Current account comparison 2026

Current Account Comparison in Germany 2026

Fee-free options, English customer support and statutory deposit protection — a clear overview for expats and newcomers opening their first German account.

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In short

The cheapest current accounts in Germany are usually offered by direct banks such as N26, DKB, ING and Comdirect, which combine no monthly fee with an English app and online opening. Branch banks cost more but add in-person service. Whichever you choose, your deposits are protected up to 100,000 euro per bank under German law, and you can open most accounts online in about 10 to 15 minutes with a passport and your registration confirmation.

The key points at a glance

  • •Direct banks (N26, DKB, ING, Comdirect) are the usual first choice for English speakers and tend to have no monthly fee.
  • •Deposits are protected up to 100,000 euro per customer per bank under the German Deposit Guarantee Act.
  • •Compare the total annual cost — monthly fee, ATM charges abroad, card fees — not just the headline price.
  • •You have a legal right to a basic account (Basiskonto) even with no income or a weak Schufa record.
  • •Switching banks is supported by a statutory account-switching service that moves your standing orders.

What to look for in a German current account

A German current account (Girokonto) is the centre of everyday money management: your salary lands here, your rent and bills leave from here, and your debit card draws on it. The right account depends less on marketing and more on a handful of practical details. The Verbraucherzentrale recommends comparing the full annual cost rather than a single advertised figure.

Monthly fee and conditions

Some accounts are free outright; others waive the fee only above a minimum monthly deposit. Check which applies to your salary.

Cash access

Look at how many free ATM withdrawals you get in Germany and the euro area, and what cash machines abroad cost.

English support

Confirm whether the app, online banking and customer service are available in English, not only the marketing site.

Card type

Most accounts include a debit card. A Girocard (formerly EC card) is widely accepted in Germany; a Visa or Mastercard debit works better online and abroad.

Overdraft cost

An arranged overdraft (Dispositionskredit) is convenient but expensive, often well into double-digit interest. Treat it as short-term only.

Deposit protection

Verify the bank is covered by the statutory guarantee scheme so your balance is protected up to 100,000 euro.

Types of bank in Germany

Direct banks

N26, DKB, ING, Comdirect

  • No monthly fee on many accounts
  • App-first, often English support
  • No branches for in-person help

Branch banks

Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Postbank

  • In-person advice and branches
  • Monthly fee more common
  • English support mostly in cities

Sparkassen & cooperatives

Sparkasse, Volksbank, Raiffeisenbank

  • Dense ATM and branch network
  • Regional, personal service
  • Conditions vary by local institution

Tip for newcomers

If you have just arrived, a direct bank is usually the smoothest start: you can apply online, verify by video and bank in English. You only need a passport or EU ID card and, for most banks, your registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung). You can always add a branch-bank relationship later if you want in-person service.

How to open a German bank account

1

Compare accounts

Use the comparison tool below to match fees, card type and support language to your situation.

2

Apply online

Complete the application with your personal details. It usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

3

Verify your identity

Confirm who you are via VideoIdent (a short video call) or PostIdent at a post office.

Documents you usually need

  • Valid passport or EU ID card
  • Registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung)
  • German tax ID (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer)
  • Proof of income for some accounts
  • Residence permit for non-EU citizens
  • Student certificate for student accounts

Even without income or a fixed address, you have a legal right to a basic account (Basiskonto) under the Payment Accounts Act (Zahlungskontengesetz).

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Find and compare current accounts side by side — fees, features and conditions at a glance.

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Current account FAQ

Can I open a German bank account as a foreigner?

Yes. Anyone legally resident in Germany can open a current account. You typically need a valid passport or EU ID card, your registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung) and, for some banks, proof of income. Under the German Payment Accounts Act (Zahlungskontengesetz), banks must even offer a basic account (Basiskonto) to consumers who lack a standard account, including asylum seekers and people without a fixed address.

Which banks offer English-language customer service?

Direct banks such as N26, Comdirect, DKB and ING are the most common choices for English speakers, with an English app and online banking. Branch-based banks usually serve customers in German, with English help mainly in larger cities. Check the bank website before applying, because the support language can differ from the app language.

How much does a current account cost in Germany?

Many direct banks offer current accounts with no monthly maintenance fee, sometimes tied to a minimum monthly deposit. Branch banks more often charge a monthly fee. Watch separate charges for cash withdrawals abroad, paper statements and currency conversion. The Verbraucherzentrale notes that comparing the total cost over a year matters more than the headline monthly fee.

Is my money protected in a German bank account?

Yes. Deposits at banks covered by the statutory German deposit guarantee scheme are protected up to 100,000 euro per customer per bank, as set out in the Deposit Guarantee Act (Einlagensicherungsgesetz) supervised by BaFin. Many banks belong to additional voluntary schemes on top of the legal minimum.

How long does it take to open an account?

An online application usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Identity is verified by VideoIdent (a short video call) or PostIdent (at a post office). Approval often takes a few business days, and the debit card and PIN typically arrive by post within one to two weeks.

What is the difference between a Girokonto and a Tagesgeldkonto?

A Girokonto (current account) is for everyday banking: receiving salary, paying bills and card spending. A Tagesgeldkonto is an instant-access savings account used to set money aside and earn interest, and it cannot be used for direct debits or card payments. Most people in Germany hold both.

Can I switch banks without losing my standing orders?

Yes. Under the Payment Accounts Act, your old and new bank must support an account-switching service (Kontowechselservice) that transfers standing orders and direct debit details, usually within a defined period. Keep the old account open for two to three months so no payments are missed during the transition.

Do I need a Schufa record to open an account?

Most standard current accounts involve a Schufa credit check, and a weak score can lead to a rejection of features like an overdraft. However, the legally guaranteed basic account (Basiskonto) must be offered regardless of your Schufa record, so a poor credit history does not leave you without any account at all.

Sources

Last updated: 21 June 2026 · By checkeverything.de Redaktion