Open a Bank Account in Germany

Everyone who moves to Germany needs a German bank account sooner or later. As you may have already noticed, there is a number of German banks. So which one to choose?

We have asked newcomers in Germany about their favourite bank accounts in Germany. Some want to have a very basic free bank account. Others prefer to have English-speaking customer service and online banking in English. For this, they are willing to pay a small monthly fee. Whatever your personal preference, you can find your best match on this page. Further below you can find a selection of banks that are expat-friendly and offer their services in English. Here you can fill in the application forms directly online.

Note that you normally need to have registered your residence to open a bank account. If you are not registered in Germany but you live in the EU, then you can still have the N26 account and get a German IBAN.

If you are self-employed or have your own company, you need a business account in Germany – find out more about business accounts in Germany in our blog.

› N26 – Our Favourite

ideal for students & young professionals: Europe’s most modern bank account

√ everything is in English
√ modern design, online & mobile banking
√ free Mastercard
√ international transfers with Wise
√ 5 free cash withdrawals worldwide / per month
√ new: free business account!

› N26 is the only bank where you can open a bank account with a German IBAN without being registered in Germany.

Open now!

› DKB – The free Account

√ Ideal for anyone that wants a free online bank account

√ completely free
√ normally comes with overdraft
√ no card fees, no bank fees
√ free cash withdrawals worldwide

Apply online!

> Commerzbank – free basic account & English speaking support

√ ideal for professionals with a regular salary

√ online banking in English
√ personal support in English
√ information available in English
√ free cash withdrawals at more than 9000 cash machines in Germany

Open account online

Our New Favourite: N26 Bank Account

Number26 is ‘Europe’s most modern bank account.’ With Number26 you can do all your banking on your smartphone or laptop. It allows you to make free transfers and get free cash worldwide. You can send money to your friends via email in seconds. It is ideal for anyone who wants to have a free, easy and secure way of doing banking. It is also great for those launching a business – just open your free business account today!

Customer service in the English language
Online banking in the English language
Mobile app in the English language

English service is thus the main argument for why it is the best free bank account for expats in Germany. After all, handling your finances is a very important matter. So most expats in Germany prefer to do their banking in English.

Get your N26 account in 8 minutes

Fill out application form
Verification via video call
Receive bank card and start using your account

Features	N26 Standart The free digital bank account	N26 Smart The bank account with tools for spending and saving	N26 You The bank account for travel and everyday needs	N26 Metal The premium account with perks and a metal card
Monthly fee	0,00 €	4,90 €	9,90 €	16,90 €
Physical Card	–	✓	✓	✓
Virtual Card	✓	✓	✓	✓
Contactless payments	✓	✓	✓	✓
Mobile payments	✓	✓	✓	✓
Extra card (optional)	–	✓	✓	✓
	Open free account	Open account!	Open account	Open account!

The FREE Account: DKB

With your free DBK account you can do all your banking on your smartphone or laptop. It allows you to make free transfers and get free cash worldwide. You get a free debit card and a free VISA card with it. It is ideal for anyone who wants to have a free, easy and secure way of doing banking. And it’s 100% free.

Get your online account in only 10 minutes

Fill out application form
Verification via video call (possible in English)
Receive bank card and start using your account

Features	DKB Girokonto
Monthly Fee	0,00 €
VISA card	0,00 €
Debit card	0,00 €
Online and mobile banking	✓
All transactions directly on your smartphone	✓
Free worldwide transfers and cash withdrawals	✓
Individual security settings; (un)block cards online	✓
	Get free account

Our Classic Account: Commerzbank

Opening a bank account with Commerzbank has many advantages, which we would like to introduce to you:

English-speaking customer service in about 750 branches across Germany
Access to an English online and mobile banking 24/7, with an excellent banking app
Free Basic account with a minimum monthly deposit of 700 €
Easy payment with your smartphone or smartwatch because (Google Pay/ Apple Pay are supported)
Free cash at over 9000 cash machines in Germany
Open account online in a few minutes

There are no fees for the Commerzbank Basic account. Your starting credit of €50 is also included, and you will receive €100 per successful customer referral. To be eligible for these bonuses, you must meet these conditions:

Private use
Monthly cash receipts of at least 700 € (otherwise you pay 9,90€ per month)
Digital (paperless) account management
Use of Commerzbank or Cash Group ATMs, provided no deposit fee is charged

Commerzbank – German bank for expats

To apply at Commerzbank, you have to fill in a German form. Don’t you speak German? That’s no problem. We have translated the form for you. Use it as a guide when registering your bank account.

To the English Guide

Get free basic Giro account