Difference between revisions of "Germany/Banking"

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When living in Germany, having a '''German Bank Account''' (or a Euro currency account) can be useful. Here's a list of accounts for people having an address in Germany. For some banks, having a [[#Bank_Accounts_Recommended_for_Foreigners|registered address is not necessary]].
 
When living in Germany, having a '''German Bank Account''' (or a Euro currency account) can be useful. Here's a list of accounts for people having an address in Germany. For some banks, having a [[#Bank_Accounts_Recommended_for_Foreigners|registered address is not necessary]].
  
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This article covers '''accounts for individuals''', also called '''current account''' or '''giro account''' (''Girokonto'').
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This article covers '''accounts for individuals''', also called '''current account''' or '''giro account''' (''Girokonto''). The list may not be complete, so feel free to add missing banks.
  
 
For other account types, see
 
For other account types, see

Revision as of 15:32, 8 February 2022

When living in Germany, having a German Bank Account (or a Euro currency account) can be useful. Here's a list of accounts for people having an address in Germany. For some banks, having a registered address is not necessary.

This article covers accounts for individuals, also called current account or giro account (Girokonto). The list may not be complete, so feel free to add missing banks.

For other account types, see

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a German bank account?

In this article, German bank account means an account that has an account number (IBAN) starting with DE….

Do I need a German or a Euro bank account?

To pay rent and most bills or receive salary, you usually need an account that can send and receive SEPA transfers in EUR.

So your bank account does not need to be from Germany. It must only be able to send and receive SEPA transfers in EUR. Many accounts from other EU and EEA countries can do that.

However, some companies and authorities have problems using non-German account number (IBAN). This is illegal but it may happen. Then, a German account is more convenient.

Which bank account can I use for my freelancing?

To receive income from freelancing or your business, you usually need a business bank account. Regular bank accounts listed here are for individuals who want to receive their salary from being an employee, their scholarship or similar.

Do I get interest on my money?

On giro accounts in Germany, you usually do not get interests paid out. For such offers, check the List of German Savings Accounts.

What do I need to open a German bank account?

This varies from bank to bank. However, these things are common:

  • You always need prove your identity, e.g. with a passport or national ID card.
  • You often need give an address, so that the bank can send you a credit or debit card.
  • Sometimes, you need to show your registration (Anmeldung)
  • Some banks want to see your income and credit history. (E.g. DKB is known to be picky.)

See also: Bank Accounts Recommended for Foreigners.

Which bank account is the best for me?

A bank account that

  • speaks your language. There many offers with support in English or even more languages.
  • has free cash withdrawals. While all supermarkets already allow card payments, you will still need to use cash at smaller shops, cafés, restaurants or food trucks.
  • has no monthly fees. There are so many bank accounts even without fees, so you don't need to pick one that costs money.
  • lets you sign up with our documents. If you don't have an registered address (Anmeldung) yet, this can be difficult.

See also: Bank Accounts Recommended for Foreigners.

Lists of (Giro) Bank Accounts for Individuals

Bank Accounts With English Support

  • Bunq, speaks also: Dutch, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Commerzbank (online banking, after signup)
  • Deutsche Bank (online banking, after signup)
  • Insha
  • Lydia
  • Monese, speaks also: Bulgarian, Czech, German, Estonian, Spanish, French, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
  • N26, speaks also: French, German, Italian, Spanish
  • Nuri
  • Revolut, speaks also: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovakian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish
  • Tomorrow
  • Vivid Money, speaks also: French, German, Italian, Spanish
  • Wise, speaks also: Chinese, French, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish
  • Yuh

Bank Accounts With German Account Number (IBAN)

Bank Accounts With No Monthly Fees

… if you receive money on it regularly

  • 1822direkt if you receive minimum €700 every month
  • Commerzbank if you receive minimum €700 every month
  • comdirect if you receive minimum €700 every month
  • ING if you receive minimum €700 every month
  • Norisbank if you receive minimum €500 every month
  • O2 Banking if you receive minimum €700 every month

… for young people

Bank Accounts With Free Cash Withdrawals

… at all bank machines worldwide

… at all bank machines in EEA

… at bank machines of the bank's network

…at shops

Some banks cooperate with shops: You can go to the checkout of a branch and withdraw money from your bank account, using your card. There are 2 systems:

Cash-Back
Viacash

Bank Accounts With Multiple Currencies

Bank Accounts With A Broker

These accounts allow you to trade shares and funds / ETFs. The term in German is usually Depot.

Bank Accounts With Crypto Currencies

These accounts allow you to trade Bitcoin etc.

Bank Accounts With Bonuses

These accounts will pay you for signing up.

  • 1822direkt: €25 or €75 bonus (depending on account type) if you receive 3 salary payments of min. €1000 each within the first 6 months (conditions)
  • Commerzbank: €50 welcome bonus if you send or receive 5 payments per month of min. €25 (salary, providers etc.) and agree to sales calls (conditions)
  • Norisbank: €50 welcome bonus if you use their account switching service (more info)
  • Vivid Money: €20 welcome bonus + up to €90 cashback, if you top up and spend €20 within the first 90 days

Comparisons of Bank Accounts

These finance services compare current bank accounts on the market and let you filter the list by specific features:

Bank Accounts for Individuals Compared

Bank Accounts for Students Compared

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