DKB is one of the most established German online banks, with approximately 4.5 million clients. It is a Germany-wide operating subsidiary of Bavaria’s state bank. Founded in 1990, DKB (“Deutsche Kreditbank”) emerged from East Germany’s state bank and is therefore headquartered in Berlin.
It offers one of the most popular and best German current accounts, which customers can also open as a joint account or student account. The accounts include a free Visa Card Debit and come without monthly fees. Therefore, they have also gained popularity among expats and English speakers in Germany. Moreover, DKB offers products like credit cards, investment accounts, and loans.
DKB Bank Accounts: Types and Fees for Private Use
Different account types exist for individuals (“DKB Girokonto”), partners (DKB joint account “Gemeinschaftskonto”), students (DKB student account “Studierendenkonto”), and children (“Kinderkonto”). All DKB accounts feature a German bank account number (IBAN).
There are no monthly fees for account holders below 28 years of age or with an “active customer status“. All accounts include similar perks.
- Free DKB Visa Debit Card with contactless and mobile payment
- Optional Girocard or DKB Credit Card for a monthly fee
- Free card payments in Germany and abroad
- Unlimited free international cash withdrawals at ATMs (minimum withdrawal amount of €50) and associated retailers (between €50 and €300 at REWE, Rossmann, Penny, Real, dm, etc.)
- Free card payments and ATM withdrawals in foreign currencies for active customers or with credit card (for “inactive customers,” Visa Debit Card transactions in other currencies are subject to a fee of 2.2%)
- Free online and mobile banking with unlimited transactions
-
| Active customers | Inactive customers (below 28 years) | Inactive customers (28 years or older) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Visa Debit Card (incl. Apple / Google Pay) | |||
| Free Visa Credit Card (incl. Apple / Google Pay) | 2.49 Euros/month | 2.49 Euros/month | 2.49 Euros/month |
| Free Girocard | 0.99 Euros/month | 0.99 Euros/month | 0.99 Euros/month |
| Free online / mobile banking | |||
| Free ATM withdrawals (at least €50) | |||
| No fees for payments / withdrawals outside of Eurozone (Visa Debit) | 2.2% | 2.2% |
|
| Reduced overdraft fees | |||
| Free emergency card and cash (Visa Debit) | (Emergency card: €180, emergency cash: €150) | (Emergency card: €180, emergency cash: €150) |
|
| Monthly fee | €0.00 | €0.00 | €4.50 |
| Check details | Check details | Check details |
Active Customer Status
All new customers are automatically granted the “active customer” status for the first three months after their account opening. To maintain this status, your account shall record incoming transactions of at least 700 Euros per month (e.g., salary, pensions, transfers from other accounts). Once incoming transactions are inferior to 700 Euros, it takes three consecutive months of sufficient incoming funds to re-obtain the active customer status. The active customer status comes with certain perks:
- No monthly account fees, also including account holders of 28 years or older; otherwise, a fee of 4.50 Euros will be charged during the consecutive month after becoming an inactive customer
- No foreign currency fees when using the Visa Debit Card for ATM withdrawals or payments outside the Eurozone
- Free emergency card and cash delivered directly by courier if the Visa Debit Card is lost or stolen while traveling abroad.
- Reduced overdraft fees
DKB Current Account for Individuals “Girokonto”
The “DKB Girokonto” is the current account for individuals: There are no monthly fees for account holders younger than 28 or with active customer status. The account includes a free DKB Visa Debit card. A credit card or Girocard can be purchased for a monthly fee.
DKB Joint Account “Gemeinschaftskonto”
The DKB joint account comes with the same perks and conditions as the DKB account for individuals. The account is registered under two names, and both have complete access. The DKB joint account includes free bank cards (Visa Debit) for both account holders.
DKB Student Account “Studierendenkonto”
The DKB student account is similar to the normal Girokonto. It is free for students younger than 28 years or with active customer status. DKB Student Account holders also receive a free International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and related discounts for one year.
DKB Children Account “Kinderkonto”
The DKB account for minors (“Girokonto u18”) comes without monthly fees. It includes digital features for parents to manage their children’s account access and spending. To open a DKB Children account, at least one parent requires a personal DKB account or DKB joint account.
DKB Bank logo
DKB Visa Debit card
DKB Visa Credit card
DKB Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Free DKB Visa Debit Card
The DKB current account includes the Free Visa Debit Card with a contactless option. It also supports mobile payments with Apple Pay and Google Pay. Free cash withdrawals at all ATMs and stores accepting Visa are possible with a minimum withdrawal of 50 Euros. Active customers are exempt from fees when using the card outside the Eurozone or requiring an emergency card or cash after card loss or theft abroad.
DKB Girocard
The DKB Girocard includes a contactless option and can be purchased for a monthly fee of 0.99 Euros. It is mainly helpful when paying in stores in Germany that do not accept Visa but only Girocard or for depositing cash at a DKB ATM.
DKB Credit Card
The DKB Visa Credit Card includes a contactless option and is entirely suitable for, i.e., store payments and online shopping. Usually, hotels or rental car companies ask for a credit card. They do not accept debit cards as blocking amounts, as a security guarantee is not possible. The DKB Credit Card supports mobile payment (Apple Pay / Google Pay). Independent from the “active customer status,” there are no fees for using the card outside the Eurozone or asking for an emergency card or cash while traveling. The DKB Credit Card can be purchased for 2.49 Euros per month.
In case you apply for a credit card, the outcome of an initial credit check defines your Visa card limit. This limit will be granted as a free credit to spend. Once a month, the amount will be settled with an automatic transaction from your current account. Suppose you need a higher limit on your Visa card (e.g., for larger purchases, traveling, rental car guarantees). In that case, you may transfer funds from your current to your Visa credit card account or contact DKB to review the limit.
DKB Customer Service: English Support and Online Banking Experience
DKB English support
Unfortunately, customer service (24/7 landline phone number) and the entire interface (web and mobile) are exclusively provided in German. This should be sufficient if you have basic German skills, as the interfaces are user-friendly and self-explanatory.
If you require some initial support, we recommend using the automatic translation function of your web browser. You may also want to adjust the settings of the videos below and let YouTube show automatically edited subtitles in English or your language of preference.
Online Banking and Mobile App
DKB provides an advanced infrastructure for internet and mobile banking. The online banking interface in your web browser includes all functions to manage your account entirely. Furthermore, there is a state-of-the-art mobile app, “DKB-Banking-App,” which includes, amongst others, the following valuable features:
- Bank transfers
- (Temporary) locking of bank cards
- Cash withdrawals in shops
- Mobile payment (Apple / Google Pay)
- Push notifications in real-time to control card usage
- Review of balances and limits (i.e., overdraft, credit card)
-
Changing the overdraft limit
What is the DKB Visa Debit Card
Further DKB Services: Savings, Investments, Credits
If you want to merge all your financial activities at one bank, DKB is an excellent option. In its portfolio, there are
- Savings accounts and fixed-term deposits
- Investment accounts (“DKB Broker” comes without monthly fees, reasonable transaction costs, and a range of ETF saving plans)
- Offers for credits and mortgages
DKB Account Opening: How does it Work?
What Steps to Follow to Open a DKB Bank Account?
Opening an account is convenient, fast and done completely online. It follows the ordinary account opening process that we have described here: 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!
Requirements: Opening a DKB Bank Account as a Foreigner in Germany
Job Requirements
The DKB current accounts (“Girokonto”) are available to private individuals. Freelancers and self-employed people can also apply for the standard account if they use it for private purposes only.
Moreover, there is also a dedicated business account with not only a credit card included but also different overall conditions (15 Euros monthly fee). It is available to freelancers and self-employed people.
Residence
Accounts can be opened with all countries of residence (except certain sanctioned countries like Iran or North Korea) if you have German citizenship. People with other nationalities require an official residence in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. In any case, you can keep your account and continue using DKB’s services when moving abroad later.
Creditworthiness
DKB was known for issuing a full-fledged credit card and performing intensive credit checks (Schufa). In November 2021, DKB changed its model and now issues debit cards as part of its standard accounts. This has also increased chances for newbies in Germany without intensive credit history. Hence, it is worthwhile to apply for opening a DKB account. If rejected, you may choose another bank account from our comparison table and reapply later.
Conclusion: Is DKB a Good Bank?
DKB is a well-established bank with serious backing from Bavaria’s state bank. It has been one of the frontrunners of German online banks. In recent years, the competition has become more intense with the rise of neobanks like N26. The latter offers fancier digital apps and multi-language support. However, DKB maintains an edge due to its reputation and extensive service portfolio of banking solutions. Hence, DKB might be an excellent choice for customers who prefer to deal with a single bank:
- The DKB Current Account has all the basics: A free Visa Debit Card, mobile payment, and unlimited ATM withdrawals worldwide. There are no monthly fees, except if you are over 28 and do not have incoming transactions of 700 Euros monthly.
- The DKB Joint Account grants both account owners equal legal rights, full access, and debit cards for everyone.
- There is also an option to get a DKB Credit Card with deferred payment, which can serve as a guarantee for hotel or rental car bookings. Alternatively, you can connect your DKB account with your favorite credit card from another bank.
- You must get a dedicated account for business-related transactions as a freelancer or self-employed person. The cost is 15 Euros per month, so cheaper business accounts with other online banks exist.
- DKB also offers savings accounts, broker accounts, credits, and loans.
