To create an complete list of free German bank accounts, I screened all German banks that are active nationwide. This article consolidates and compares all 17 free German bank accounts without monthy fees. You can find the entire list below. These ones are my favorites at a glance:
Commercial partners
Best Free Bank Accounts in Germany: Our Favorites
Digital Banking
C24 Bank Smart is easy to open, features a user-friendly smartphone app, and sub-accounts.
Student Account
Commerzbank StartKonto includes a legit credit card, and a discount portal.
Interest & Cashback
Trade Republic gives you 3% interest on your funds and 1% cashback when using your Visa card
Internationals
N26 Standard is accessible to most European residents and speaks 5 languages
Comparison of Free Bank Accounts in Germany (“Girokonto”)
In my hollistic list, I want to provide you with all the features, benefits and drawbacks of the available German bank accounts without monthly fees. These are offers dedicated to private use, there are special business accounts for freelancers and self-employed people. The list is in alphabetic order, with our commercial partners on top.
1822direkt
Girokonto Klassik
by Sparkasse
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
€100 sign-up bonus
C24 Bank
Smart
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
comdirect
Girokonto Aktiv
by Commerzbank
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
€150 sign-up bonus
Commerzbank
Girokonto
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
€50 sign-up bonus
Consorsbank
Essential
by BNP Paribas
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
DKB
Girokonto
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
ING
Girokonto
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
N26
Standard
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
Santander
BestGiro + BestCard Basic
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
€75 sign-up bonus
TARGOBANK
Online-Konto + Classic Karte
by Crédit Mutuel
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
Tomorrow Bank
NOW
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
Trade Republic
Account
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
VR-Perfekt
by Volksbank-Raiffeisenbank
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
Wise
Multi Currency Account
Commercial partner
No monthly fee
Hypovereinsbank
Pluskonto
by UniCredit
No monthly fee
(initial 2 years only)
norisbank
Top-Girokonto
by Deutsche Bank
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
Vivid Money
Standard
No monthly fee
(conditions apply)
For Every Purpose: Find the Best Free German Bank Accounts
Once you understand how to open a bank account in Germany, it is about finding the best German bank account for your style of life in Germany. We help you with the most comprehensive English overview for finding a current account (“Girokonto”). The good news: Our comparison shows options without monthly account fees, whoever you are, and whatever you need. There are international student accounts, joint accounts, checking accounts for individuals, online bank accounts, and options with traditional banks. This list compares free bank accounts in Germany regarding complementary debit or credit cards, cash withdrawals, residence or job requirements, English customer support, sign-up bonuses, and more.
The bank accounts mentioned in this article are dedicated to private use, meaning your personal expenses and income as an employee, student, pensioner, or even unemployed person (SCHUFA credit checks may apply). It is indicated in the single account reviews whether an account can also be opened for exclusive personal use if you are a freelancer or self-employed person. However, in this case, you should get an additional business account for any business-related transactions, e.g., customer payments or settlement of supplier invoices. Otherwise, you risk that the bank will close your account because of infringing upon their conditions of use.
What is the Best Online Bank Account in Germany?
Nowadays, online banking is the norm, even with traditional banks. All bank accounts in our list can be easily opened and managed online 24/7. Nevertheless, some digital banks excel with a straightforward account opening process, user-friendly applications, and real-time transactions.
Two famous options are C24 Bank and N26 as native digital banks. Their easy account opening processes are easy. You can check transactions, block cards, or manage the account in real time through the app. While C24 offers sub-accounts without fees, N26 accounts can be even registered from abroad.
Where do I Get a German Student Bank Account?
When you are a local or international student in Germany, you can profit from the perks of a free student bank account. This means no minimum balance requirements, no monthly fees, more perks and discounts. Almost any bank offers a free student account. You can find detailed reviews on our site.
Which Banks in Germany Offer a Joint Account?
Currently, ten banks offer free joint accounts. These banks are 1822direkt, comdirect, Commerzbank, Consorsbank, DKB, HypoVereinsbank, ING, norisbank, Santander and TARGOBANK offer free joint accounts. If you move to Germany as a couple or in a partnership, you might want to choose a bank that can register the shared account under both names. With a joint account, both of you will not only receive online access but also debit and/or German credit cards. Check our detailed reviews above about the different bank features in our overview.
Is there a Free Business Bank Account?
You require a particular business account if you are a freelancer, a self-employed person, or a larger company. Regular bank accounts are only available for private purposes. There are currently five business bank accounts without monthly fees (check list of free German business accounts).
What are Good German Bank Accounts for Foreigners, Expats and Non-residents?
While some banks require a German address, others allow non-residents to benefit from the German banking system. Currently, six banks in Germany offer free accounts and allow you to open them without a German residence permit. Some require an EU residence, while others allow a worldwide residence. These banks are comdirect, Consorsbank, DKB, N26, Vivid Money, and Finom.
Moreover, many banks increasingly offer services, mobile applications, or online banking in English, too. This can be great if you need a German bank but cannot speak German. We have marked these banks in our overview above.
How to Open a Bank Account Online for Free?
If you require a German bank account, the process is straightforward. Our dedicated article here also outlines a detailed description of all steps to open an account:
- You choose your personal best bank account in Germany. Please remember to choose a bank that permits an international residence if you want to open an account outside of Germany.
- You can directly apply for the account online on the bank’s website.
- There is a subsequent identification process, which in most cases includes a video call, personal identification at a post office, or submitting a copy of the ID.
- Afterward, you will receive a German bank account number, access codes for online banking, and banking cards via e-mail or post. Then you are ready to use your bank account.
Conclusion
You can be an expat living in Germany, a non-resident, an international student, a freelancer, or a self-employed employed person. There is no need to pay for a bank account since many free options exist. Modern online banks or more traditional banks like Deutsche Bank offer free or cheap accounts.
Our overview consolidates all the banks we could identify that offer accounts without monthly fees. Some of them have no restrictions, but sometimes there can be certain conditions, like monthly active use. If you want to make a quick choice: We consolidated ideas for digital accounts, expat accounts, joint accounts, business accounts, and student accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where can I get an online bank account in Germany?
-
What is the best German online bank account?
-
Where can I find a free business bank account?
-
Which German banks allow you to open an account as a foreigner or non-resident from abroad?
-
Is there a free blocked account available?
-
Is there a free bank account with money?
