How to Open a Bank Account in Germany as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
Which Banks Accept Foreigners in Germany?
Not all German banks are equally foreigner-friendly. Some require a registered address, SCHUFA credit history, and German-language skills. Others let you open an account with just your passport.
Here's how the major banks compare for foreigners in 2026:
| Bank | Monthly Fee | Anmeldung? | English | Non-EU? | SCHUFA Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N26 | €0 | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| bunq | €3.99 | No (90 days) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wise | €0 | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| DKB | €0* | Yes | Partial | EU only | Yes |
| ING | €0* | Yes | Partial | EU only | Yes |
| Commerzbank | €0-9.90 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sparkasse | €3-10 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
*Free with minimum monthly income deposit (€700 for DKB, €1,000 for ING)
Our recommendation: Start with N26 if you don't have an Anmeldung yet. It's free, fully in English, and you can open it from your phone in 10 minutes. After your Anmeldung is done, consider DKB or ING as a second account for better long-term features.
Want to compare all bank account options? Compare Girokonto offers from German banks and find the right account for your situation.
Can You Open a Bank Account Without Anmeldung?
Yes — and this is the most important thing new arrivals need to know. The Anmeldung (address registration) can take 2-4 weeks to book in cities like Berlin or Munich. You shouldn't wait that long without a bank account.
Banks that accept you without Anmeldung:
- N26 — No address registration needed. Use your passport and a temporary address (hotel, Airbnb, friend's address). Virtual Mastercard available immediately.
- bunq — Opens without Anmeldung, but you must submit proof of address and your tax ID (Steuer-ID) within 90 days.
- Wise — Not technically a German bank account, but gives you a multi-currency account. You can open it before even arriving in Germany. Great for receiving international transfers.
Banks that require Anmeldung: DKB, ING, Commerzbank, Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, and most traditional banks.
Pro tip: Open N26 on day one. Use it for your first salary payment and rent transfer. After your Anmeldung, open DKB or ING as your long-term primary account. Many expats keep both.
Step-by-Step — How to Open a German Bank Account
Step 1: Choose Your Bank
Use the comparison table above to pick the right bank. Key questions:
- Do you have an Anmeldung yet? If no → N26, bunq, or Wise
- Are you an EU or non-EU citizen? If non-EU → N26 or bunq (DKB and ING often reject non-EU applicants without permanent residence)
- Do you need a Girocard? If yes → DKB or ING (N26 only offers Mastercard debit, which some older German payment terminals don't accept)
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Minimum (for neobanks like N26):
- Valid passport or EU national ID card
- A reachable address in Germany (even temporary)
- Smartphone with camera for VideoIdent
Full set (for traditional banks like DKB, ING, Sparkasse):
- Valid passport
- Meldebescheinigung (proof of address registration)
- Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) — if non-EU
- Proof of income (Arbeitsvertrag or payslips)
- German tax ID (Steuer-ID) — arrives by post 2-3 weeks after Anmeldung
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification
German banks use one of three methods:
- VideoIdent (most common for online banks) — A 10-minute video call where you show your passport to a camera. Available in English from N26, bunq, DKB, and ING. You need good lighting and a stable internet connection.
- PostIdent — Visit any Deutsche Post branch with your ID and the bank's form. The postal clerk verifies your identity. Free of charge.
- Branch visit — Required by Sparkasse and some Volksbank branches. Appointment often needed. German language skills helpful.
Step 4: Receive Your IBAN and Card
- Neobanks (N26, bunq): Your German IBAN is available immediately after verification. Virtual card ready in minutes. Physical card arrives in 5-7 business days.
- Direct banks (DKB, ING): Account opens in 3-5 business days. Physical cards arrive in 7-10 days.
- Branch banks (Sparkasse): Can take 1-2 weeks from appointment to card delivery.
How Much Does a German Bank Account Cost?
Many German bank accounts are free — but the "free" often comes with conditions:
| Bank | Monthly Fee | Free Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| N26 Standard | €0 | No conditions |
| C24 Smart | €0 | No conditions |
| DKB | €0 | Min. €700/month income |
| ING | €0 | Min. €1,000/month income |
| Commerzbank | €0 | Min. €700/month income |
| Sparkasse | €3-10 | No free option |
| Deutsche Bank | €5.90-9.90 | No free option |
ATM withdrawals: N26 gives you 3 free withdrawals per month (€2 after that). DKB offers unlimited free withdrawals worldwide with an active account. ING is free at 50,000+ ATMs in Germany.
International transfers: For sending money abroad, use Wise regardless of which German bank you have. German banks charge €10-30 for SWIFT transfers with poor exchange rates. Wise uses the mid-market rate with a small transparent fee.
Understanding SCHUFA as a Foreigner
SCHUFA is Germany's main credit bureau — think of it as a credit score system. As a new foreigner, you have no SCHUFA history. This is different from having bad SCHUFA — it simply means the system doesn't know you yet.
What this means for your bank account:
- Neobanks (N26, bunq): Don't check SCHUFA at all → no problem
- Traditional banks: Check SCHUFA but may still open a basic account → possible delays or rejections
- Overdraft (Dispokredit): Requires established SCHUFA → not available for 6-12 months
How to start building your SCHUFA:
- Open a German bank account (creates a SCHUFA entry)
- Get a German mobile phone contract (not prepaid)
- Apply for a credit card after 2-3 months
- Always pay bills on time — this is the most important factor
The SCHUFA system was reformed in March 2026. The new scoring uses only 12 transparent criteria on a scale of 100-999. Payment delays are now deleted after 18 months instead of 36. Learn how the SCHUFA system works as a foreigner.
Your Legal Right to a Bank Account (Basiskonto)
Here's something most guides don't tell you: German law guarantees you the right to a basic bank account. Under §31 of the Zahlungskontengesetz (Payment Accounts Act), every person legally residing in the EU — regardless of nationality — is entitled to a Basiskonto (basic payment account).
What the Basiskonto includes:
- Deposit and withdraw cash
- Send and receive SEPA transfers
- Direct debits (Lastschrift) for rent and bills
- A payment card
When to use this: If a traditional bank rejects your application, you can formally request a Basiskonto. The bank must either open one or provide a written, legally valid reason for refusal. If they still refuse, you can file a complaint with BaFin (Germany's financial regulator).
Special Cases
Students on a Student Visa
If you're a non-EU student, you likely needed a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for your visa. The 2026 requirement is €11,904 per year (€992/month). Top providers: Expatrio (€49 setup), Fintiba (€89 setup).
But a Sperrkonto is not a regular bank account — you still need a separate Girokonto for daily use. N26 is the most popular choice among international students because it requires no income proof and no Anmeldung.
Girocard vs. Mastercard/Visa Debit
This confuses many foreigners. Girocard is Germany's domestic debit card system — it works at almost every German store but doesn't work internationally or online. Mastercard/Visa debit works everywhere internationally and online, but a few older German payment terminals only accept Girocard.
- N26, bunq: Mastercard debit only (no Girocard)
- DKB, ING: Girocard + Visa debit (best of both worlds)
Your Next Financial Steps
Once your bank account is open, here's what to do next:
- Get a credit card — Building credit history in Germany starts with a credit card. Compare free credit cards for foreigners — several options have zero annual fees.
- Check your SCHUFA — Request your free annual Datenkopie at meineschufa.de. Learn how SCHUFA works.
- Need a loan? — You can compare small loan offers from 20+ German banks — even as a foreigner. For larger amounts, check instant loan options for foreigners.
- Set up direct debits — Register Lastschrift for rent, electricity, internet, and insurance to build your financial footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Germany?
Yes. Any foreigner legally present in Germany can open a bank account. EU citizens have full access to all banks. Non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit can open accounts at most banks. Neobanks like N26 and bunq accept applications with just a passport.
Can I open a German bank account without Anmeldung?
Yes. N26, bunq, and Wise all allow account opening without a completed Anmeldung. N26 is the most popular option — you can open an account in 10 minutes using VideoIdent with just your passport and a temporary German address.
Which German bank is best for foreigners?
For new arrivals without Anmeldung: N26 (free, English, no SCHUFA check). For long-term use after Anmeldung: DKB (free with €700/month income, Girocard + Visa debit, free ATM worldwide). For international transfers: Wise (best exchange rates, multi-currency).
Do I need SCHUFA to open a bank account?
No. Neobanks like N26 and bunq do not check SCHUFA at all. Traditional banks do check SCHUFA, but having no history as a newcomer does not automatically disqualify you. Under German law, you have the right to a Basiskonto regardless of SCHUFA status.
How long does it take to open a bank account in Germany?
With neobanks (N26, bunq): as fast as 10 minutes via VideoIdent. Your IBAN is available immediately. With direct banks (DKB, ING): 3-5 business days. With branch banks (Sparkasse): 1-2 weeks including appointment and card delivery.
What documents do I need for a German bank account?
Minimum for neobanks: valid passport and a German address (can be temporary). Full set for traditional banks: passport, Meldebescheinigung (Anmeldung proof), residence permit if non-EU, proof of income, and German tax ID (Steuer-ID).
Can I open a German bank account online from abroad?
Partially. Wise allows full account opening from abroad. N26 allows application from abroad via VideoIdent, but you need a German address for card delivery. Traditional German banks require you to be in Germany for identity verification.
Is a German bank account free?
Yes — several banks offer genuinely free accounts. N26 Standard and C24 Smart have zero monthly fees with no conditions. DKB and ING are free if you deposit at least €700-1,000 per month. Traditional branch banks like Sparkasse charge €3-10 per month.
Key Takeaways
- You can open an account without Anmeldung — N26, bunq, and Wise accept you on day one
- Start with N26, upgrade to DKB/ING — Neobank for speed, direct bank for long-term features
- You have a legal right to a Basiskonto under German law — banks cannot refuse
- No SCHUFA history ≠ bad SCHUFA — Neobanks don't check; traditional banks may still approve
- Get a credit card next — Start building your German credit history early
Ready for your next step? Compare free credit cards in Germany — no annual fee, apply online, and start building your SCHUFA score.