Last Update: 5 April 2021
1. What is Fidor Bank?
Fidor is one of Germany’s online banks relying on a completely digital model. Fidor was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in the Bavarian capital of Munich. It offers free current accounts for active private and business clients. Moreover, digital credit as well as investment products belong the portfolio.
2. Overview: Which Bank Accounts can Customers Choose from?
- Smart Current Account (for private individuals)
- Smart Business Account (for self-employed people and freelancers)
3. Features: What does Fidor Offer?
All accounts come have a German account number (IBAN). Both Fidor accounts (Smart Current Account and Business Account) include the following features:
- Free Virtual Girocard
- Free mobile payments in Germany and within the Eurozone (Apple Pay / Fidor Pay via Android)
- Free online and mobile banking (i.e. transfers, standing orders)
- 3 free monthly cash withdrawals at associated retailers in Germany (i.e. real, REWE, Rossmann, dm; max. €300 per day)
- Free monthly cash deposit up to €100 at associated retailers in Germany
As of 10 transactions per month (i.e. incoming/ outgoing transactions and direct debits, card/ mobile payments, cash withdrawals/ deposits) the accounts are free. Otherwise, a monthly fee of €5 is applicable.
A physical card (Fidor Debit MasterCard) is available for an additional fee of €1 per month. For a monthly fee of €2 you receive a Fidor Debit SmartCard that includes Maestro functionality and 2 free monthly cash withdrawals at ATMs worldwide (additional foreign currency transaction fee of 1.5% outside of Eurozone).
4. Requirements: Who can Open a Bank Account with Fidor?
Job requirements
Anyone can open an account. Self-employed people and freelancers can open the business account that comes with the same conditions as the standard version.
Residence
Accounts can only be opened with a German residence and address.
Creditworthiness
Credit checks are performed when opening the account (i.e. SCHUFA records); however, Fidor is not known for rigid conditions and is therefore well suitable for Germany newbies.
5. Account Opening: What Steps to Follow to get a Fidor Account?
Opening an account is convenient, fast and done completely online. It follows the ordinary opening process for German bank accounts: You will have to fill out the online form with your data and then identify via Post- or Video-Ident.
For any questions, do not hesitate to use the comment function!
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Disclaimer:
The information in this post is non-binding and for informational purposes only. It is not a complete market overview. We do not take responsibility for the accuracy and up-to-dateness of the data. Please re-check the final conditions and prices on the providers’ websites (§18 ZKG).
We do not intend to provide financial advice. All investments involve risks of loss.
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