Open a new bank account

Opening a bank account in Germany is easy and can be done at a bank branch (filial) or online. Before opening an account, make sure you plan to stay in Germany long term and have registered your stay at the civil office (Bürgerbüro).

To open an account at a bank branch:

• Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the bank in advance.
• Bring Identification: Bring your passport or German ID card.
• Tax ID (Optional): It's helpful to have your Tax ID if you already have it.

Tip: When booking your appointment, check if an English-speaking representative is available if you don't speak German well. Most self-employed consultants at banks speak English.

To open an account online:

• Have a German ID: You need a physical German ID or eID.
• German Phone Number: You need a German phone number.
• Verify Your Identity: Each bank uses different vendors for identity verification (e.g., Verimi, PostBank). This may require downloading additional mobile apps and possibly having a video call with a customer representative.

You can choose between many available options for openning of a bank account here

Choosing the Right Account When opening a new account, you have different options to choose from, which affect your contract and monthly subscription fees:

• Girocard: This card is for receiving your salary. Note that it has limitations on where it can be used and how much you can pay. Most online payments are not possible with a Girocard.

• Debit Card: A regular card that can be used for online payments. It is often issued in addition to the Girocard.

• Credit Card: Like any other credit card, this comes with an agreement about the annual fee, interest rate, etc.