Banking

Germany — Banking: Best Banks

For foreigners, N26 and bunq are the most commonly recommended banks — free, fully English-language, and quick to set up. DKB offers a free debit card with free global ATM withdrawals but requires EU citizenship or German permanent residence and operates only in German. Sparkasse (a traditional branch-based bank network) charges a monthly fee (e.g. ~€6/month for Berliner Sparkasse) and requires an in-person branch visit to open, but is widely trusted and accepted everywhere including for Girocard payments.

Expat banking comparison surveys (All About Berlin, migaku, giromatch) · Last verified 2026-07-20

Key Facts

  • N26 and bunq: most recommended for foreigners — free, English-language, fast digital signup.
  • DKB: free debit card with free global ATM withdrawals, but requires EU citizenship or German permanent residence; German-language only.
  • Sparkasse: traditional branch-based bank, ~€6/month fee (varies by region), requires in-person account opening, widely accepted for Girocard payments.
  • Choice often comes down to a tradeoff: neobank speed/English support vs. traditional bank's wider merchant/Girocard acceptance.

Costs

  • Sparkasse monthly account fee (e.g. Berlin): ~€6/month

Common Mistakes

  • Applying to DKB without EU citizenship or German permanent residence — it's not available to most other visa holders.
  • Choosing N26 for its English support without realizing it doesn't offer a Girocard, only a Mastercard, which some German shops don't accept.

Related Topics

opening-accountonline-banks
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