Bank Account Fees Germany 2026: Free Account Guide
In 2026, ING, DKB, Comdirect, and N26 still offer free bank accounts in Germany under certain conditions. Sparkasse, Volksbank, and Deutsche Bank charge 5 to 12 EUR per month for account maintenance fees. Switching to a free account saves 60 to 140 EUR per year.
Compare Free Bank Accounts
Key Takeaways (May 2026)
- Most German branch banks now charge 5 to 12 EUR per month. Direct banks and neobanks have kept fees at zero or very low.
- ING, DKB, and Comdirect offer free accounts if you receive at least 700 EUR per month in salary. N26 Standard is free with no conditions.
- Under German law (Bundesgerichtshof 2021), banks cannot raise fees without your active, written approval. Retroactive refunds are possible for three years.
- You have a legal right to a basic account (Basiskonto) under Section 31 of the Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG) regardless of Schufa or income.
- Bank switching takes 10 to 12 business days and is free. Your new bank handles most of the paperwork automatically.
Why Bank Account Fees Rose in 2026
German banks blame a combination of factors. First, the European Central Bank's interest rate environment. For over a decade, negative interest rates squeezed bank profit margins. As rates began to climb in 2023, banks recovered some lost income, but not enough. They are shifting costs to account holders.
Second, regulatory burden. EU rules like DORA (Digital Operational Resilience) and PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2) forced banks to spend heavily on IT infrastructure, security, and compliance. Branch banks with physical locations also face rising facility and staff costs.
Third, customer migration. Neobanks and direct banks have pulled millions of customers away from traditional banks over the past five years. Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, and Commerzbank are losing market share and raising fees on remaining customers to maintain profitability.
A 2025 study by Stiftung Warentest (the gold-standard German consumer testing institute) found that annual account fees now range from 0 EUR to over 240 EUR depending on your bank. The research identified 14 banks offering truly free accounts. (Stiftung Warentest Girokonto Test 2025)
2026 Bank Fees: 10-Bank Comparison
Fees shown are May 2026 and based on official bank price lists (Preis- und Leistungsverzeichnis). Always check your specific bank's website for current rates. Sparkasse and Volksbank are regional, so your local branch may differ.
| Bank | Category | Monthly Fee | Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ING | Direct Bank | 0 EUR/month | 700 EUR monthly salary deposit OR under age 28, else 4.90 EUR |
| DKB | Direct Bank | 0 EUR/month | 700 EUR salary deposit OR under age 28 (Active), else 4.50 EUR |
| Comdirect | Direct Bank | 0 EUR/month | One transaction/month OR 700 EUR deposit OR under age 28, else 4.90 EUR |
| N26 | Neobank | 0 EUR/month | Standard plan: no conditions. Smart 4.90 EUR, You 9.90 EUR, Metal 16.90 EUR |
| Wise | Neobank | 0 EUR/month | No monthly fee. Charges per transaction based on currency and amount |
| Tomorrow | Neobank | 0 EUR/month | Now plan free. Zero 7 EUR, Change 15 EUR. Sustainable banking. |
| Sparkasse | Branch Bank | 5 to 12 EUR/month | Varies by local Sparkasse. Some free tiers for students/seniors. |
| Deutsche Bank | Branch Bank | 5.90 EUR/month | AktivKonto base tier. BestKonto 11.90 EUR with 1,200 EUR monthly deposit. |
| Commerzbank | Branch Bank | 0 EUR/month | With 700 EUR salary OR under age 28, else 9.90 EUR |
| Bunq | Neobank (EU) | 2.99 EUR/month | Low-cost basic account. EU-wide, multi-currency. |
Source: Bank Preis- und Leistungsverzeichnis (May 2026), Stiftung Warentest Girokonten-Test 2025, Biallo.de Girokonto-Vergleich February 2026. Biallo comparison
Bank Accounts for Expats in Germany
If you are new to Germany, many traditional banks will reject your application because you have no Schufa file (German: Schufa) and no Anmeldung (German: registration certificate). Below are the paths that actually work.
Bank Accounts Without Anmeldung
Anmeldebescheinigung is your local registration from city hall. You must register within 14 days of arrival. Until then, these four banks will open accounts with just a passport and temporary address:
- N26: Passport and hotel or Airbnb address. Video verification takes 10 minutes. Full German IBAN and Mastercard.
- Wise: Multi-currency account, German IBAN available. No Anmeldung or Schufa check. Transaction-based fees.
- Tomorrow: Accepts temporary address. Sustainable banking focus. Full IBAN, app in English.
- Vivid Money: Passport plus temporary EU address. Cryptocurrency trading included. App in English.
These accounts work for salary deposits, bill payments, and subscriptions immediately. Once you receive your Anmeldung, you can add it to your profile and the account converts to permanent.
Bank Accounts Without Schufa Check
Schufa is Germany's credit bureau. If you are new, you have no Schufa file, which is not negative, just blank. Some banks reject blank files. These banks do not check:
N26 Standard, C24 Bank Smart, Tomorrow, Bunq, and Fintiba all skip Schufa or accept thin files. This matters if you are arriving from outside the EU or Germany with no local credit history.
Legally, you have a right under Section 31 of the Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG) to open a Basiskonto (basic account) even with a bad Schufa file. No bank can refuse you. If refused, file a complaint with BaFin (the federal financial regulator).
Bank Accounts with English Support
Most German banks claim to support English. In reality, their apps may be in English but their customer service and letters are German. If language is a deal-breaker, choose one of these:
- N26: Full English app, phone, and email support. The most English-friendly bank in Germany.
- Bunq: Dutch neobank, EU-wide. Full English throughout. No Schufa check.
- Wise: English app and support, multi-currency, no monthly fee.
- Fintiba: Built for international students. Full English, no Schufa, special student account options.
- Tomorrow: English app and app support, though some documents in German.
Best Banks for New Arrivals
If you just arrived and want one account that covers all bases: N26 Standard. Opens in 10 minutes with passport. No monthly fee. Full German IBAN. English throughout. No Schufa or Anmeldung needed. After six months to a year, switch to ING or DKB for the free account (with 700 EUR salary condition).
Legal Right to Switch Banks: The 12-Day Rule
Since 2016, German law (Zahlungskontengesetz, or ZKG) guarantees every account holder the legal right to switch banks. The process is free and mostly automatic. (ZKG Section 20, official German law text)
How the Switching Process Works:
- Open your new account and sign the switching form (Kontowechselservice).
- Your new bank retrieves your last 13 months of standing orders and salary information from your old bank.
- Your new bank notifies your old bank within five business days.
- Your old bank provides all payment data to the new bank within five business days.
- Your new bank recreates all standing orders within two business days.
- Your salary and recurring payments now go to your new account. Close the old account after confirming the switch.
Legal maximum: 12 business days. Real-world average: 7 to 14 days.
The service is 100% free. If your old bank charged you for switching, that is illegal. Report it to the Verbraucherzentrale. (Verbraucherzentrale, German consumer protection)
BGH Court Ruling: Can Banks Raise Fees Unilaterally?
The Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Supreme Court of Germany) ruled on April 27, 2021 (case XI ZR 26/20) that banks cannot raise account fees without your explicit, written approval. (Official BGH decision, XI ZR 26/20)
Before this ruling, many banks increased fees with a clause saying "if you don't object within 30 days, your silence means consent." The court struck this down. Now banks must get your active signature on a new contract. If you did not sign and your bank raised your fees anyway, you can demand a refund of excess fees paid in the last three years.
How to Claim a Refund (Three Steps)
- Calculate your excess fees from the past three years using your account statements.
- Send a formal demand letter to your bank. The Verbraucherzentrale provides a free template: refund request template.
- If the bank does not respond within six weeks, escalate to the Verbraucherschlichtungsstelle (consumer arbitration service).
Reports show that successful claims average between 50 and 250 EUR per person, depending on account age and fee changes.
Section 31 ZKG: Your Right to a Basic Account
Everyone legally residing in Germany has the right to open a Basiskonto (basic payment account) regardless of Schufa, income, or refugee status. This right is guaranteed by Sections 31-44 of the Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG). (BaFin Basiskonto guide)
A Basiskonto includes SEPA transfers, direct debits, and a debit card. It does not include overdraft (Dispokredit) or credit products, but that is fine if you only need basic banking. The monthly fee is capped at what the bank charges its typical customer.
If any bank refuses you a Basiskonto, they are breaking the law. Document everything and file a complaint with BaFin or contact the Verbraucherzentrale for free legal help.
Hidden Fees: The Real Cost of a "Free" Account
Even zero-fee accounts have hidden charges buried in the fine print. Before you sign up, watch for these:
| Hidden Fee | Typical Cost | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | 4 to 7 EUR | Withdrawing cash outside your bank's network. Some direct banks offer nationwide networks. |
| Debit Card Fee | 0 to 3 EUR/month | Some banks now charge monthly for the Girocard. Check before signing up. |
| Paper Statements | 1 to 3 EUR each | Physical mailed statements cost extra. Use online banking to avoid. |
| Overdraft Interest (Dispo) | 7 to 13% per year | The interest rate when you go below zero. Avoid dipping into overdraft. |
| Foreign Currency Fee | 1 to 2% | Card spending outside the Eurozone. Wise and N26 offer better FX rates. |
| Inactivity Fee | 4 to 5 EUR/month | Some free accounts become paid accounts if you don't use them or don't meet the monthly deposit threshold. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there still free bank accounts in Germany in 2026?
Yes. ING, DKB, Comdirect, and N26 Standard still offer free accounts. ING, DKB, and Comdirect require a monthly salary deposit of around 700 EUR or they charge 4.50 to 4.90 EUR per month. N26 Standard requires nothing. Wise and Tomorrow also have zero-fee options. All offer full German IBAN.
Are German banks really charging 12 EUR per month?
Yes, depending on your bank type. Sparkasse, Volksbank, and Deutsche Bank charge between 5 and 12 EUR per month for basic accounts. These are branch banks with physical locations and staff costs. Direct banks and neobanks keep monthly fees at zero or under 5 EUR. Regional Sparkassen vary, so always check your local branch's price list (Preis- und Leistungsverzeichnis).
Can a bank raise my fees without my permission?
No. The German Federal Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof) ruled in 2021 (XI ZR 26/20) that banks must obtain your active written approval before raising fees. If a bank increased your fee without asking you to sign a new contract, you can demand a refund of any excess fees paid in the past three years.
Can I open a bank account in Germany without an Anmeldung (registration certificate)?
Yes. N26, Wise, Tomorrow, and Vivid Money open accounts with just a passport and proof of temporary address. These are fully licensed German or EU banks that issue proper German IBANs. You can receive your salary and pay bills with them immediately. Branch banks require Anmeldung.
What if I have no Schufa or a bad Schufa file?
Under Section 31 of the Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG), any person legally residing in Germany has the legal right to open a Basiskonto (basic account) regardless of Schufa. No bank can refuse you. If refused, file a complaint with BaFin. N26, C24 Bank, and Tomorrow also open accounts without checking Schufa.
Can I deduct bank fees from my German taxes?
Yes. German tax law (Werbungskosten) allows employees to claim a flat 16 EUR per year for account management fees without receipts. If you pay more, you can claim the actual amount with proof from your bank statement. Self-employed persons can deduct actual business account fees.
How long does switching banks take in Germany?
Legally, 12 business days maximum under the Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG Sections 22-23). In practice, most switches complete in 7 to 14 days. Your new bank handles transferring standing orders, notifying employers of your new IBAN, and closing the old account. The service is free.
Are there banks with good English support in Germany?
N26 and Bunq run their apps, phone lines, and letters fully in English. Wise also has strong English support. DKB and Comdirect have English apps but send letters in German. Sparkasse, Volksbank, and Deutsche Bank are German-first. If English is critical, stick to neobanks.
What does Anmeldung mean and do I really need it?
Anmeldebescheinigung is your registration certificate from the local city hall. German banks require it as proof of residency. However, digital banks like N26, Wise, and Tomorrow accept a temporary address (hotel, Airbnb) or a landlord's letter instead. You register at city hall after arrival; branch banks cannot open accounts before you register.
What is Schufa and why do banks check it?
Schufa is Germany's credit bureau. Banks check it to assess your credit history: do you pay bills on time, do you have defaults or debts. New arrivals have no Schufa file yet, which is not negative, just blank. Some banks reject blank files. Schufa-free banks and the Basiskonto right protect people with no file or poor history.
Authority Sources and Further Reading
All data in this guide comes from official sources. If you want to verify any claim or dive deeper:
- Stiftung Warentest Girokonten Test 2025 - Germany's gold-standard consumer test institute. Their annual account test is the most trusted independent source.
- Biallo.de Girokonto Comparison - Broad fee comparison and switching guides for major German banks.
- Verbraucherzentrale - German consumer protection association. Free templates for fee refund letters and switching advice.
- BaFin Basiskonto Rules - Official guidance on your right to a basic account.
- Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG) - The full German payment accounts law, official text.