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
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Amazon Jungle

Throughout February, 2024, 25 of our CIS students embarked on a long journey to the Amazon Jungle in Iquitos, Peru. Students worked hard the previous months to raise funds to be able to create their community service project with the local communities of El Chino in the Tahuayo Region of the Amazon basin. Once there, our 25 students, along with our three teachers and the guides at the lodge they stayed in, participated in a whole day community service project where students built two complete Primary School classrooms. Our students built 20 desks and 20 chairs from scratch with the help of the local community and finished the day by putting the new furniture inside the classrooms. Thanks to this initiative, the students were able to fill up two classrooms that are now providing full day education to the children of the community. At CIS, one of our pillars of excellent education is understanding the privilege that comes with being an IB student and an international school student, and the importance of being global citizens. With this, comes the responsibility of being stewards of the communities that inhabit this world and the importance of giving back and being change makers!
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