Best Bank Accounts in Germany

Compare 20 Free German Current Accounts and Credit Cards

We offer the most comprehensive English overview for you to find the best bank account in Germany (“Girokonto”). This list of retail and online banks compares free current accounts in terms of debit/ credit cards, cash withdrawals, residence/ job requirements, English customer support, sign-up bonus and more. Once chosen, use the links to directly open your German bank account.

Last updated: 29 August 2022

Opening a bank account in Germany is easy. However, finding the best German bank for you is a different story. There is a large choice and comparing their different features can be hard, especially if you do not perfectly master the German language. We have consolidated a list of German banks – including both online banks and retail banks – that offer free accounts and credit cards. Some accounts are dedicated to private individuals (e.g. students or employed people) whereas others are dedicated business accounts for freelancers and self-employed. Among them are also (online) banks that provide their service not only in Germany but all over Europe. Below lists are sorted in alphabetical order. In case you know about any further free bank accounts, please let us know in the comments so that we can add them. 

Table of Contents

1. Best Banks in Germany: Our Favorites
2. Overview: Comparison of Free Accounts in Germany (“Girokonto”)
3. Overview: Comparison of Free German Business Accounts for Freelancers and Self-Employed People (“Geschäftskonto”)

Best Banks in Germany: Most opened accounts through our site in 2022

Popular online banks

(1) DKB (2) N26

Popular retail banks

(1) Commerzbank (2) HypoVereinsbank

Popular banks with English support

(1) N26 (2) Commerzbank

Popular banks for non-residents

(1) DKB (2) N26

Popular banks for freelancers/ self-employed

(1) N26

2. Overview: Comparison of Free Current Accounts in Germany (“Girokonto”)

The following bank accounts are dedicated to private use, meaning your personal expenses and income as an employee, student, pensioner or even unemployed person (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. payments from customers or payment of supplier invoices. Otherwise, you risk that the bank will close your account because of infringing upon their conditions of use.

Commercial partner

(by Sparkasse)
“Girokonto Klassik”

Visit 1822direkt site and open bank account

• Read our review: 1822direkt current account (status: 9/22)

  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 no free physical card. A girocard (Maestro) is available against €6 per year. A Visa Credit card is completely free during the first year – as of the second year, there is a yearly cost of €29.90. 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).

Commercial partner

(by Commerzbank)
“Girokonto”

Some services at Commerzbank branches!

Visit Comdirect site and open bank account

• Read our review: Comdirect current account (status: 9/22)

  Language and application

  Comdirect is one of Germany’s most popular online banks. It is a subsidiary of retail bank Commerzbank. The website, customer service and mobile app are exclusively work in German language.
  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 debit cards (Visa).

  Cards and payment

  Comdirect issues a free Girocard that can be used for domesticcash withdrawals as well as store payments. Additionally, the account comes with a Visa Debit card. A full credit card that may be accepted for hotel or rental car bookings without restrictions comes against an additional fee. All Visa cards 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) when using the Girocard. 3 free cash withdrawals worldwide are possible using the Visa card (foreign currency transaction fee of 1.75% is applicable).

  More details: Read our detailed comdirect review

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

Commercial partner

“Kostenloses Girokonto”

Dense branch network and sign-up bonus!

Visit Commerzbank site and open bank account

• Read our review: Commerzbank current account (status: 8/22)

  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). The physical MasterCard is a full credit card 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.

Commercial partner

(by BNP Paribas)
“Essential”

Visit Consorsbank site and open bank account

• Read our review: Consorsbank current account (status: 8/22)

  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 an optional VPay card that provides Girocard functionality and can be inquired agains a monthly fee. Couple accounts are available with both owners receiving free Visa cards. Consorsbank supports 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 2.1 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).

Commercial partner

“Girokonto”

Most popular!

Visit DKB site and open bank account

• Read our review: DKB current account (status: 9/22)

  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 is free in the first 3 months after opening and afterwards you require minimum monthly incoming funds of €700. Otherwise a base fee of €4.5 will be charged in the consecutive month. Unfortunately, customer service and the entire interface (web and online) are exclusively provided in German language. Conditions for credit checks have chagend since the introduction of DKB’s new account model that includes a debit card. If  you still get rejected because of not having any credit history, you may chose another bankand 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 debit cards.

  Cards and payment

  The account comes with a Visa dedit card 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. A credit card is available against a monthly (€2.49/ month) There is also a Girocard available (€0.99/ month) 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 2.2% 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.

Fidor
“Smart Girokonto”

Visit Fidor site and open bank account

• Read our review: Fidor current account (status: 12/21)

  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 oldest online banks. Its smartphone app offers all relevant options: 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 monthly fee for the MasterCard Debit of €3 is applicable).

  Cards and payment

  The account comes with a free Virtual MasterCard Debit that is suitable for store payments and online shopping. Physical cards are only available against a monthly surcharge of €1-2. 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 does not allow free cash withdrawals at ATMs. For this, you may require one of their premium cards. However, unlimited free cash withdrawals (between €50 and €300) are possible at associated retailers within Germany (i.e. REWE, Rossmann, Penny, dm).

  More details: Read our detailed Fidor review

Commercial partner

(by UniCredit)
“PlusKonto”

Retail bank and good package!

Visit HVB site and open bank account

• Read our review: HypoVereinsbank current account (status: 8/22)

  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).

Commercial partner

“Girokonto”

Visit ING site and open bank account

• Read our review: ING current account (status: 9/22)

  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 are possible at ING ATMs with a deposit option. Generally, accounts can only be opened for private purposes. There is no dedicated business accounts.

  Cards and payment

  The account comes with a Visa Debit card and is perfectly suitable for store payments and online shopping – it may not always be accepted as a guarantee for hotel bookings or car rentals. There is also a Girocard available against a monthly fee of €0,99. Couple accounts are available, with both owners receiving free Visa Debit 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 1.99% is applicable for non-Euro withdrawals as well as payments).

Commercial partner

“Standard”

Best smartphone app and multi-language service!

No monthly fee

Visit N26 site and open bank account

• Read our review: N26 current account (status: 12/21)

  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.

  Cards and payment

  The account comes with a Virtual MasterCard Debit that is suitable for store payments or online shopping. N26 supports Apple as well as Google Pay. A physical card can be issued against a one-time fee. 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 Maestro card, which can be issued against a one-time fee but does however not provide Girocard functionality.

  Cash withdrawals

  Within Germany, the account allows 3 free monthly cash withdrawals at ATMs and unlimited withdrawals at associated partners. At these retailers you can also conduct deposits against a fee of 1.5%. Furthermore, users enjoy free cash withdrawals worldwide.

  More details: Read our detailed N26 bank review

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

Commercial partner

(by Deutsche Bank)
“Top-Girokonto”

Free use of Deutsche Bank self-service machines!

Visit norisbank site and open bank account

• Read our review: norisbank current account (status: 1/22)

  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 Credit (conversion fee of 0.5% is applicable for non-Euro withdrawals).

  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.

Commercial partner

“GiroDirekt”

Visit psd site and open bank account

• Read our review: PSD Bank current account (status: 12/21)

  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).

Commercial partner

“Best Giro” + “BestCard”

No monthly fee

Visit Santander site and open bank account

• Read our review: Santander current account (status: 12/21)

  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 4 cash withdrawals worldwide at any cash machine when using the Visa card. There is a 1.5% 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).

Commercial partner

(by Crédit Mutuel)
“Online Konto + Classic-Karte”

Visit TARGOBANK site and open bank account

• Read our review: TARGOBANK current account (status: 12/21)

  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.

“Vivid Standard”

Wide cashback program!

No monthly fee

Visit Vivid Money site and open bank account

• Read our review: Vivid Money current account (status: 08/22)

  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, French, Spanish and Italian. 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 Visa card (free delivery with an account balance of minimum €200) 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, extra safe as it does not contain any personal or bank details (info is safely stored in mobile app). As a mobile-friendly bank, Vivid Money supports Apple as well as Google Pay. There is no fees for payments in over 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.

  More details: Read our detailed Vivid Money review

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

3. Overview: Comparison of Free German Business Accounts for Freelancers and Self-Employed People (“Geschäftskonto”)

Corporate entities are legally obliged to have a separate bank account to split business-related and personal transactions. In practice however, most banks prohibit the business use of their current accounts (Girokonto) even for freelancers as well as self-employed people. Generally, the amount of free business accounts is very restricted and they offer fewer perks. Not only from an accounting point of view, it therefore makes sense to maintain two accounts: a business account where you pay business expenditures and receive customer payments as well as a current account where you transfer your “salary” and pay private expenditures. 

Commercial partner

“Solo”

No monthly fee

Visit FINOM site and open bank account

• Read our review: FINOM business account (status: 12/21)

  Language and application

  FINOM is an innovative online bank for business clients. It has a free but also premium accounts that can be opened by freelancers and self-employed persons with a residence in the European Union or the UK. The website and the mobile application are available in German as well as English language.

  Service and usage

  The smartphone application and online interface are state-of-the-art. FINOM offers further services for business like invoice management or the integration of your accounting software. FINOM Solo customers enjoy 0.1% cashback on all card transactions and there is even higher cashback for premium account users.

  Cards and payment

  The account comes with a free physical Visa Debit card including cashback function (see above). Mobile payments via Apply or Google Pay are available. Very common for a business account, the number of free monthly transactions is limited. With the Solo plan you have 50 free transactions (=account movements, i.e. card payments, direct debits, transfers) per month. Any additional transaction is charged with €0.20. Switching to a premium account with a higher number of included transactions my be worthwile if you have a lot of account activity.

  Cash withdrawals

  The account is optimized for electronic payments, for domestic and international cash withdrawals a fee of €2 is applicable.

Commercial partner

(by Deutsche Bank)
“BASE”

Free credit card!

No monthly fee

Visit FYRST site and open bank account

• Read our review: FYRST business account (status: 12/21)

  Language and application

  FYRST is backed by Germany’s largest bank Deutsche Bank together with its subsidiary Postbank. As an online bank it offers free and paid business bank accounts for freelancers and self-employed persons. With a German residence, you can open the bank account completely online. For this, you require a German residence. The website, mobile application and customer service are offered in German language.

  Service and usage

  The smartphone application and website interface offer all relevant online banking functions, from checking statements to managing transactions. Additionally, FYRST offers further premium services for businesses: You can setup an interface to your accounting software and there is discounts for business insurances available.

  Cards and payment

  The account comes with a free physical Girocard (VPay). A great advantage is that FYRST account holders can apply for a free Visa business credit card from Postbank. Hence, you are also fully covered if you require to rent a car or a hotel asks to block money during the stay. As for a lot of business accounts, the number of free monthly transactions is limited. With the BASE account you have 50 free transactions (=account movements, i.e. card payments, direct debits, transfers) per month, every additional transaction costs €0.19. If you require a large amount of complimentary monthly account movements, you may consider to switch to a premium account.

  Cash withdrawals

  Account holders profit from free domestic withdrawals by Girocard at all Cashgroup ATMs (Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Postbank, HypoVereinsbank) and at associated retailers (e.g. Shell). Cash deposits are possible against a reduced fee at Postbank ATMs and branches. For cash withdrawals abroad fees occur.

Commercial partner

“Free”

Accounting and tax services available!

Visit Kontist site and open bank account

• Read our review: Kontist business account (status: 12/21)

  Language and application

  Kontist Free is a great solution for freelancers and self-employed individuals that want to have a bank with English customer support. The free account comes without any monthly fees if the monthly transaction volume is at least €300. It has an easy-to-use website and mobile application. The opening process is completely online and currently no SCHUFA credit check is performed. However, a German residence is required.

  Service and usage

  The smartphone application is one of the best in the market. It offers all perks of a modern online bank: transfer money, follow transactions, block the card, automatic push notifications after incoming payments or card use. The balance is updated in real-time. Also, the interface is specially designed for businesses: depending on the account type you chose the automatic calculation of pending income tax/ VAT payments, connection with your accounting software (i.e. lexoffice, fastbill, DATEV) or invoice creation are possible. For those requiring further support, Kontist offers premium bookkeeping packages with professional accounting service (e.g. creating P&L statements, tax declarations) as well as tax advisory. With the Free account you have 10 free transactions (=account movements, i.e. card payments, direct debits, transfers) per month, every additional transaction costs €0.15 + VAT.

  Cards and payment

  The account comes with a virtual Visa debit card that is suitable for store payments or online shopping. It also supports Apple as well as Google Pay. If you require a physical card, you can either switch to a premium account or purchase a card for a yearly fee of €29. Kontist does not offer credit cards.

  Cash withdrawals

  The account is optimized for digital bookkeeping and the needs of businesses. Hence, for every cash withdrawal Kontist charges €2. A foreign currency transaction fee of 1.7% is applicable for non-Euro withdrawals and payments.

Commercial partner

“Business Standard”

Best smartphone app and multi-language service!

No monthly fee

Visit N26 site and open bank account

• Read our review: N26 current account (status: 12/21)

  N26 Business accounts include the same services as private accounts (see above). Additionally, business clients receive 0.1% cashback on all card payments.

  More details: Read our detailed N26 bank review

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

This overview is a non-binding service to compare German bank accounts. It does not represent a complete market overview. We do not take responsibility for the accurateness and up-to-dateness of the information provided on the list. Please re-check the final conditions and prices on the banks’ websites (§18 ZKG).

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Get to know the basics about German banks in our article about opening a bank account in Germany.

Questions

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