One of your first jobs after arriving is opening a German current account (Girokonto). You need it for almost everything: your blocked account releases your monthly money into it, your salary lands in it, and rent and bills go out of it by direct debit. Here is how to choose without overthinking it.
The honest comparison
| Bank | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| N26 | Fast, fully online, English app, free basic account. Great for new arrivals who want an account quickly. | Online-only support; a few old-school landlords or employers prefer a traditional bank. |
| Sparkasse / Volksbank | Local branches everywhere, widely trusted, easy cash handling, good if a landlord wants a "real" bank. | Often a monthly fee, mostly German-language service. |
| Deutsche Bank | Traditional, branches, sometimes used in blocked-account flows, student offers. | Can have fees; more paperwork. |
| comdirect / DKB / ING | Strong free online accounts, good once you are settled. | Mostly German interface; setup can need a German address first. |
| Wise / Revolut | Great for moving money and spending. | Not a full German bank; may not be accepted for every salary or rent setup. |
What you need to open one
- Your passport.
- Usually your Anmeldung (registration certificate) and enrolment certificate.
- For online banks, a quick video or post identification (VideoIdent / PostIdent).
A word on SCHUFA
Germany has a credit-record system called SCHUFA. You start with no history; it builds as you pay rent, bills and contracts on time. A clean SCHUFA makes renting flats and getting phone or internet contracts easier later, so pay everything on time from day one.
FAQ
What bank account should a student open in Germany?
An online account like N26 is the fastest to start with (English, free, quick IBAN). Add a traditional bank (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank) only if a landlord or employer specifically needs one.
Do I need a German account for my blocked account?
Yes, your blocked account releases your monthly allowance into a normal German current account, so set one up early.
What do I need to open an account?
Your passport, usually your Anmeldung and enrolment certificate, and a video or post ID check for online banks.
What is SCHUFA?
Germany's credit-record system. You build a positive record by paying rent, bills and contracts on time, which helps with future flats and contracts.
Setting up your first weeks? Ask a mentor for ₹500 → which account worked for them in your city.
