Cur­rent account

In Ger­many, you need a bank account – ide­al­ly a Girokon­to (cur­rent account). You can use this account to pay your rent by bank trans­fer or receive your salary and oth­er ben­e­fits. You can open an account at the bank of your choice. Get some advice: some banks charge a month­ly Kontoführungs­ge­bühr (account fee). Ask the bank about their charges.

What should I take with me?

To open a bank account, you need your iden­ti­ty card, pass­port and/or res­i­dence permit.

• Tip: Please note that there may be fees if you with­draw mon­ey from anoth­er bank. It is a good idea to ask the bank at which oth­er banks you can with­draw mon­ey free-of-charge.

• Please report your new address to the bank if you move to a new apartment.