A bank account in Germany is useful for receiving your salary, paying rent and setting up direct debits. The standard everyday account is called a Girokonto.
New arrivals may face additional questions about accepted identification, German addresses, residence permits and online verification.
This guide explains how to compare accounts, which documents you may need and what options you have if a regular bank rejects your application.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains referral links. If you open an account through one of these links, I may receive a voucher or commission at no extra cost to you.
What Types of Banks Are There?
Germany has three main types of banks:
- Traditional banks, such as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, offer online banking and physical branches.
- Local banks, such as Sparkasse and Volksbank, have branches and cash machines in specific regions.
- Online banks, also called Direktbanken or Neobanken, are managed mainly through a website or app.
Traditional and local banks are useful if you want personal service or regularly deposit cash. Online banks are often cheaper and easier to manage, especially if you rarely need a branch.
How Much Does a Bank Account Cost?
Some German bank accounts are free. Others charge a monthly maintenance fee called Kontoführungsgebühr.
Be careful: “free” can come with conditions. You may need to receive a minimum amount of money every month, use the account as your salary account, or meet an age or student requirement.
Also check:
- fees for a debit card or Girocard;
- the number of free cash withdrawals;
- cash deposit fees;
- foreign currency charges;
- overdraft interest, called Dispozins.
A free account is not a good deal if you pay high fees every time you withdraw cash.
Should You Choose an Online Bank?
For many people, an online bank is the best place to start. Online accounts often have low or no monthly fees, modern apps, quick transfers, and mobile payments.
They are a good choice if you:
- are comfortable using a banking app;
- mostly pay by card or bank transfer;
- rarely deposit cash;
- do not need personal service at a branch.
New arrivals should also check whether the bank offers English customer service, accepts their passport, and requires an Anmeldung, residence permit, or German tax ID.
A traditional bank may be better if you often use cash, want help in person, or are unable to complete an online identity check.
What Should Foreigners Check?
Before opening an account, check these five points:
- German IBAN: An IBAN beginning with DE can make salary payments and contracts easier.
- English support: Check the app, documents, and customer service—not only the application page.
- Accepted documents: Requirements can depend on your nationality and residence status.
- Free cash withdrawals: Germany still uses cash frequently.
- Included card: A Visa or Mastercard debit card is not the same as a Girocard or real credit card.
Do not choose a bank only because it offers a welcome bonus. Compare the regular price and conditions after the promotion ends.
Can You Open a Bank Account Without Anmeldung?
Some banks accept customers before they have completed their Anmeldung, while others require proof of a German residential address.
The requirements can depend on:
- the bank;
- your nationality;
- your country of tax residence;
- the type of identity document you hold;
- your residence status;
- whether online identity verification supports your document.
A passport and a German mailing address may be sufficient for some accounts, but this is not guaranteed. Check the bank’s current requirements before applying.
Do not provide an address where you do not actually live. If a bank needs proof of address, ask which documents it accepts, such as an Anmeldebestätigung, residence permit or official letter.
Related guide: How to Register Your Address in Germany
What If a Bank Rejects Your Application?
A bank can reject an application for its regular current account based on its internal requirements.
If you legally reside in the European Union and do not already have a usable payment account in Germany, you may be entitled to a basic payment account called a Basiskonto.
A Basiskonto provides essential functions such as:
- receiving payments;
- making bank transfers;
- paying by direct debit;
- depositing and withdrawing money;
- using a payment card.
A Basiskonto is not necessarily free, and a bank may reject it only for specific legal reasons.
If your application for a Basiskonto is rejected, you can ask the German financial regulator BaFin to review the decision.
Compare Accounts with CHECK24
CHECK24 lets you compare current accounts from different banks. You can filter by monthly fee, incoming salary, cash withdrawals, cards, online banking, and account-opening bonuses.
Compare bank accounts on CHECK24
When comparing accounts:
- enter your expected monthly incoming payment;
- select an individual or joint account;
- look for accounts with no maintenance fee;
- check card and cash withdrawal costs;
- read the conditions for any bonus;
- confirm the final details on the bank’s website.
If you want a genuinely free account, look for the filter “0 Euro ohne Bedingungen.”
How Do You Open an Account?
You normally need a passport or identity card, an address, and information about your tax residence. Some banks also ask for an Anmeldung, residence permit, or German tax identification number.
Your identity is usually verified through VideoIdent, PostIdent, an electronic ID, or at a bank branch.
Is Your Money Protected?
Under Germany’s statutory deposit guarantee system, eligible deposits are generally protected up to €100,000 per depositor and per bank.
The limit applies to the total eligible deposits you hold with the same bank, not separately to every account.
When using a banking app or financial platform, check:
- which licensed bank holds the money;
- which country’s deposit guarantee system applies;
- whether different brands belong to the same banking institution;
- whether the product is a bank deposit or an investment product.
Investment products, cryptocurrencies and securities are not covered by the statutory deposit guarantee in the same way as money held in a current or savings account.
My Recommendation: C24 Smart Account
For people who are comfortable managing their account through an app, the C24 Smart Account can be a practical option.
As of August 2026, its main features include:
- no monthly account fee;
- a free Mastercard debit card;
- a free girocard;
- four free cash withdrawals per month;
- free card payments in euros and foreign currencies;
- four free Pockets for organising money.
Open your C24 Bank account here
If you open an account through this link, I may receive a voucher or commission at no extra cost to you.
Bank conditions can change. Check the current price list, eligibility requirements and account terms on C24’s official website before applying.
C24 may not be the right choice if you need regular branch service, frequently deposit cash or prefer to manage your banking in person.
Related Guides
- How to Register Your Address in Germany
- How to Understand Salaries in Germany
- How to Find a Job in Germany
Official Sources
- BaFin: Current Accounts in Germany
- BaFin: Your Right to a Basic Account
- Deutsche Bundesbank: Deposit Guarantee
- C24: Current Account Prices and Features
Published: 14 August 2026
Last updated: 30 August 2026