes |
Note: N26’s free tier includes a virtual card and basic features. Paid tiers add travel insurance, phone insurance, and higher ATM withdrawal limits. DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank) is a fully digital bank with no fees, but its interface is German-only. Volksbanken and Sparkassen are regional cooperative and savings banks. Their fees and services vary by branch. Some offer free accounts for students or apprentices.
Do you need a SCHUFA check to open an account?
Not always. SCHUFA is Germany’s credit scoring agency. Traditional banks typically run a SCHUFA check when you apply for a Girokonto. If you have no credit history in Germany, your SCHUFA score will be neutral or low. This does not usually prevent account opening, but it can limit your access to overdraft facilities. Some banks, particularly Volksbanken and Sparkassen, may refuse applicants with negative SCHUFA entries.
Digital banks like N26 and Revolut do not require a SCHUFA check for their basic accounts. This is one reason they are popular among new expats. However, if you apply for a Dispo (overdraft) or a credit card, a SCHUFA check will happen. Your score builds over time through regular account activity, rent payments, and utility contracts. After six to twelve months, you should have a usable SCHUFA record.
Can you open a German bank account before moving?
Yes, with the right provider. N26 allows you to start the application from abroad. You need your passport and a smartphone with a camera. The video identification process works from any country. Your account opens with a German IBAN. You can receive transfers before you arrive. However, some features may be limited until you verify your German address. Revolut also allows pre-arrival opening, but remember the Lithuanian IBAN issue.
Traditional banks generally require you to be physically present in Germany. Some Deutsche Bank branches offer appointments for non-residents, but this is inconsistent. Commerzbank has similar limitations. If you want a traditional bank account before moving, contact the bank directly and ask about their non-resident policy. Be prepared for a slower process and more documentation. In practice, most expats open a digital account first and switch later if needed.
What is the difference between Dispo and Überziehungskredit?
These terms are often confused. A Dispo, short for Dispositionskredit, is an overdraft facility attached to your Girokonto. It lets you spend more than your balance up to an approved limit. Interest is high, typically 10-15% APR. Banks set the limit based on your income and SCHUFA score. You do not need to apply separately; the bank offers it, and you can accept or decline.
An Überziehungskredit is technically the same thing in everyday language. In strict banking terms, a Dispo is the informal overdraft, while an Überziehungskredit is a formal credit agreement with a fixed limit and term. For practical purposes, treat them as identical. The key point is that both are expensive. Relying on an overdraft for more than a few days costs significantly more than a personal loan. If you need to borrow, a Ratenkonto (instalment loan) from your bank or a comparison platform is cheaper.
What documents do you actually need to apply?
For digital banks, the process is simple. You need a valid passport or national ID card, a smartphone, and sometimes a proof of address. N26 requires a passport and video identification. Revolut requires a passport and a selfie. ING-DiBa requires a passport and Postident verification at a post office.
For traditional banks, you need more. A passport, your Anmeldung confirmation, and sometimes a residence permit or visa. Some banks ask for a employment contract or proof of income. Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank may require you to visit a branch in person. Bring originals, not copies. If your documents are not in German, bring certified translations. This is rare for passports but common for marriage certificates or birth certificates if you are opening a joint account.
How to open your account step by step
- Choose your bank based on your needs. If you need an account immediately without an Anmeldung, pick N26 or Revolut. If you want a traditional bank and have your Anmeldung, consider ING-DiBa, Commerzbank, or Deutsche Bank.
- Download the app or visit the website. For N26, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. For ING-DiBa, visit their website and start the online application.
- Prepare your documents. Have your passport ready. For video ID, ensure good lighting and a stable internet connection. For Postident, find a post office branch near you.
- Complete the identification process. N26 uses IDnow or similar video verification. This takes about five minutes. ING-DiBa sends you a code to present at the post office.
- Receive your IBAN and card details. N26 gives you an IBAN immediately. The physical card arrives by post within five to ten business days. ING-DiBa posts your card and PIN separately.
- Activate your account and set up online banking. Download the app, log in, and configure your security settings. Set up push notifications for transactions.
- Notify your employer and landlord. Provide your new IBAN for salary deposits and rent payments. Update your direct debits for insurance and utilities.
What happens if you choose the wrong account?
The main risk is fees you did not expect. Some banks charge for ATM withdrawals, paper statements, or incoming transfers from abroad. Read the fine print before signing. Another risk is limited functionality. If you open with a bank that has no English support, you may struggle with customer service. If your IBAN is not German, some landlords and employers will reject it.
You can switch banks at any time. Germany has a Kontowechselservice (account switching service) that helps you move direct debits and standing orders to a new account. Most banks offer this service for free. If you are unhappy with your choice, switch within the first few months. Do not let inertia keep you in a bad account. The process takes about two weeks and requires minimal effort on your part.
Regional differences that affect your choice
Germany has a fragmented banking landscape. Volksbanken and Sparkassen are regional. Each branch sets its own fees and policies. In Bavaria, Sparkassen often offer free accounts for students. In Berlin, some Volksbanken charge higher fees. If you live in a small town, your nearest branch may be a Sparkasse. In Frankfurt or Munich, you have more options.
Digital banks eliminate this problem. N26, Revolut, and ING-DiBa operate nationwide with uniform pricing. Your experience does not depend on your city. This is a significant advantage for expats who move frequently. If you know you will relocate within Germany, a digital bank saves you from switching branches.
Frequently asked questions about bank accounts for expats
Can I have multiple bank accounts in Germany?
Yes, there is no limit. Many expats keep a digital account for daily spending and a traditional account for salary and rent. You can also hold accounts at multiple digital banks. Just remember that each account must be declared if you file taxes in Germany, even if it holds a small balance.
Do I need a German bank account if I work remotely for a non-German company?
Not strictly, but it helps. You can receive salary in a foreign account, but you will pay conversion fees and face delays. A German account simplifies tax filings and avoids questions from your Finanzamt. If you are freelancing, a German account is almost mandatory for invoicing and expense tracking.
What if my visa application requires proof of a German bank account?
Some visa types, particularly freelancer visas, ask for proof of financial means. A German bank account with a sufficient balance strengthens your application. Open the account before your visa appointment if possible. N26’s instant IBAN makes this feasible even with tight timelines.
Are there special bank accounts for students?
Yes. Many banks offer free Girokonten for students under 25 or under 30. ING-DiBa, Commerzbank, and Sparkassen all have student accounts. You need to provide proof of enrolment, usually your Immatrikulationsbescheinigung. These accounts waive monthly fees and sometimes offer small overdraft limits.
Rules and fees change; confirm with the responsible office before you act. This article reflects information current as of early 2025. Check N26’s website, Deutsche Bank’s website, and the Bundesbank’s consumer pages for the latest details.
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Bureaucracy & Registration in Germany
