A German bank account (Girokonto) is essential for daily life: paying rent, receiving salary, setting up direct debits. The good news β the best accounts are completely free. This guide compares the top free accounts for expats in 2026.
π‘ Did you know? Many traditional German banks still charge β¬5ββ¬12/month for basic current accounts. You can get identical or better services for β¬0/month from online banks.
Top Free Accounts in 2026
DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank) Test Winner
Online Bank Β· Telekom Group
- Free account with free Visa card
- Free cash withdrawals worldwide (with active use)
- English customer support available
- 0.00% monthly fee
- Full German IBAN
Best overall for expats who travel frequently or need worldwide ATM access.
ING Germany
Online Bank Β· Dutch parent company
- Free Girokonto with no conditions
- Free Mastercard debit card
- Excellent mobile app (German/English)
- Automatic savings integration
- Free cash at 9,000+ Rewe/Penny locations
Best for people who shop at supermarkets β free cash withdrawals at checkout.
N26 Expat Favorite
Digital Bank Β· Fully English-first
- App entirely in English
- Open with just a passport β no Schufa required
- Instant account opening (10 min)
- Real-time push notifications
- Free basic account (fees for premium features)
Best for new arrivals β open instantly with just a passport, fully English interface.
Commerzbank
Traditional Bank Β· Extensive branch network
- Free with monthly incoming transfer of β¬700+
- Over 1,000 branches across Germany
- Free Visa card
- Useful for those who prefer in-person banking
Best if you want a physical bank branch and receive a regular salary.
Quick Comparison
| Bank | Monthly Fee | Card Type | English App | Open Without Schufa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKB | β¬0 | Visa | Partial | Yes |
| ING | β¬0 | Mastercard | Partial | Yes |
| N26 | β¬0 | Mastercard | β Full | Yes |
| Commerzbank | β¬0* | Visa | No | Soft check |
*Free with monthly incoming transfer of β₯β¬700
How to Open an Account as an Expat
- Choose a bank β N26 or DKB are easiest for newcomers
- Apply online β takes 10β20 minutes
- Verify identity β via VideoIdent (passport + selfie video call) or PostIdent at the post office
- Receive card β usually within 5β7 business days by post
- Register your account β for salary, direct debits, rent payments
π¬ Important: Your account number (IBAN) starts with DE followed by 20 digits. You'll need this for registering your address (Anmeldung), signing rental contracts, and setting up employer payroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a German bank account as a foreigner?
Yes. EU citizens can open accounts with just their ID. Non-EU citizens typically need a passport, residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), and proof of German address. Online banks like N26 are generally easiest for newcomers.
Do I need a Schufa check to open a bank account?
Most banks do a soft Schufa check. However, new arrivals with no Schufa history can still open accounts at N26, ING, or DKB. A negative Schufa may prevent account opening at some traditional banks.
How long does it take to open a German bank account?
Online banks like N26 can be opened in 10β15 minutes with VideoIdent verification. Your IBAN is available immediately; the physical card arrives in 5β7 business days.
What is a SEPA direct debit (Lastschrift)?
A SEPA Lastschrift is an automatic payment authorization, similar to a direct debit. Landlords, utilities, and subscription services use this. You can revoke it at any time. It's the most common payment method in Germany after debit cards.