To open a bank account is an essential step for anyone planning to live or work in Germany. Having a bank account not only makes it easier to receive and manage your finances but is also necessary for many everyday activities, such as paying rent, receiving a salary, or making purchases. However, for expats or non-residents, the process of opening a bank account in Germany can seem overwhelming and complicated so you can start from Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank .
How to open a bank account in Germany?
Germany’s financial system is built on three pillars: private commercial banks, public savings banks, and cooperative banks. When choosing a bank to open an account with in Germany, it’s important to consider several factors, including fees, available services, and customer support.
To open a bank account in Germany, you generally need to follow these steps:
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- Choose a bank. Search different banks either in person or online to find the one that suits your needs.
- Gather necessary documents. You may need some of these documents: a valid passport or ID, proof of address in Germany, and maybe proof of income (such as a payslip) for some type of account or if you want a credit card.
- Make an appointment. Contact the bank and make an appointment to open an account.
- Visit the bank in person: Bring your documents to the appointment and fill out the necessary forms or you may apply online.
- Wait for account activation. After the bank approves your application, they will activate your account.
It’s worth noting that the exact requirements and procedures may vary depending on the bank, so it’s a good idea to check with your chosen bank for specific details.
The important thing in Germany is that you don’t need to open an account in a German bank if you live in Germany. To send and receive payments, you must have an account type which can be an international bank account or a German mobile bank starting from bunq, N26, Wise, Revolut and DKB. If you need to receive money in Germany you can also use money transfer services, some of them let you create a bank account in Germany.
You will need an account that can accept monthly payments, such as electricity bills or German insurance payments. You must demonstrate that you have an active account in Germany.
Exploring the types of bank accounts in Germany
In Germany, there are several types of bank accounts that individuals and businesses can choose from, including:
- Girokonto (Current Account): This is the most common type of bank account in Germany, used for daily transactions such as making payments, direct debits, and receiving salaries.
- Sparkonto (Savings Account): This type of account is used for saving money and earning interest. Some savings accounts have restrictions on the number of withdrawals that can be made each month.
- Festgeldkonto (Fixed-Term Deposit Account): This type of account allows customers to deposit a set amount of money for a fixed term, usually ranging from 3 months to 5 years. The interest rate is higher than a savings account, but the funds are not accessible during the fixed term.
- Tagesgeldkonto (Call Deposit Account): This type of account allows customers to deposit money for a short-term, usually one day, with a slightly higher interest rate than a savings account.
- Geschäftskonto (Business Account): This type of account is for businesses and self-employed individuals to manage their financial transactions.
The following banks offer you good general packages of account management free of charge and with payment starting from 700 euros at checkout.
Each type of bank account has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your financial goals and needs before opening an account.
Best Banks in Germany: A Guide for Customers
Germany is home to some of the world’s most renowned and trusted banks. With a strong banking system and favorable regulations, the country provides a secure environment for customers to manage their finances.
When choosing a bank in Germany, it’s important to consider your financial goals, needs, and preferences. Each of these banks has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to do your research and compare the products and services offered by each bank before making a decision.
Here are some of the best banks in Germany that you should consider:
HypoVereinsbank (UniCredit Bank AG)
A Guide to Finding Your Nearest Branch.
Fortunately, most banks in Germany have a large network of branches and ATMs, making it easy for customers to access their funds and manage their finances.
You can type ” banks near Berlin” on Google Maps or any other map app. There you can find a list of relevant branches that you can contact. You can search your area for nearest branch if you are not in Germany. They can help you find a bank in Germany.
Search ATMs for the nearest branches in Germany.
Talk to anyone who may have traveled or worked in Germany. You will find that some of your friends or family know the nearest bank branches. Ask around and find opportunities among your contacts. An easy tool for doing that is any map app. Below is, for example, a Google Maps search for ” ATMs near Hamburg”.
When choosing a bank in Germany, it’s important to consider the convenience of their branches and ATMs. Using online maps and branch locators can help you find the nearest branch to your location. By choosing one of the best banks in Germany with a large network of branches and ATMs, you can easily manage your finances and access your funds whenever you need them.
Sources: I used Similarweb to check how popular are some of the job sites presented above.
The caption of the cover image above is Street music in the cathedral square in Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany. Photo by Marius Serban on Unsplash.
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