Opening a German Bank Account
Why you need a German bank account
German employers typically require a local account for salary payments. Most landlords prefer German accounts for rent transfers. Many service providers (phone, internet, insurance) also need local accounts for direct debits.
Types of bank accounts
Current accounts (Girokonto)
Standard accounts for daily use with debit cards. Most common type for salaries and bills.
Savings accounts (Sparkonto)
Accounts with interest for long-term savings. Usually limited withdrawals.
Required documents
- Valid passport or ID card
- Registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung)
- Sometimes: Work contract or student ID
- Sometimes: SCHUFA credit check (for some traditional banks)
Choosing a bank
Traditional banks
- Sparkasse (local savings banks)
- Deutsche Bank
- Commerzbank
Online banks
- N26 (English-friendly)
- Revolut
- DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank)
Opening process
For traditional banks: Visit branch with documents. For online banks: Complete application through app/website with ID verification video call.
Banking terms to know
- IBAN: International bank account number
- SEPA: Standard European payment system
- Lastschrift: Direct debit authorization
