A Girokonto is a standard German current account — the one your salary is paid into and your rent, deposits, and direct debits come out of. You will be asked for a German IBAN almost everywhere, so opening an account is one of the first practical tasks after you arrive. Most newcomers can open one within a day or two once they have the right documents.
Why you need a Girokonto
Germany still runs heavily on bank transfers and direct debit (Lastschrift) rather than cards. Without a local current account you will struggle to:
- Receive your salary, which employers pay by SEPA transfer to a German IBAN.
- Pay rent and your deposit, and set up the recurring transfers most landlords expect.
- Set up direct debits for utilities, phone, insurance, and gym memberships.
- Receive your monthly allowance from a blocked account if you are a student.
Traditional vs app-based banks
There are two broad options, and many newcomers open an app-based account first for speed, then add a traditional one if they need branch services.
Traditional banks — such as the regional Sparkassen and Volksbanken, and large names like Deutsche Bank or Commerzbank — offer physical branches, in-person advice, and easy cash handling. They often charge a monthly fee and usually expect your Anmeldung and sometimes proof of income before opening an account.
App-based (direct) banks — such as N26, ING, and DKB — open accounts fully online, often in English, sometimes before you have completed your Anmeldung. They tend to have low or no monthly fees but limited or paid cash deposits and no branch support. They suit newcomers who value speed and an English-language app. If you need a euro IBAN before you even arrive, providers like Wise or Revolut give you a SEPA-capable account from abroad, though it may not be a German "DE" IBAN.
If you have been refused a standard account — for example because of a missing address or credit history — you have a legal right to a basic payment account (Basiskonto) under the rules explained by BaFin.
Documents you need
Requirements vary by bank, but you will generally need:
- A valid passport or national ID.
- Your Anmeldung certificate (Meldebestätigung) — required by most traditional banks, sometimes deferrable at app-based banks.
- Your tax ID, or the note that it is on the way — see the tax ID guide.
- Proof of status in some cases: an employment contract, university enrolment, or residence permit.
How to open one, step by step
- Choose the account type that matches your timeline — app-based for speed, traditional for branch services.
- Apply online or in branch, providing the documents above.
- Verify your identity by video call (VideoIdent), in a branch, or at a post office (PostIdent).
- Receive your IBAN, usually immediately or within a couple of days, followed by your debit card and PIN by separate post.
- Set up your essentials — give the IBAN to your employer and landlord, and arrange direct debits.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for the perfect bank. Open a no-fee app-based account quickly so you have an IBAN, then switch or add later if needed.
- Confusing an EC/Girocard with a credit card. Many German debit cards are not accepted everywhere abroad or online — check what the account includes.
- Ignoring SCHUFA. Germany's credit-scoring system affects later products like loans and some contracts; pay bills on time from the start.
- Assuming cash is easy. App-based banks often charge for cash deposits — factor this in if you handle cash regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a German bank account before I have an address?
Some app-based banks let you open an account before completing your Anmeldung, but most traditional banks require the registration certificate first. Opening an app-based account early is the usual workaround.
Do I need a job to open a Girokonto?
Not necessarily. Students, job seekers, and family-reunion arrivals can open accounts, though some banks ask for proof of status or charge a fee where there is no qualifying income.
What is an IBAN and where do I find it?
The IBAN is your account number in international format, starting with "DE" for Germany. You give it to anyone paying you and to anyone you pay by transfer; it appears in your banking app and on your account documents.
A current account ties together your salary, rent, and registration. Build your free personalised German plan to sequence your bank account alongside the other setup tasks so your first payday and first rent payment both land on time.