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Girokonto

Best bank accounts for expats in Germany, 2026.

Get your salary paid in, pay rent, and skip the SCHUFA wall. The right Girokonto saves you 6 euros a month, every month.

8 providersVerified monthlyRefreshed May 2026
8 results
Our pick
N26 logo

N26

Berlinsince 2013

Mobile-first German bank. Free Standard plan, German IBAN, 2 free EUR ATM withdrawals per month. €10 one-time card delivery.

Best for New arrivals without a SCHUFA history

  • 1d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
Free
Setup
Free
Monthly
Free
cheapest
Visit N26
DKB logo

DKB

Berlinsince 1990

Online direct bank. Free Aktivkonto with €700+ monthly deposits, otherwise €4.50/month (free for under 28). Free worldwide ATM withdrawals.

Best for Travelers — free worldwide ATM withdrawals

  • 3–7d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
Free
Setup
Free
Monthly
Free
cheapest
Visit DKB
ING logo

ING

Frankfurtsince 1965

Major direct bank. Free Girokonto with €1,000/month deposits or for customers under 28. Free Visa debit included.

Best for Salaried employees who want a free major bank

  • 3–7d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
Free
Setup
Free
Monthly
Free
cheapest
Visit ING
Wise logo

Wise

Londonsince 2011

Multi-currency account with EUR IBAN. 0.33–0.57% FX margin, €250/month free ATM withdrawals.

Best for Expats receiving income in multiple currencies

  • 1d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
Free
Setup
Free
Monthly
Free
cheapest
Visit Wise
Revolut logo

Revolut

Londonsince 2015

Digital bank with optional German IBAN. Free Standard plan, paid plans add metal cards and travel perks.

Best for Budgeting tools and travel cards

  • 1d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
Free
Setup
Free
Monthly
Free
cheapest
Visit Revolut
bunq logo

bunq

Amsterdamsince 2012

European challenger bank with German IBANs. Free tier is savings-only. Core checking €3.99/month, Pro €9.99/month, Elite €18.99/month.

  • 1d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
€47.88
Setup
Free
Monthly
€3.99
+€47.88
Visit bunq
Commerzbank logo

Commerzbank

Frankfurtsince 1870

Traditional branch bank. Free for first 3 months and for customers under 28; €4.90/month after. €50K balance waiver available.

Best for Customers who need an in-person branch network

  • 7–14d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
€58.8
Setup
Free
Monthly
€4.9
+€58.8
Visit Commerzbank
Sparkasse logo

Sparkasse

Berlinsince 1778

Local public savings bank. Each regional Sparkasse operates independently — exact pricing varies locally. Best when a landlord or employer insists on a traditional Girokonto.

Best for Anyone whose landlord requires a brick-and-mortar German bank

  • 3–10d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA

Pricing note: Varies €4–€12/month depending on region, age, and account model. Check your local Sparkasse.

12-month total
Varies
Setup
Free
Monthly
Visit Sparkasse
Quick tool

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2026-06-12
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Notebook with handwritten questions
FAQ

Asked & answered.

4 girokonto questions.

N26, Wise, Revolut, and bunq all let you open an account without a SCHUFA history. Traditional banks (Sparkasse, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank) require one.
Yes. Both issue German IBANs that any German employer accepts.
N26 Standard is unconditionally free. DKB Aktivkonto and ING Girokonto are free if you deposit €700 or €1,000 per month respectively, or if you are under 28.
For most digital banks, no. N26 lets you sign up with your current address abroad and update it after you register in Germany.
Related reading

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