If you are planning to stay in Germany for an extended period of time and have a regular income or receive grant payments, you should organize the opening of a current account ("Girokonto") at a bank or local savings bank.
To open an account, you will need:
- Your passport
- Visa or residence permit
- Proof that you have [registered your address with the local authorities(/accomodation/registration) (e.g. the "Anmeldung" from Rathaus)
As soon as you have opened your account, the bank will send you a card by post and a second letter containing the PIN. Then you can use any ATM to withdraw money or view your balance.
Unless you are opening an online bank account, you will most likely need an appointment to open an account at a bank. You can either go directly to a branch or phone/email them in advance.
These services are provided free of charge as long as you use your bankâs own ATMs or an ATM operated by a bank in the same âCash Groupâ.
please keep in mind that if you withdraw cash from another bankâs machine, you will probably have to pay extra fees.
Money transfers to another country can be very expensive, so it might be a good idea to ask your bank at home if it cooperates with any banks here before coming to Germany.
You can set up standing orders or direct debits on your current account to pay your rent, telephone, or insurance so that you donât need to keep that in mind each month.
For the types of bank accounts you can have in Germany, please proceed here.
You should keep the PIN of your EC or credit card secret and never note it anywhere near the card itself, as it is safer in case someone steals your card and the PIN together. Otherwise your bank account could be emptied very quickly.