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Best German Checking/Current (Girokonto) Accounts
Written by
Sadie Voss
Content Lead & Editor
Sadie Voss is the Lead Editor for How-to-Germany.com. As an expat who carved her own way into Berlin from the United States, Sadie is deeply...
Reviewed by
Erkan Boga
Erkan Boga is the founder and CEO of qmedia GmbH, the publishing house behind How-to-Germany.com. He established the platform with the clear vision of creating...
- A Girokonto is the standard German current account or checking account used for salary, rent, bills, direct debits, card payments, and everyday banking.
- Most expats need a Girokonto after moving to Germany because landlords, employers, insurers, phone providers, and utility companies often expect a German or SEPA-compatible IBAN.
- The best free Girokonto for expats depends on your situation: C24 Smart is one of the strongest all-round free accounts, N26 is best for English-language banking, and DKB is a strong long-term option for residents with regular income.
- Free current accounts in Germany are not always completely free. Some banks require monthly incoming payments, active use, age limits, or paid add-ons for cards, cash withdrawals, or extra services.
- A Girokonto is different from a savings account, blocked account, joint account, or business account. Most expats use it as their main account for daily life.
The Girokonto in Germany: Checking/Current Account
A Girokonto is the German word for a current account or checking account. It is the everyday bank account you use to receive money, send transfers, pay rent, set up direct debits, withdraw cash, and use a debit card.
If you are moving to Germany, a Girokonto is usually one of the first financial products you need. Your employer may ask for your IBAN to pay your salary. Your landlord may expect rent by bank transfer. Your health insurance, phone contract, gym, electricity provider, and internet provider may ask for permission to collect payments by direct debit. If you are still comparing your options, start with the broader guide to German bank accounts before choosing a specific current account.
A Girokonto is only one part of the German banking system. Before choosing one, it helps to understand the main German bank account types and how they are used in daily life. In simple terms:
- Gemeinschaftskonto: Joint bank account shared by two people.
- Geschäftskonto: Business account for freelancers, self-employed people, and companies.
- Girokonto: Everyday current/checking account for payments and salary.
- Sperrkonto: Blocked account used by many international students and visa applicants as proof of funds.
- Tagesgeldkonto: Savings account for holding money and earning interest.
A Girokonto is primarily designed to move money in and out, not to maximize savings interest. However, some newer accounts now pay interest directly on the current-account balance. C24 Smart, for example, currently pays 0.50% p.a. on balances of up to €50,000 and also applies interest to eligible Tagesgeld pockets. For most expats, the Girokonto still remains the main account for salary, rent, health insurance, phone contracts, subscriptions, and daily card payments.
Best Free Girokonto Options in Germany for Expats
Advertising notice: provider links in this overview are affiliate links — we receive a commission from the provider for sign-ups made through them.
The best current account in Germany depends on whether you need English support, free account management, a girocard, branch access, online opening, or easy approval as a newcomer.
For expats, the “best” Girokonto is not always the account with the biggest welcome bonus. It is the account that fits your documents, language level, payment habits, and long-term plans in Germany.
Here are three strong Girokonto options for the main expat use cases:
| Provider | Best For | Why It Stands Out | Expat Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C24 Smart | Best overall free Girokonto Good for expats who want strong free features, debit card access, girocard access, subaccounts, and budgeting tools. |
C24 Smart is one of the most competitive free Girokonto options in Germany because it combines free account management with a modern app, card options, subaccounts, budgeting tools, and 0.50% p.a. interest on eligible balances of up to €50,000. | Best if you are comfortable with German-language banking. It is a strong all-rounder, but less English-friendly than N26. |
| DKB Girokonto | Best long-term direct bank Good for residents with regular income who want a strong German online bank and travel-friendly features. |
DKB is a strong long-term option if you receive regular monthly income and qualify for its active-customer benefits. The Girokonto costs €0 per month if you are under 28 or receive at least €700 in monthly incoming payments. Otherwise, the account-management fee is €4.50 per month. | Better for expats who are comfortable with German banking. New arrivals may find N26 easier at first. DKB can be stronger as a long-term main account when you meet the under-28 or €700 monthly incoming-payment condition. |
| N26 Standard / N26 Smart | Best for English-speaking newcomers Good for expats who want mobile banking, English onboarding, and a simple German IBAN. |
N26 is one of the easiest accounts for many new arrivals because the app and onboarding are English-friendly. It works well if you want a digital account quickly and do not need branch support. | The free Standard plan has no account-management fee and includes a free virtual Mastercard debit card. A physical Mastercard currently costs a one-time €10 issuance fee. Standard includes exactly two free euro ATM withdrawals per month in Germany and the eurozone; each additional withdrawal costs €2. N26 Smart can make sense if you want a physical card and a larger monthly withdrawal allowance. |
Depending on your needs, ING, comdirect, 1822direkt, Santander BestGiro, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, bunq, Wise, and Trade Republic can also be useful.
ING is free if you are under 28 or receive at least €1,000 in monthly incoming payments; otherwise, it costs €4.90 per month. comdirect is free when at least one qualifying condition is met, such as €700 in monthly incoming payments, three eligible mobile payments per month, or one qualifying trade or savings-plan execution; otherwise, it costs €4.90 per month.
Santander BestGiro remains free without a minimum incoming-payment condition. Under the terms introduced on June 3, 2026, it includes six issuer-fee-free ATM withdrawals worldwide per month with the Visa Debit card, no 1.85% foreign-currency fee on card transactions, and 0.20% p.a. interest on eligible balances during the first 12 months.
Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank are stronger for branch support, while Wise, bunq, and Trade Republic often work better as add-ons rather than a first main Girokonto.
Best Girokonto by Situation
| Your Situation | Best Options | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You need English-language banking | N26 | One of the easiest German bank accounts for English-speaking newcomers. |
| You receive regular salary or monthly income | DKB | Strong long-term online bank when you are under 28 or receive at least €700 per month; otherwise, it costs €4.50 monthly. |
| You send money internationally | Wise or bunq as an add-on | Useful for currency conversion, international transfers, travel, or multi-country banking. |
| You want branch support | Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank | Better if you want in-person appointments, cash services, or help with paperwork. |
| You want the strongest free all-round account | C24 Smart | Good free feature set, app-based budgeting, card options, and 0.50% p.a. interest on eligible balances up to €50,000. |
Girokonto vs. Checking Account Explained
For English speakers, a Girokonto is closest to a checking account in the United States or a current account in the United Kingdom and many other countries.
It is the account you use for everyday financial activity. You can receive salary, send transfers, pay bills, and use your debit card. The main difference is that Germany relies heavily on bank transfers and SEPA direct debits.
A German Girokonto usually supports:
- Cash withdrawals: At ATMs, partner shops, or bank branches, depending on the provider.
- Debit cards: Usually Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, girocard, or a combination.
- Direct debits: Automatic payments collected by companies, such as health insurance, electricity, phone contracts, or gym memberships.
- IBAN transfers: Standard bank transfers within Germany and the SEPA area.
- Online and mobile banking: App or web access for transfers, balances, card controls, and documents.
- Standing orders: Recurring transfers, such as rent or savings transfers.
Unlike some checking accounts abroad, German Girokonten usually do not use paper checks in everyday life. Germany is a transfer and direct-debit banking system.
Why Expats Need a Current Account in Germany
You can survive for a short time in Germany with an international card, Wise account, Revolut account, or foreign bank account. But if you live in Germany, a Girokonto makes daily life much easier.
You may need a Girokonto for:
- Cash access: Germany still uses more cash than many expats expect.
- Health insurance: Public and private insurers usually collect monthly contributions from your bank account.
- Rent: Landlords usually expect monthly rent by bank transfer or direct debit.
- Salary: Most German employers pay by SEPA bank transfer.
- Student payments: Students use a Girokonto for blocked-account payouts, semester fees, rent, and part-time work income.
- Tax refunds: The tax office pays refunds into your bank account.
- Utilities: Electricity, gas, internet, and mobile phone contracts often use direct debit.
If you are in Germany for only a few weeks, you may not need a full German current account. If you are working, studying, renting, or staying long term, you almost certainly will.
How to Open a Bank Account in Germany
Opening a Girokonto in Germany is usually straightforward, but the process can be harder for newcomers without Anmeldung, a German phone number, or a German credit history.
Requirements to Open a Girokonto
Most banks ask for some combination of the following:
- Anmeldung: Some banks ask for your registration certificate, especially traditional banks.
- German address: Many banks require a registered address in Germany.
- German tax ID: Your Steueridentifikationsnummer, often needed for tax reporting.
- Phone number and email address: Used for app access, verification, and security messages.
- Residence permit or visa: Non-EU citizens may be asked to provide proof of legal residence.
- Schufa check: Some banks check your German credit record, especially if the account includes overdraft access.
- Valid ID: Passport or EU national identity card.
Some digital banks are more flexible for new arrivals. Traditional banks may ask for more paperwork but can be easier if you want in-person help.
Step-by-Step: Opening a Girokonto
- Choose your account type: Decide whether you want a free online account, branch-bank account, student account, joint account, or business account.
- Compare fees: Check monthly fees, card fees, ATM fees, foreign currency fees, overdraft interest, and paper statement costs.
- Start the application: Apply through the bank’s website or app, or book a branch appointment.
- Enter your personal details: This usually includes name, address, date of birth, nationality, tax information, and contact details.
- Verify your identity: Complete VideoIdent, eID, app-based verification, PostIdent, or in-branch verification.
- Receive your IBAN: Some digital banks provide the IBAN quickly; cards may arrive later by post.
- Move your payments: Give your IBAN to your employer, landlord, health insurer, phone provider, and utility companies.
If you need an account quickly after arriving in Germany, start with an online account that supports fast digital onboarding. You can always switch later once you have Anmeldung, a tax ID, and a German payment history.
The Reality of a Free Girokonto, Explained
A free Girokonto usually means there is no monthly account-management fee. However, that does not mean every banking service is free, and some accounts remain free only when an age, income, or activity condition is met.
Many free current accounts in Germany have conditions. You may need a minimum monthly incoming payment, active card use, a minimum age, student status, or a paid plan for certain features.
Common costs to check include:
| Fee Type | What It Means | Why Expats Should Check |
|---|---|---|
| Cash withdrawal fee | Cost to withdraw money from ATMs. | Germany is still cash-heavy, so ATM access matters. |
| Debit card fee | Cost for Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, or girocard. | The account may be free, but the card you need may cost extra. |
| Foreign currency fee | Extra fee when paying or withdrawing in non-euro currencies. | Important if you travel or still spend in your home currency. |
| Monthly account fee | The basic cost of keeping the account open. | Some accounts are free only with a minimum monthly incoming payment or active use. |
| Overdraft interest | Interest charged if you use a Dispo, or overdraft. | Can become expensive quickly and may require a Schufa check. |
The best free Girokonto is not just the one with a €0 monthly fee. It is the account that stays low-cost based on how you actually use it.
- comdirect: €0 when at least one qualifying condition is met, such as €700 monthly incoming payments, three eligible mobile payments, or one qualifying trade or savings-plan execution; otherwise €4.90 per month.
- DKB: €0 for customers under 28 or with at least €700 in monthly incoming payments; otherwise €4.50 per month.
- ING: €0 for customers under 28 or with at least €1,000 in monthly incoming payments; otherwise €4.90 per month.
- N26 Standard: €0 monthly account fee, but the physical Mastercard costs €10 once, only two euro ATM withdrawals per month are free, and additional withdrawals cost €2 each.
- Santander BestGiro: €0 without a minimum incoming-payment condition under the current account terms.
Girocard vs. Debit Card vs. Credit Card
German bank accounts often come with different card types. This can be confusing for expats because “debit card” does not always mean the same thing in Germany as it does abroad.
The girocard is Germany’s domestic debit card system. It is widely accepted in German shops, doctors’ offices, bakeries, pharmacies, restaurants, and local businesses. Some places in Germany still prefer girocard over Visa or Mastercard, especially outside big cities.
A Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit is an international debit card linked directly to your bank account. It is useful for online shopping, travel, hotels, international payments, and ATM withdrawals.
A credit card is different because it gives you a credit line or monthly bill. You do not need a credit card for basic daily life in Germany, but it can be useful for travel, hotels, rental cars, and online payments.
If you want maximum acceptance in Germany, a good setup is one Girokonto with either a girocard or broad cash access, plus a Visa or Mastercard debit card for online and international payments.
Checking vs. Savings Account in Germany
A Girokonto is primarily for spending and payments, while a savings account is designed for storing money and usually pays a higher interest rate. C24 Smart is a notable exception because it currently pays 0.50% p.a. directly on eligible current-account balances of up to €50,000 as well as on eligible Tagesgeld pockets.
The most common German savings account is a Tagesgeldkonto, or call money account. It usually pays more interest than a Girokonto and lets you access your money without a fixed term.
| Account Type | Main Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Depot | Investing in ETFs, funds, and shares. | Long-term investing, not daily banking. |
| Girokonto | Payments, salary, rent, bills, cards, direct debits. | Everyday banking in Germany. |
| Sperrkonto | Blocked proof of funds for visas. | International students and some visa applicants. |
| Tagesgeldkonto | Flexible savings with interest. | Emergency fund and short-term savings. |
For most expats, a Girokonto comes first. A savings account, German broker account, or German blocked account may come later depending on your visa, income, and financial goals.
Best Girokonto for Newcomers to Germany
Newcomers often have a different problem than long-term residents. You may need a bank account before you have every German document, a long Schufa history, or confidence using German banking forms.
For many English-speaking newcomers, N26 is one of the easiest first accounts because it is digital and English-friendly. N26 Standard has no monthly fee, but a physical Mastercard costs €10 once and only two euro ATM withdrawals per month are free.
C24 Smart can be a stronger free account if you are comfortable using German and want more account features, including a girocard, subaccounts, and 0.50% p.a. interest on eligible balances up to €50,000.
Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank can be better if you want branch support or have a more complicated document situation.
If you are an international student, your first step may be a blocked account before arrival and then a normal Girokonto after arrival.
Best Current Account for Students in Germany
Students usually need a German student bank account in the form of a current/checking Girokonto for rent, semester fees, health insurance, blocked-account payouts, part-time job income, and everyday spending.
A good student current account should have no monthly fee, easy online banking, a free or low-cost debit card, simple cash withdrawals, and compatibility with blocked-account payouts.
For international students, N26 is often the easiest English-language option. Remember that the N26 Standard physical Mastercard costs €10 and includes two free euro ATM withdrawals each month.
C24 Smart is strong if you want a free account with modern budgeting features, a girocard, and interest on eligible balances. ING Studenten Girokonto, DKB Studentenkonto, Deutsche Bank Das Junge Konto, Santander BestGiro Studenten, and Targobank Starter-Konto may also fit students depending on age, income, documentation, and whether you want branch support.
Students should avoid relying on overdrafts. The monthly blocked-account payout is designed to cover basic living costs, and overdraft interest can make a tight budget worse.
Using Your Girokonto for Salary, Rent, and Bills
Once your Girokonto is open, you should update your payment details with the most important institutions.
Start with:
- Employer: Give your IBAN to payroll so they can pay your salary.
- Landlord: Set up rent payments by standing order or direct debit, depending on the rental agreement.
- Health insurance: Provide your IBAN for monthly contributions.
- Electricity and gas provider: Set up direct debit if required.
- Internet and mobile phone provider: Most contracts collect monthly payments by Lastschrift.
- Tax office: Use your bank details for refunds or tax prepayments if needed.
Most German providers prefer SEPA direct debit because it is automatic and predictable. Before authorizing direct debits, make sure you understand the amount and cancellation rules.
Girokonto and Schufa
Schufa is Germany’s main credit reporting system. A basic Girokonto without overdraft is usually less risky than a loan or credit card, but banks may still check your Schufa or report account information.
This matters because a clean financial history can help later when you apply for a credit card, overdraft facility, phone contract, rental apartment, loan, or mortgage.
If you are new to Germany, you may not have much Schufa history yet. That is normal. The most important thing is to avoid missed payments, unpaid direct debits, and overdrafts you cannot repay.
Do not ignore bank letters or failed direct debits in Germany. Small unpaid amounts can become collection cases and may damage your credit record.
Common Girokonto Mistakes Expats Make
- Assuming “free” means everything is free: Check card fees, ATM fees, foreign currency fees, and overdraft interest.
- Choosing only by bonus: Welcome bonuses are nice, but monthly fees and card costs matter more long term.
- Forgetting Anmeldung requirements: Some banks may require a registered German address.
- Ignoring the girocard: Some expats discover too late that certain local shops or doctors prefer girocard.
- Using a blocked account like a normal account: A Sperrkonto is for visa proof and monthly payouts, not daily banking.
- Using a personal account for business: Freelancers should usually use a separate German business bank account.
Girokonto Checklist for Expats
- ✅ Step 1: Decide whether you need an online account, branch bank, student account, joint account, or business account.
- ✅ Step 2: Compare monthly fees, card fees, ATM access, foreign currency fees, and overdraft costs.
- ✅ Step 3: Check whether the bank supports English-language banking if you do not speak German yet.
- ✅ Step 4: Prepare your passport or ID, German address, residence permit if needed, phone number, email, and tax ID if available.
- ✅ Step 5: Complete identity verification through the app, video call, PostIdent, eID, or branch appointment.
- ✅ Step 6: Save your IBAN and give it to your employer, landlord, health insurer, and utility providers.
- ✅ Step 7: Activate your debit card and set up Apple Pay or Google Pay if available.
- ✅ Step 8: Avoid overdrafts unless you understand the interest rate and repayment rules.
Conclusion
A Girokonto is the foundation of everyday banking in Germany. It is the current account or checking account you use for salary, rent, bills, direct debits, card payments, and cash withdrawals.
For most expats, the best Girokonto is not simply the account with the biggest welcome bonus or the lowest advertised fee. It is the account that matches your documents, language needs, cash habits, card preferences, income pattern, and long-term plans in Germany.
If you are new to Germany and want English-language banking, N26 is often one of the easiest starting points. Remember that N26 Standard charges €10 for a physical card and includes only two free euro ATM withdrawals per month.
If you want a strong free feature set and are comfortable with German, C24 Smart is one of the best current-account options and currently pays 0.50% p.a. on eligible balances up to €50,000.
If you want a long-term German direct bank, DKB can be a good choice when you are under 28 or receive at least €700 monthly; otherwise, it costs €4.50 per month. ING requires €1,000 monthly incoming payments or an age under 28 to remain free, while comdirect requires one of its qualifying income, mobile-payment, or investment-activity conditions.
Santander BestGiro remains an option without a minimum incoming-payment condition and now includes six free global ATM withdrawals per month, no foreign-currency card fee, and introductory balance interest under its current terms.
The safest approach is simple: open a Girokonto that you can manage confidently, compare the complete account and card costs, avoid overdrafts, and use separate accounts for savings, business, joint expenses, or visa proof when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Girokonto is a German current account or checking account. It is used for everyday banking, including salary payments, rent, bills, direct debits, transfers, cash withdrawals, and debit card payments.
A Girokonto is used for daily financial life in Germany. You use it to receive salary, pay rent, set up health insurance payments, pay utilities, use a debit card, withdraw cash, and manage recurring payments.
Yes, a Girokonto is the German equivalent of a checking account or current account. It is not mainly for saving money; it is for payments, transfers, salary, bills, and everyday spending.
Yes, many expats can open a free Girokonto in Germany, especially with digital banks. However, some free accounts require minimum monthly incoming payments, active use, age limits, or paid add-ons for certain cards and services.
N26 is one of the strongest options for English-speaking newcomers because its app and onboarding are English-friendly. C24 Smart may offer a stronger free feature set if you are comfortable using German. Wise and bunq can also be useful for international users, but many expats still prefer a full German Girokonto for salary, rent, health insurance, and direct debits.