Language and application

DKB is probably the most established online bank in Germany. It is backed by the state bank of Bavaria and offers one of the most popular and best German current accounts. The account comes without any monthly fees. Unfortunately, customer service and the entire interface (web and online) are exclusively provided in German language. Credit checks are quite rigid so that you may be rejected in case you do not have any credit history, yet. In that case you may chose another account and apply again after spending some months in the country. As a non-resident, you can also use a foreign address to open the current account if you have the German citizenship. Citizens of other countries require an official address in either Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

Service and usage

DKB is a pure online bank. Accounts can be managed online as well as via the smartphone application. If opened as a couple account, both account owners receive free credit and debit cards.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a Visa credit card that may be used for store payments, online shopping, hotel or rental car bookings. There is also a free Girocard with VPay or Maestro functionality that can be used in case credit card payments are not accepted. Additionally, DKB supports Apple as well as Google Pay.

Cash withdrawals

Within the Eurozone, DKB allows free cash withdrawals at ATMs using the free Visa credit card (€50 minimum withdrawal amount) and retailers (between €50 and €300 at associated partners). At these retailers you can also conduct deposits of up to €999,99 per day (1.5% transaction fee). For free and for higher amounts, you may use one of their cash deposit machines (about 20 machines in Germany, i.e. Berlin, Munich, Leipzig, Dresden). Furthermore, users enjoy free cash withdrawals worldwide. During the first year and afterwards also “active customers” (receiving funds of at least €700 per month on their account) are not subject to any low foreign currency transaction fee for withdrawals or card payments. For other account owners, non-Euro transactions are subject to a fee of 1.75% of the turnover.

More details: Read our detailed DKB review

Click on link to find out further details about account types, online/ mobile banking applications, opening process, etc.

Language and application

HypoVereinsbank (HVB) is the German subsidiary of UniCredit, Italy’s largest bank. As the bank is registered in Germany, accounts have a German IBAN (bank account number) and all savings are protected under the German (not Italian) deposit guarantee fund. The website and customer service exclusively work in German language. The smartphone application is also available in English and Italian. You may only use a German address to open an account. Final personal identification may be performed with your ID (depending on nationality) or passport by webcam, or physically at a post office/ HVB bank branch.

Service and usage

HypoVereinsbank is a retail bank that offers the advantage of approximately 350 physical branches and a large range of services. The English skills of the individual clerk may vary. Accounts can also be managed online as well as via the smartphone application. If opened as a couple account, both account owners receive free Girocards.

Cards and payment

The account comes with free debit cards (Girocard) for all account owners offering VPay functionality for store payments and cash withdrawals. Additionally, there is a full-fledged credit card (MasterCard) that may be used for store payments, online shopping, hotel or rental car bookings. Only one free credit card is issued, if you want a second one (e.g. for another account holder) it can be obtained against a yearly fee. After account opening, free Visa Debit cards will be issued on request.

Cash withdrawals

Within Germany, HypoVereinsbank allows unlimited free cash withdrawals at Cashgroup ATMs (i.e. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Postbank, HypoVereinsbank). Cash withdrawals at other ATMs come at cost. Within Europe, free cash withdrawals are possible in 13 countries with UniCredit ATMs (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, Croatia, Austria, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Hungary).

Language and application

Commerzbank is one of the most established banks in Germany. It is a full retail bank with branches all over the country and one of the few ones that features free bank accounts. The online banking and smartphone app are available in English, too. Unfortunately, the account opening site is only featured in German. However, in order to receive the sign-up bonus, we recommend you to only open the account online using the German site. You may only use a German address to open the account.

Service and usage

As a retail bank, Commerzbank offers a large variety of branches and services. The English skills of the individual clerk may vary. Accounts can also be managed online as well as via the smartphone application. If opened as a couple account, both account owners receive free debit cards.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a free debit card (Girocard) with Maestro functionality that can be used for store payments and cash withdrawals. With Commerzbank you first open the account in order to receive a welcome letter and the Girocard. In the mobile App you can activate a virtual MasterCard Debit that supports Google and Apple Pay. In case you also want a haptic credit card, you can apply with a clerk at a branch afterwards (yearly fee of €39.90). It is a full credit card (MasterCard) that may be used for store payments, online shopping, hotel or rental car bookings.

Cash withdrawals

Within Germany, Commerzbank allows unlimited free cash withdrawals at Cashgroup ATMs (i.e. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Postbank, HypoVereinsbank). Cash withdrawals at other ATMs and abroad come at cost.

More details: Read our detailed Commerzbank review

Click on link to find out further details about account types, online/ mobile banking applications, opening process, etc.

Language and application

N26 is probably the first option and best bank account for Germany newbies. The account comes without any monthly fees. It offers the most comprehensive multi-language interface and support (German, English, French, Spanish, Italian) and does not conduct rigid credit checks. Accounts can be easily opened online from Germany and abroad.

Service and usage

The smartphone application is probably the most advanced one on the market. It allows you to do transfers, follow transactions or block the card. Users receive automatic push notifications after incoming payments and anytime when their card is used. The balance is updated in real-time. The free accont by N26 includes 2 “spaces”, which can be used as sub-accounts for savings or special expenditures.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a debit MasterCard that is suitable for store payments or online shopping. However, it may not always be accepted as a guarantee for hotel bookings or car rentals. Unfortunately, N26 does not offer real credit cards. There is also a free Maestro card, which however does not provide Girocard functionality. On the other hand, N26 supports Apple as well as Google Pay.

Cash withdrawals

Within Germany, the account allows free cash withdrawals at ATMs (3-5 times per month) and retailers (unlimited at associated partners). At these retailers you can also conduct free deposits of up to €100 per month. Furthermore, users enjoy free cash withdrawals worldwide (a foreign currency transaction fee of 1.7% is applicable for non-Euro withdrawals and payments).

Language and application

Comdirect is one of Germany’s most popular online banks. It is a subsidiary of retail bank Commerzbank. The website and customer service exclusively work in German language. The smartphone application is partly available in English.
You may use a foreign address to open the account, too. However, online identification is only available with an ID/ passport from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein or Luxemburg. With other passports and the necessary documents from the website you can also visit a notary abroad to get identified. Alternatively, you may identify at a post office (“PostIdent”)when you are Germany.

Service and usage

Comdirect is an online bank with remote service only. However, it is one of the best banks in terms of customer satisfaction as some services (e.g. cash deposits with the clerk/ machines, card pin change at self-service terminals) are available at physical Commerzbank branches. If opened as a couple account, both account owners receive free debit (Girocard) and credit cards (Visa).

Cards and payment

Comdirect issues a free Girocard with VPay functionality that can be used for domestic and Eurozone cash withdrawals as well as store payments. Additionally, the account comes with a free Visa credit card that may be used for store payments, online shopping, hotel or rental car bookings. In case of insufficient credit ratings, Comdirect may issue a VISA prepaid card. The VISA card can be connected with Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Cash withdrawals

Within Germany, Comdirect allows unlimited free domestic cash withdrawals at Cashgroup ATMs (i.e. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Postbank, HypoVereinsbank) and all ATMs in other Eurozone countries when using the Girocard. Free cash withdrawals in non-Euro countries are free using the Visa card (foreign currency transaction fee of 1.75% is applicable).

Language and application

Tomorrow Bank offers a free bank account without any  conditions. It is a great option for people just arriving in the country. An official residence is not necessarily required as accounts can be opened from a wide range of EU countries. Tomorrow Bank is innovative, digital, a certified B Corp for sustainability and international. Website, mobile app and customer service support German and English.

Service and usage

Tomorrow has a state-of-the art mobile app, which enables you to do transfers, follow transactions or block the card. You can receive automatic push notifications after incoming payments and anytime when their card is used. The balance is updated in real-time. The free account account comes with 2 sub-accounts (“pockets”) to save or categorize funds.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a debit Visa vard that is suitable for store payments or online shopping. However, it may not always be accepted as a guarantee for hotel bookings or car rentals. Tomorrow does not offer real credit cards but supports Apple as well as Google Pay.

Cash withdrawals

The free account allows 3 free cash withdrawals worldwide (a foreign currency transaction fee of 1.5% is applicable for non-Euro withdrawals; there is no fee for card payments in foreign currencies).

Language and application

The Vivid Money Standard account comes without any monthly fee is a great option for expats and foreigners newly arriving to Germany. As one of the new challenger banks its interface and customer sevice are not only available in German but also English and French. Accounts can be easily opened online from all over Europe.

Service and usage

As a digital bank, the mobile application is the backbone of Vivid Money’s service promise. It allows you to do transfers, follow transactions or block the card. Users receive automatic push notifications after incoming payments and anytime when their card is used. The balance is updated in real-time and expenditures can be easily categorized. Every account comes with 15 sub-accounts (“pockets”) that have an own bank account number (“IBAN”) and can be connected to your card before any transactions. Pockets can also be shared with other Vivid member, e.g. to set up a household account.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a debit MasterCard that is suitable for store payments or online shopping. Unfortunately, debit cards may not always be accepted as a guarantee for hotel bookings or car rentals. Vivid money does not offer real credit cards or Girocards. However, the card offers other perks: it is an eye-catcher made out of metal and does not contain any personal or bank details. As a mobile-friendly bank, Vivid Money supports Apple as well as Google Pay. There is no fees for payments in 40 foreign currencies. Balances in other currencies can also be stored in your “pockets”.

Cash withdrawals

The account allows free cash withdrawals at all ATMs worldwide with a maximum total monthly withdrawal amount of €200. If you exceed the monthly withdrawal amount or perform withdrawals of less than €50 fees of 3% (min. €1) are applicable.

Language and application

norisbank is the direct banking branch of Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest private retail bank. Accounts at norisbank can be opened with a German residence only. Moreover, the website, smartphone application and customer service are exclusively provided in German language.

Service and usage

Being an online bank, service is only provided remotely (phone and online). Some services (e.g. cash deposits) are available at self-service machines at Deutsche Bank branches. Deutsche Bank offers one of the most dense and best bank networks in Germany. Accounts cannot be opened as a freelancer or self-employed person.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a free Girocard (Maestro/ VPay) that is suitable for cash withdrawals and store payments. A MasterCard credit that is fully accepted for online shopping, hotel bookings or car rentals is free of charge – regular monthly income is required as a proof of solvency. Couple accounts are available with both owners receiving free Girocards (and MasterCards if above mentioned conditions regarding incoming payments are fulfilled). norisbank supports mobile payments with Apple Pay.

Cash withdrawals

Within Germany, the account allows unlimited free cash withdrawals by Girocard at CashGroup ATMs (i.e. Deutsche Bank, Postbank, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank) and associated retailers. Furthermore, users enjoy free cash withdrawals worldwide when using their MasterCard (a foreign currency transaction fee of 1.75% is applicable for non-Euro withdrawals/ payments).

More details: Read our detailed norisbank review

Click on link to find out further details about account types, online/ mobile banking applications, opening process, etc.

Language and application

The o2 banking service is provided in collaboration with comdirect. comdirect is one of Germany’s most popular online banks. It is a subsidiary of retail bank Commerzbank. The website and customer service and the smartphone application o2 Money exclusively work in German language.
You may use a foreign address to open the account, too. However, online identification is only available with a German ID/ passport. With an EU passport and the necessary documents from the website you can also visit a notary abroad to get identified. Alternatively, you may identify at a post office in Germany.

Service and usage

comdirect is an online bank with remote service only. However, it is one of the best banks in terms of customer satisfaction as some services (e.g. cash deposits, self-service terminals) are available at physical Commerzbank branches. If opened as a couple account, both account owners receive free debit (Visa, Girocard) and – if requested – credit cards (Visa). Customers with o2 contract (mobile, internet) receive 2% interest on their funds when fulfilling conditions of 1 incoming transfer per month from any account on other person’s name (e.g. employer) and €500 spending per month (excl. ATM withdrawals, transfers to accounts on own name). Please see detailed conditions for o2 bonus interest on the bank’s website.

Cards and payment

o2 banking issues a free Girocard with VPay functionality that can be used for store payments and unlimited domestic cash withdrawals. Additionally, the account comes with a free Visa debit card and – on request – Visa credit card that may be used for store payments, online shopping, hotel or rental car bookings. The Visa card can be connected with Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Cash withdrawals

Within Germany, comdirect allows unlimited free domestic cash withdrawals (minimum withdrawal amount of €50) at Cashgroup ATMs (i.e. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Postbank, HypoVereinsbank). Using the VISA card customers have 3 free monthly withdrawals worldwide (foreign currency transaction fee of 1.75% is applicable for non-Euro transactions).

Language and application

Accounts at Fidor can be opened with a German residence only. Moreover, the website, smartphone application and customer service only come in German language.

Service and usage

Fidor is one of the most innovative and best online banks. Its smartphone app can be considered one of the most advanced on the market. It shows real-time transactions and lets you block or unblock your card instantly via phone. Service is only provided remotely by phone and online. Accounts for freelancers and self-employed people are subject to special conditions (e.g. a yearly fee for the MasterCard of €24.95 is applicable).

Cards and payment

The account comes with a free MasterCard debit (called Smart Card) that is suitable for cash withdrawals, store payments and online shopping. Fidor does not provide full credit cards that are often required for hotel bookings or car rentals. Couple accounts or partner cards are not available. Fidor supports Apple Pay. On Android devices there is no Google Pay. However, contactless payments can be done using the Fidor Pay function of the Fidor smartphone App.

Cash withdrawals

The account allows 2 free monthly cash withdrawals at any ATM worldwide (a standard of 1.75% foreign currency transaction fee is due for non-Euro withdrawals/ payments). Moreover, unlimited free cash withdrawals (between €50 and €300) are possible at associated retailers within Germany (i.e. REWE, Rossmann, Penny, dm).

Language and application

TARGOBANK is the former German subsidiary of the American Citibank and has been part of Crédit Mutuel, cooperative and France’s 5th largest bank, since 2008. TARGOBANK is registered in Germany so that accounts have a German IBAN (bank account number) and all savings are protected under the German (not French) deposit guarantee fund. The multi-language smartphone application can be used in German, English, French, Spanish and Catalan. Online banking is available in German and English. In branches employees with respective language skills can also support in English. However, website and customer support are only available in German. A German address is required to open an account. The online opening process is needs to be finalized through personal identification with ID (depending on nationality) or passport by webcam, or physically at a post office/ TARGOBANK branch.

Service and usage

As a customer, you can make use of TARGOBANK’s around 330 branches and its full range of diverse banking services. Accounts can of course be managed remotely, too (e.g via smartphone app, online, telephone).

Cards and payment

The account includes free debit cards (Girocard) for all account owners offering VPay functionality for store payments and cash withdrawals. The MasterCard credit card can be used for store payments, online shopping, hotel or rental car bookings.

Cash withdrawals

Unlimited free cash withdrawals are possible by Girocard at CashPool-ATMs (i.e. Santander, Sparda-Bank, Wüstenrot, TARGOBANK, BB-Bank). For free cash withdrawals abroad a paid Gold/ Premium is required.

Language and application

Based on the actual number of customers, savings bank (Sparkasse) is Germany’s largest banking group. Sparkasse is organized in regional entities with different offers and conditions. Frankfurt Sparkasse is the only one with a direct banking entitiy (1822direkt) that operates nationwide. In contrast to the majority of savings banks, 1822direkt offers a free account. Customer service and website are in German, the mobile app is also available in English.

Service and usage

1822direkt is managed completely online. Cash deposit are possible at Sparkasse branches in the Frankfurt area. Furthermore, 1822 direkt offers good conditions for loans and credits, investment as well as savings accounts.

Cards and payment

The account includes a free Girocard (Maestro) and a Visa credit card. The latter is completely free during the first year. As of the second year, there can be a yearly cost of €29.90 in case the card turnover stays below €4,000 per year. The Visa card has no restrictions for store payments, online shopping, hotel or rental car bookings.

Cash withdrawals

Using the Girocard, 6 monthly free cash withdrawals are possible at all Sparkasse ATMs within Germany. Moreover, the Visa card can be used for free cash withdrawals abroad (with 1.75% foreign currency transaction outside of the Eurozone).

Language and application

Santander is Spain’s largest retail bank. Even though being an international bank, Santander customers must have a German residence. Moreover, the web interface, smartphone application and customer service are only available in German language. When visiting a branch, the foreign-language skills may depend on the individual clerk.

Service and usage

In Germany Santander features not only direct banking services but does also maintain branches. At these branches customers enjoy personal service and can also deposit cash. However, the network of branches is limited so that there might not always be any branch close to your place of living. Generally, accounts can only be opened for private purposes.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a Visa credit card and is completely suitable for store payments, online shopping, hotel bookings or car rentals. There is also a free Maestro card that provides Girocard functionality. Couple accounts are available and both owners equally receive free Girocards as well as Visa cards. Santander does not support mobile payments (i.e. Apple or Google Pay).

Cash withdrawals

The account allows unlimited cash withdrawals worldwide at any cash machine when using the Visa card. There is no foreign currency transaction fee at countries not belonging to the Eurozone. Within Germany, unlimited free cash withdrawals are also possible by Girocard when making use of a CashPool-ATM (i.e. Santander, Sparda-Bank, Wüstenrot, TARGOBANK, BB-Bank).

Language and application

PSD Bank is a network of 14 regional cooperative banks. PSD Nürnberg (Nuremberg) offers a free online account that is available fur customers all over Europe. The account is exclusively available to national residents. All banking services are provided in German language.

Service and usage

PSD Nürnberg is an online bank without physical branches.. Accounts can only be opened for private purposes.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a free MasterCard credit that is suitable for any kind of purchases and accepted as guarantee for hotel bookings or car rentals. Alternatively, customers can opt for a Visa debit card. There is also a free VPay card that provides Girocard functionality. Couple accounts are available with both owners receiving free cards. PSD Bank supports mobile payments with Apple and Google Pay.

Cash withdrawals

Domestically the account allows 13 free cash withdrawals using Girocard at ATMs of the dense network of cooperative banks (Volksbank/Raiffeisenbank). Abroad a relatively low fee of €1 per withdrawal is applicable (additionally 1% foreign currency transaction fee non-Euro withdrawals and payments).

Language and application

Consorsbank is part of France’s largest retail bank BNP Paribas. Accounts at Consorsbank can be opened with a worldwide residence. However, online identification is only possible with a German ID or passport. Other nationalities need to be present in Germany to identify themselves at a post office. The website, smartphone application and customer service are exclusively provided in German language.

Service and usage

Unlike BNP Paribas in France, Consorsbank in Germany does not have any branches but only features online banking services. Accounts cannot be opened as a freelancer or self-employed person.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a free Visa debit card that is suitable for store payments or online shopping. It may not always be accepted as a guarantee for hotel bookings or car rentals. Credit cards (Visa Gold) are only available at extra cost but come with additional services (e.g. insurance package). There is also a free VPay card that provides Girocard functionality. Couple accounts are available with both owners receiving free Girocards and Visa cards. Consorsbank does support mobile payments with Apple and Google Pay.

Cash withdrawals

The account allows unlimited free cash withdrawals by Visa card at any ATM worldwide (minimum withdrawal amount of €50, a 1.75% foreign currency transaction fee is applicable for non-Euro withdrawals and payments). Free withdrawals by Girocard are possible at associated retailers (i.e. REWE, Aldi Süd, Penny).

Language and application

ING is the largest Dutch retail bank and cosidered one of the most reputable and best banks in Europe. Even though being an international institution, ING customers must have a German residence. Moreover, the web interface, smartphone application and customer service are only available in German language.

Service and usage

In Germany ING acts as an online bank featuring exclusively direct banking services without any branches. However, it maintains an own network of 1,200 ATMs nationwide. Free deposits between €1,000 and €25,000 are possible at ReiseBank AG branches. Generally, accounts can only be opened for private purposes. There is no dedicated business accounts.

Cards and payment

The account comes with a full Visa credit card and is perfectly suitable for store payments, online shopping, hotel bookings or car rentals. There is also a free Maestro card that provides Girocard functionality. Couple accounts are available, with both owners receiving free Girocards and Visa credit cards. ING supports mobile payments by Google and Apple Pay.

Cash withdrawals

Within Germany, the account allows unlimited free cash withdrawals by Visa card at any ATM (minimum withdrawal amount of €50). Free withdrawals by Girocard are possible at ING ATMs and associated retailers (i.e. dm, Netto, REWE, Aldi, Penny). Furthermore, users enjoy free cash withdrawals worldwide when using their Visa card (minimum withdrawal amount of €50, a foreign currency transaction fee of 1,75% is applicable for non-Euro withdrawals as well as payments).