MyNomadWorld MyNomadWorld
Home › Germany › Banks

Banking in Germany

Best banks in Germany for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Germany. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Germany

Traditional banks usually require an Anmeldung (address registration / Meldebescheinigung), passport and a German tax ID (Steuer-ID), and may run a SCHUFA credit check. Newcomers without registration often start with N26, Revolut or Wise, which can be opened before an address is registered.

Our top pick

Wise multi-currency account

Wise is the option we recommend for almost anyone moving to Germany: hold and convert 40+ currencies, get local account details to be paid like a local, and send money at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees. It works before you even arrive, so you can receive income and pay deposits while your local account is still being set up.

Open a free Wise account →

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Wise is a fintech, not a bank; balances are safeguarded, not covered by deposit insurance.

Top banks in Germany

Sparkasse

traditional
largest branch/ATM network

Network of regional public savings banks; the most branches and ATMs in Germany.

Deutsche Bank

traditional
international banking

Germany's largest private bank with English support and global reach.

Commerzbank

traditional
everyday retail banking

Major nationwide retail bank; free current account available under conditions.

DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank)

digital
free online account

Popular direct bank offering a free current account for qualifying customers.

ING

digital
English-friendly online account

Germany's largest direct bank; free current account and English support.

Comdirect

digital
online banking and investing

Commerzbank's online bank combining current account and brokerage.

International accounts & neobanks

Revolut

Widely used app for spending, transfers and FX; EEA-wide operation.

N26

Berlin-based mobile bank with a full German banking licence; opens with EU ID.

Bunq

Dutch EEA bank available to Germany residents; offers German IBAN option.

Payoneer

Payments platform for freelancers receiving international payments; not a local current account.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Germany

See the full Germany tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Germany with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.