List of German Bank Accounts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a German or European 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 necessarily be from Germany, i.e. have an IBAN starting with DE. It must only be able to send and receive SEPA transfers in EUR.

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

How to open a German bank account?

Just pick one from the list below, or from one of the comparisons.

For creating an account, you will usually need:

• an ID or passport if you are from EU/EEA
• a passport if you are from outside EEA
• proof of residence is often not needed

Lists of German Bank Accounts

• Comparison by FinanceAds*
• Comparison by FinanceQuality*

More Banking Overviews

• List of German Business Bank Accounts
• List of German Student Bank Accounts
• List of German Savings Accounts

• List of German Credit Cards