Opening a bank account in Germany: a practical guide

Which account you actually need

In Germany the main everyday account is called a Girokonto: it's where your salary arrives and from which you pay rent, bills and subscriptions. There are also savings accounts (Tagesgeld) and investment accounts (Depot), both useful but not necessary at the start.

The main options:

• Traditional banks (Sparkasse, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Postbank): physical branches, often a monthly fee, they require the Anmeldung.
• Direct banks (ING, DKB, Comdirect): everything online, generally better conditions, phone support.
• Neobanks (N26, Revolut): quick to open even for new arrivals, well-designed apps, but more limited services (for example cash deposits).

For most people a Girokonto with a direct bank or a local Sparkasse is the simplest choice.

Documents you need

Step by step

1. Compare 2–3 accounts. Look at the monthly fee, free withdrawals, whether a card is included, whether the app is in English, and reviews of customer support.
2. Apply online or in a branch. You need an ID document; for digital opening, video identification plus the Anmeldung is often enough.
3. Activate the app and card. The Girocard (formerly EC) or debit card arrives by post; activate them immediately.
4. Give your IBAN to your employer. That way your salary arrives without delays.
5. Set up debits and recurring transfers. Rent, Rundfunkbeitrag, phone and internet are all easy to manage with direct debit or a standing order.

IBAN, SEPA and other useful tools

A German IBAN starts with DE and is assigned when the account is opened. With SEPA you can make transfers across the whole EU area, often at no extra cost.

• Überweisung: a one-off transfer.
• Dauerauftrag: an automatic recurring transfer (for example rent).
• Lastschrift: a direct debit authorised by the provider.
• Girocard / debit card: everyday payments in shops.
• Credit card: a separate card, not always included with the account.

Common scams to know about

• Fake bank emails: links to clone pages that steal your credentials.
• Job scams: offers where you must receive money and forward it on: that's money laundering.
• Fake landlords: they ask for a deposit before you've seen the flat. Never pay without a contract and without having viewed the property.
• Calls "from the bank": they hang up and call back asking for codes. You never give your TAN to anyone.

Common mistakes

• Opening the account too late. You need it for salary, rent and many procedures: open it as soon as you have the Anmeldung.
• Ignoring the costs. A fee of 5–8 euros per month over years is wasted money when a free account suits you.
• Sharing your IBAN with strangers. An IBAN isn't a secret, but only use it with verifiable counterparties.
• Not checking your statements. Unauthorised debits must be disputed immediately.