A German bank account (Girokonto) is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, and accessing government services. Several banks now offer online accounts in English without requiring an in-branch visit.
- Anmeldung certificate (address registration)
- Valid passport or national ID
- German phone number (some banks require German SIM)
- SCHUFA clearance (not required for online banks)
Choose between traditional and online banks
Traditional banks (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse): require in-person visit, German language. Online banks/neobanks: N26 (English app, opens online in minutes), DKB (free with active use, German interface), Comdirect (English available). For newcomers, N26 or DKB are the fastest options.
Open N26 account online (fastest for expats)
Go to n26.com. Click “Open Account.” Enter your email and create a password. Complete the online application: personal details, address, nationality. Verify identity via VideoIdent (live video call with document verification) — takes 10 minutes.
Open DKB account (best free account long-term)
Go to dkb.de. The interface is in German — use browser translation. Apply online with your Anmeldung certificate and ID. DKB requires a SCHUFA check but newcomers often pass. Account opening takes 1–2 weeks including postal PIN delivery.
Open N26 account — receive IBAN immediately
After VideoIdent verification, your IBAN is available within 24 hours. This IBAN can be used immediately for your employer’s salary payment setup and apartment rent. Your physical debit card arrives by post within 5–7 business days.
Register your IBAN with your employer and Finanzamt
Give your new IBAN to your employer for salary payment, your landlord for rent direct debit, and enter it in your ELSTER tax account for tax refunds. Update your IBAN at all government agencies (Jobcenter, Kindergeld, pension) if you change accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional banks always check SCHUFA (Germany’s credit reference agency). Online banks like N26 and Revolut do not check SCHUFA, making them the best option for newcomers without German credit history.
Technically yes for receiving salary (EU IBAN is valid). However, many German landlords require a German IBAN for rent direct debit, and some service providers only accept German IBANs. Getting a German account is strongly recommended.
N26 opens in 10 minutes online with English support. Wise provides a multi-currency account with a German IBAN and is widely used by expats.