- Get a remarkably complete bank account for €0: You want a full current account without a monthly fee or minimum incoming-payment requirement, but do not want to settle for a bare-bones banking package.
- Cover almost every payment situation with one bank: You want a Visa Debit for fee-free payments and ATM withdrawals worldwide, a girocard for digital payments in local German stores, and the option of a free real credit card.
- Keep cash and branch services within reach: You bank online but occasionally deposit cash or want the option of speaking to someone in person.
- Manage a bit of banking in English: You are comfortable using some German but prefer to have at least some banking features in an English-language app.
- Already live in Germany: You have a German residential address and are looking for a long-term primary account.
- €250 sign-up bonus: Get rewarded by Santander for opening the account
To give you an honest assessment, we combined current official BestGiro conditions, market research, and customer feedback with our own hands-on Santander experience.
We have personally opened and used Santander accounts, so we know Santander Germany’s onboarding process and MySantander app firsthand. For BestGiro-specific card, cash, and fee conditions, our assessment also reflects the current product documentation and wider market research.
Based on average ratings on Trustpilot and BankingCheck
Based on average ratings on App Store and Google Play Store
Online feedback on Santander is mixed and differs noticeably depending on the platform. MySantander receives relatively strong aggregate app-store ratings, although individual reviewers also criticize its speed and fairly basic feature set.
Provider-level review platforms paint a considerably more negative picture, particularly around customer-service accessibility and slow problem resolution. These complaints relate to Santander generally (oftentimes insurance claims) rather than specifically to BestGiro, so we see them as a relevant caution rather than a reason on their own to dismiss the account.
We have completed Santander's online onboarding ourselves when opening another Santander account and found the core application process relatively straightforward. BestGiro can be opened online or in a Santander branch. However, while joint accounts can just be opened at a branch, promotional offers such as a welcome or opening bonus usually only apply to online openings. The exact process is outlined below.
The optional Santander credit card BestCard Smart is not automatically issued with BestGiro. After your account has been opened, you can request the card separately through MySantander Online Banking, and approval is subject to a creditworthiness check. If you have only recently moved to Germany, you might have to wait some months to build the required credit history for approval.
If you already have a German account, you can use the free digital Santander switching service right after activation. The app automatically logs into your old bank, identifies your recurring payments (like rent, gym, or electricity), and moves them over to your new Santander BestGiro account within minutes.
- Step 1: Online application (10 min) – Start the Santander application here and enter your name, birth date, and e-mail address. You then receive a link to confirm your e-mail address. Afterwards, you are required to provide a mobile phone number (international phone numbers are possible) and verify it entering the code sent via text message.
To finalize the process step, Santander asks you for personal details, such as citizenship, a German residential address, occupation, and tax status. In the background, a SCHUFA check (German credit history and score) is perfomed; even as a new resident or student without regular income, you should not encounter issues to pass the BestGiro prerequisites as long as you do not have any negative credit history (e.g., personal bankruptcy or reported missed instalments).- Step 2: Identity verification (5 min) – Santander supports VideoIdent or PostIdent for identification. You need a valid passport or accepted national ID document. We were able to complete the video call in German, English, French or Italian. Alternatively, you can use PostIdent and perform the identification in person at a Deutsche Post branch.
- Step 3: Delivery (3-5 working days) – After your application and identification have been accepted, new Santander BestGiro customers receive their bank account data, MySantander login credentials, and Visa Debit card by post. Allow a few days before expecting full digital access.
- Step 4: Account set-up (15 mins) – Log into MySantander once your credentials arrive to manage your BestGiro. You can also order additional products through the online banking. The girocard and BestCard Smart can be requested free of charge for BestGiro clients.
Santander changed several important BestGiro conditions in summer 2026 with major improvements regarding foreign-currency, girocard, and withdrawal fees. Our table below already reflects the latest changes, but you may still find older reviews and comparison pages with different conditions.
When checking Santander’s website, you might think that the bank offers specific account models for each target group. However, this is only for marketing purposes, as all product pages lead to the same application form and operate under the same fee structure:
To help you decide if the BestGiro account is truly your best option, here is a quick breakdown of what the other plans have to offer:
Santander BestGiro is particularly strong if you want a broad, travel-friendly full-service banking package without paying a monthly account fee. However, a digital-first account may suit you better if instant onboarding, advanced app features, or a more complete English-language experience matter more, while frequent branch users may prefer a bank with a denser local network.
Unconditionally free account with a cutting-edge German banking app including complementary cash withdrawals, physical and digital banking cards, cashback program, as well as individual and shared sub-accounts. comdirect differentiates itself from other online banks through a full web banking interface and 24/7 phone, chat, and e-mail support.
0.75% interest on the account balance
Cashback program and interest earnings
, free girocard, free debit card
Free card payments worldwide
Free cash withdrawals worldwide
As the name says, "Online-Konto" is foreseen for individuals, who mainly bank remotely but want the security of a branch backup. The accounts includes a free Debit card with complementary cash withdrawals. Backed by French "Crédit Mutuel", TARGOBANK maintains its own branch network in Germany and offers a variety of services in English.
Multi-language app
, free debit card, free credit card
Free cash withdrawals in Germany
Monthly fee:
From €0
Free digital account with global card payments at no fees and complimentary cash withdrawals across Europe. Thanks to a state-of-the-art app available across Europe, featuring 5 languages and investment options, N26 is the ultimate expat favorite.
Multi-language app and customer support
Account opening with a residence outside of Germany
, optional debit card
Free card payments worldwide
Free cash withdrawals in the Eurozone
Commerzbank cleverly combines a girocard and Visa Debit into a single card with unlimited domestic cash withdrawals and deposits. Enjoy the reliability of Germany's second-largest private bank, personal in-branch support, and a fully English app.
Multi-language app and customer support
, free girocard, free debit card, optional credit card
Free cash withdrawals in Germany
Yes—Santander BestGiro is one of the most compelling free all-round accounts for expats who already live in Germany, particularly if you also travel internationally.
The package covers an unusually broad range of needs without a monthly account fee:
The main trade-off is the digital experience. Account activation is slower than at the best neobanks, much of Santander’s wider service remains German, and MySantander is functional rather than particularly innovative.
BestGiro therefore makes the most sense if you want one comprehensive primary account for everyday life in Germany and travel abroad without the usual monthly banking fee. In case you have not yet moved to Germany, require fully English-speaking support or prioritize cutting-edge app features above cards, cash and traditional banking services, another account is likely to suit you better.
If you are still hesitating whether Santander BestGiro is the right choice for you, check our alternatives above.
Disclaimer: This blog and providing support are our passion and hobby. However, we do not intend to provide financial advice. All investments involve risks of loss. This post is non-binding, for informational purposes only, and does not represent a complete market overview. We do not take responsibility for the accuracy and up-to-dateness of the data (§18 ZKG).
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