Opening a German bank account as an expat
Open a German account: online banks without Anmeldung, traditional banks compared, IBAN discrimination rules, what you need for salary, rent and SEPA.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
Can you open a German bank account without Anmeldung?
Yes: several online banks open accounts with a passport and video identification before you have German address registration, and any EU/EEA address works to start. Traditional branch banks (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank) generally require your Anmeldung first. Salary can be paid to ANY SEPA IBAN by law, so you are never blocked from starting work.
What this guide covers
What you actually need an account for
Salary (any SEPA IBAN legally works - IBAN discrimination is prohibited, though some HR systems grumble), rent, and the endless SEPA-Lastschrift direct debits German life runs on (insurance, Rundfunkbeitrag, gym, phone). A German-friendly IBAN with instant notifications makes the direct-debit culture manageable.
Your three realistic routes
| Route | Examples | Anmeldung needed? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| App-first banks | bunq, N26 | Often no (passport + video ID, EU address) | Arriving expats - account in 15 minutes, English apps |
| Multi-currency | Wise | No | Bringing USD/GBP/INR savings, paid in foreign currency |
| Traditional branch | Sparkasse, Volksbank, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank | Yes + often Schufa check | Cash-deposit needs, in-person service, later mortgage relationship |
Practical stack most expats land on: an app-first account for daily life. Add a traditional account later only if you need cash-heavy services or a mortgage relationship.
Opening step-by-step (app-first route)
- Download app, register with passport via video-ID (English available)
- Use your home/EU address if no Anmeldung yet; update address in-app after registering
- German IBAN issued instantly or within days; order the physical card
- Give the IBAN to your employer and landlord; set up Lastschrift for insurance and Rundfunkbeitrag
Things that surprise expats
- Cash is still king in many restaurants and at the Späti; keep €50 on you.
- Girocard vs credit card: some shops take only girocard/EC; app banks issue Mastercard/Visa debit which now works almost everywhere, but not literally everywhere.
- Dispo (overdraft) interest is brutal (~10-13%); never use it as credit.
- Schufa: opening basic accounts is possible without history, but your account behaviour starts feeding your German credit profile - see the Schufa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can my salary go to a foreign IBAN?
Legally yes (SEPA regulation forbids IBAN discrimination). Practically, a German IBAN avoids HR friction and Lastschrift rejections.
Do I need a blocked account instead?
Only students/jobseekers proving funds for a visa need a Sperrkonto - a different product entirely (see blocked account guide).
Which bank has full English support?
bunq. Traditional banks: assume German.
Is there a monthly fee?
App banks: free tiers exist with paid upgrades. Traditional banks: €5-10/month is normal now unless salary-funded.
How long does it take?
App route: same day. Branch route: 1-2 weeks including card delivery.
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Keep going: these guides continue where this one ends.
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