What you need to know first
- Most traditional banks want your Anmeldung (address registration) first — app banks like N26 often accept you with just a passport and EU address, which breaks the chicken-and-egg loop.
- Students and some visa applicants need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) — a separate product from providers like Expatrio or Fintiba.
- Traditional accounts usually carry monthly fees unless you meet salary-deposit conditions; app-bank basic plans are free.
- Germany still loves cash and the EC/girocard — a credit card alone will fail you in many shops and doctors' offices.
The setup, step by step
- 1
Bridge with an app bank on arrival
N26 (German banking licence, English app) or Revolut/Wise get you a working IBAN in days — enough for salary, rent and the Anmeldung-dependent steps.
- 2
Register your address (Anmeldung)
The Bürgeramt registration certificate unlocks traditional banks, credit lines and much of German bureaucracy. Book the appointment early — big-city slots are scarce.
- 3
Add a traditional bank if you need one
Sparkasse and Volksbank branches are everywhere and handle cash, girocard and local payments best; Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank suit international needs. Compare fee waivers tied to monthly salary deposits.
- 4
Set up the German payment stack
Get a girocard for daily life, keep SEPA direct debits (Lastschrift) for rent and utilities, and expect landlords to ask for a SCHUFA credit report once you have a banking history.
Now that you're opening a bank account…
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany from day one — public (GKV) or private (PKV) depends on your status and income. Get it sorted alongside your account.
Open an account online
App banks and money accounts you can open before or right after arriving.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I open an account before moving to Germany?
App banks accept EU/EEA residents before arrival; N26 needs an address in a supported country. Traditional banks almost always want the Anmeldung first, which requires a German address.
What is a blocked account?
A Sperrkonto proves financial means for student and some national visas: you deposit roughly a year of living costs and can only withdraw a fixed monthly amount. Providers like Expatrio, Fintiba and Coracle set them up online before you arrive.
What does a German account cost?
App-bank basic plans are free. Traditional accounts typically charge a monthly fee that is waived if you deposit a salary above a threshold — always check the conditions, not just the headline.
Do I need SCHUFA?
SCHUFA is Germany's credit registry. You build a record automatically once you have accounts and contracts; landlords and lenders will ask for a SCHUFA report, so keeping payments clean from day one matters.
Note: This page is general information, not legal, tax or medical advice. Rules and fees change — confirm your personal situation with a professional before acting.