You will need a German bank account before you’re able to receive your first salary, to pay your rent, register for a phone plan (although sometimes you can pay with a credit card), or register for an electricity or internet contract.

Please be aware that you can often only open a bank account in Germany if you have a residence permit yet. However, some banks may allow you to open a bank account after you have done your registration (“Anmeldung”).

N26 is the online bank that unites all services in one digital app with full English support.

It is one of the most popular mobile banks in Europe and it is extremely easy to navigate via the app. The entire site is run in English and once you’re registered, all of your banking can be done straight from your phone or laptop.

<aside> 💡 Please check the list below if you can provide the required piece of identification to open a bank account with N26 before booking. Often, you need your passport and your residence permit.

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🗺️ Check supported nationalities list

💳 Open your bank account on N26

Tomorrow combines the comfort of mobile banking with true sustainability. You can open your sustainable Tomorrow account in only 8 minutes, manage your finances with ease within the app and use smart features, from Apple and Google Pay to unlimited free withdrawals worldwide or an account switching service.

Tomorrow offers three different account models, depending on what you need and will save time, money and the planet 🌍

💳. Open your Tomorrow bank account here

Comdirect is the online bank of one of Germany’s biggest banks - the Commerzbank. They provide many different types of services and also a free savings account with card.

<aside> 💡 Open your Comdirect account here

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Revolut is a finance app and card that are designed to let you easily manage and spend your money. It’s a good option for those who want a simple way to manage their money, save on foreign currency and want access to premium features.

💳. Open your Revolut bank account here

German SIM card required

DKB is a completely online bank, but if you’re comfortable doing all of your banking completely online, DKB offers good services, a free account, free cash withdrawal, and a free VISA credit card. While they do not offer their signup process in English, it is a relatively easy process to apply.

💳 Open your DKB bank account

If you are looking for in-person support in your new home town, we highly recommend making an appointment at a local branch from one of the traditional banks in Germany. Since not everyone does speak English, it is important to ask for English-speaking support.

Commerzbank is a traditional bank that offers physical branches in Germany. We have good contacts in the big cities in Germany. If you would like to make an appointment to open your bank account with in-person support, reach out to your Case Manager for more information or request an appointment online.

📅 Book your appointment online.

In some branches registration is sufficient, others require residence permit.

HASPA is a regional bank in the area of Hamburg that offers physical branches and good in-person or digital customer support. If you would like to make an appointment to open your bank account, please reach out to your personal Case Manager to book it for you. We have our partners at HASPA that support you with this process.

Registration is sufficient (no residence permit needed)

Berliner Sparkasse is also a regional bank in the area of Berlin that offers physical branches and good in-person or digital customer support. If you would like to make an appointment to open your bank account, please reach out to your personal Case Manager to book it for you. We have our partners at the Berliner Sparkasse that support you with this process.

Registration is sufficient (no residence permit needed)