Best Free Bank Accounts in Germany for Expats: 2026 Comparison

1822direkt is the direct bank brand of Frankfurter Sparkasse and part of the Sparkassen‑Finanzgruppe. Founded in 1996 as an online banking arm, 1822direkt offers retail banking products under a digital-first model while relying on Frankfurter Sparkasse for its banking licence and infrastructure.

The product range focuses on everyday banking and savings: current accounts, a flexible savings account, fixed-term deposits, investment products, and consumer lending. As an online channel within the public Sparkasse network, 1822direkt combines digital ease of use with the reputation and regional backing of Germany’s savings bank group – Germany’s leading banking group in terms of customers.

Founded in 2012, bunq is a Netherlands-based neo-bank operating throughout the EU. It considers itself a pioneer in sustainable banking, allowing customers to choose where and how their money is invested.

In addition to standard day-to-day banking and payments, bunq offers savings features - including dedicated savings accounts that let users set aside money, earn interest, and manage funds directly through the bunq mobile app. Its platform is designed for people who prefer fully digital banking without traditional branch networks.

Founded in 2012, bunq is a Netherlands-based neo-bank operating throughout the EU. It considers itself a pioneer in sustainable banking, allowing customers to choose where and how their money is invested.

In addition to standard day-to-day banking and payments, bunq offers savings features - including dedicated savings accounts that let users set aside money, earn interest, and manage funds directly through the bunq mobile app. Its platform is designed for people who prefer fully digital banking without traditional branch networks.

C24 Bank is a German digital bank and a subsidiary of the CHECK24 group, known in Germany for its online price comparisons. It is an online bank with more than 100,000 customers in Germany.

Launched to complement CHECK24’s financial ecosystem, C24 Bank offers modern retail banking services, including current accounts, savings products, and interest-bearing accounts. The bank positions itself as a mobile-first provider with a strong focus on transparency, competitive conditions, and seamless digital integration. By combining classic banking functions with data-driven features and real-time insights, C24 Bank targets customers who prefer app-based banking with intuitive financial management tools.

C24 Bank is constantly working to reduce its carbon footprint. The remaining emissions are offset at 110% through a certified international climate protection project and regional reforestation efforts in Germany, making all C24 Bank checking accounts carbon-neutral.

comdirect started in 1994 as a direct bank under Commerzbank’s initiative and only became an integral part of Commerzbank Group – Germany’s second-largest private bank - after a full takeover in 2020. Initially positioned as a low-cost, online brokerage and current account provider, comdirect offers current accounts, savings and deposit products, broker services, and digital banking tools. Since integration into Commerzbank the comdirect brand continues to operate as a digital retail channel within the wider Commerzbank group.

comdirect started in 1994 as a direct bank under Commerzbank’s initiative and only became an integral part of Commerzbank Group – Germany’s second-largest private bank - after a full takeover in 2020. Initially positioned as a low-cost, online brokerage and current account provider, comdirect offers current accounts, savings and deposit products, broker services, and digital banking tools. Since integration into Commerzbank the comdirect brand continues to operate as a digital retail channel within the wider Commerzbank group.

Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Commerzbank is one of Germany’s most established banks and the second-largest private financial institution. It is a retail bank with branches nationwide and international representations.

Commerzbank offers a full range of retail and corporate financial services, including current accounts, savings and investment products, loans, mortgages, and wealth management solutions. Commerzbank serves millions of private and business customers through its online channels, branches, and digital services.

Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Commerzbank is one of Germany’s most established banks and the second-largest private financial institution. It is a retail bank with branches nationwide and international representations.

Commerzbank offers a full range of retail and corporate financial services, including current accounts, savings and investment products, loans, mortgages, and wealth management solutions. Commerzbank serves millions of private and business customers through its online channels, branches, and digital services.

Consorsbank is the retail banking and broker brand owned by France’s leading bank, BNP Paribas, in Germany. Tracing roots to the 1990s as a direct bank, Consorsbank offers banking and investing products, including current accounts, savings products, a Tagesgeld account, and securities services. As part of BNP Paribas, Consorsbank combines local German services with the backing of a large international banking group.