Banking in Germany: Open a Bank Account as an Expat (2026)

Whether it is paying rent, receiving your salary or covering everyday expenses, you will need a German bank account. So one of the first things to do after arriving is to open a bank account with a bank that suits you. This guide compares the best banks in Germany for expats, explains online versus traditional banks, and walks you through how to open an account – even with little or no German.

How we picked the best banks in Germany

• ✓ English-speaking customer service
• ✓ Best value for money and low fees
• ✓ Clear terms with no hidden costs
• ✓ Easy online account opening
• ✓ Useful everyday banking features

Best banks in Germany for expats

Here is how the most popular banks compare. The first two are online banks that are easy to open from abroad; the others are traditional banks with branches. Always check current fees on the bank’s own site.

Bank	Why it is great
	1 Best online bank for a free card. DKB is one of Germany’s largest and fastest-growing online banks. Active customers get a free current account and Visa card with fee-free euro cash withdrawals. The website is mostly German, but the account is easy to open online, even from abroad.	Visit DKB
	2 Best for English-speaking expats. N26 is a purely online bank with a fully English app and website. The standard account is free with no minimum deposit, and you can open it online in minutes. A debit Mastercard is included – ideal for newcomers who want simple, English-language banking.	Visit N26
	3 Best traditional bank with branches. Commerzbank is one of the largest banks in Germany, with branches in cities across the country. A good choice if you prefer a traditional bank you can visit in person, with a full range of products and online banking.	Visit Commerzbank
	4 Best for in-person banking. Postbank is one of Germany’s largest traditional banks, with offices in most cities. A solid option if you value face-to-face service. The website is mostly German and some accounts carry fees, so check the current terms.	Visit Postbank

Banks explained in detail

A common question is whether online banks offer better value than traditional bricks-and-mortar banks. The trend in Germany has been steadily towards online banking, but the right choice depends on how you like to bank. Below we explain the main options so you can find the bank that fits your needs.

DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank)

One of the biggest and fastest-growing online banks in Germany is DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank), founded in 1990 and a subsidiary of the Bavarian bank BayernLB. If you are comfortable doing all your banking online, it is one of the best accounts for expats.

• ✓ Free current account for active customers, with no monthly fee
• ✓ Free Visa card
• ✓ Fee-free euro cash withdrawals for active customers
• ✓ Free securities (investment) account
• ✓ Statements available online

DKB focuses on current accounts for private and freelance clients, and also offers real-estate financing and personal loans. A standout feature is the free Visa card with fee-free euro withdrawals, which is handy if you travel often. Its clear online process makes it easy to open a German account as a foreigner, so it is a popular choice with expats and students. If you also want a card without a full account, see our guide to the best prepaid credit cards in Germany. Always check DKB’s current conditions, as fees and active-customer rules can change.

N26

N26 is a purely online bank and one of the largest in Europe. The standard account is free, with no minimum deposit, and the mobile app and support are in English – which is why it is so popular with expats. You can open an account online in minutes after verifying your identity by video or photo with your passport or ID. Note that, like other German banks, N26 runs a Schufa credit check when you open an account.

• ✓ Free standard account with no minimum deposit
• ✓ Debit Mastercard included
• ✓ Fully English app and website
• ✓ Fast, fully online sign-up

N26 offers accounts to residents across much of the EU, so it can be a convenient first account for newcomers. You need proof of identity and to be at least 18. Free ATM withdrawals in euro are limited on the free plan, so check the current terms if you withdraw cash often.

The best traditional banks in Germany

The growth of online banking does not mean traditional banks are finished. Many people still prefer a bank they can visit, especially for more complex products or if they handle cash regularly.

Commerzbank

Commerzbank is one of the largest banks in Germany. Founded in 1870, it has branches in cities and towns across the country, so it is one of the most accessible traditional banks. It offers the full range of products a typical customer needs, and everything can also be managed online.

• ✓ Free account when you meet the required conditions
• ✓ Cash withdrawals at a large ATM network in Germany
• ✓ Visa or Mastercard available (annual card fee may apply)

If you handle a lot of cash day to day, Commerzbank’s large branch network is a real advantage. Account management, retirement and mortgage planning can all be handled online or in a branch. Check the current fees and account conditions on their site.

Deutsche Postbank

Deutsche Postbank is one of Germany’s largest traditional banks, with offices in most cities and many smaller towns. Wherever you live – Berlin, Munich, Hannover or Frankfurt – you will usually find a Postbank branch, which makes it a good option if you prefer face-to-face banking.

• ✓ Extensive branch network for in-person service
• ✓ Cash withdrawals at a wide ATM network in Germany
• ✓ A range of accounts, savings and investment products

Postbank offers savings accounts, deposits and more, and is known for solid customer service. Some accounts and cards carry monthly or annual fees, so check the current terms before opening.

How to open a bank account in Germany

The sign-up process is similar at most banks – DKB, Norisbank, Postbank or Commerzbank all ask for the same basic details. It is relatively easy even with little German. To help, here are the most important fields translated:

• Vorname(n): First name
• Name: Last name
• Titel: Title
• Geburtsname: Maiden name
• Geburtsort: Place of birth
• Staatsangehörigkeit: Citizenship
• Steuerliche Ansässigkeit: Whether you are tax-resident in Germany
• Geburtsdatum: Date of birth
• Familienstand: Marital status
• wohnhaft seit (Jahr): Resident at this address since
• Wohnstatus: Residence status
• Aktuelles Nettoeinkommen pro Monat in Euro: Current net monthly income in euro
• Zweiten Kontoinhaber: Second account holder

After entering your details and agreeing to the terms, you verify your identity online, usually by video or photo, showing your ID or passport. That’s it – your German bank account is open. DKB in particular makes it possible for future expats to open an account from abroad: you simply give your current foreign address and receive a free DKB Visa card once approved.

Online or traditional: which is best?

Everyone is different, so there is no single best bank. One person prefers in-person service, another is happy with a fully online bank – and you can have both: open an online account for low fees and free ATM use, and a traditional account for tailored, in-person service. Among online banks, DKB offers strong value; among traditional banks, Deutsche Postbank is well represented across the country.

Types of bank account in Germany

Current and savings accounts are the two most common account types in Germany. Depending on the bank, you can also open other account types:

• Current account (Girokonto) – Your everyday account for salary, rent and payments. This is the account most expats open first.
• Savings account (Sparkonto) – Often opened alongside a current account, it lets you set money aside and earn interest.
• Blocked account (Sperrkonto) – Used by many international students. A fixed amount is deposited and released monthly as proof of funds for the student visa. The required amount is updated each year, so check the current figure.
• Rental deposit account (Mietkautionskonto) – If you rent a flat, your deposit can be held in this account, which is useful for foreign students and tenants.

What you need to open an account

When opening a bank account in Germany, have the following ready:

• Your passport or valid ID card
• Proof of address – your registration certificate (Anmeldung/Meldebescheinigung), rental contract or a utility bill
• Your German tax ID (Steuer-ID), issued after you register your address
• For student accounts, proof of enrolment
• An initial deposit, depending on the bank
• Some banks also ask for proof of income, such as payslips

FAQ about banking in Germany