How to Open a German Bank Account as Student

How to Open a German Bank Account as Student: A Complete Guide for 2025

Opening a bank account in Germany is one of the first and most essential tasks for any international student. Without a local bank account, you won’t be able to receive your monthly blocked account transfers, pay rent to your landlord, set up a mobile contract, or register for health insurance—basic necessities for daily life in Germany.

Whether you’re a non-EU student required to prove financial stability or an EU student needing a reliable way to manage your finances, a German bank account is non-negotiable.

To open a German bank account as student, you must choose between a digital bank or a traditional bank, prepare documents like your passport, student visa or residence permit, confirmation of university enrollment, and proof of German address (Anmeldung).

Depending on the bank, you’ll either apply online and verify your identity via video call, or visit a branch for an in-person check.

This step-by-step guide explains exactly how the process works, what types of accounts students need, how your visa status impacts eligibility, and how to avoid common issues like missing paperwork or rejections—so you can get started on the right foot in Germany.

Best Student Banks in Germany – Quick Comparison

Types of Bank Accounts in Germany for Students

Girokonto: The Standard Student Bank Account

To open a German bank account as student, most choose a Girokonto (current account). It allows you to:

• Pay rent and utilities
• Receive part-time job or scholarship payments
• Make SEPA transfers in the EU
• Link to your German mobile and health insurance

Many banks offer student versions of this account with zero monthly fees and benefits like free cards and international transfers.

Sperrkonto: The Blocked Account for Visa Requirements

For non-EU students, a Sperrkonto is often required before receiving a student visa. It proves you have enough funds to support yourself. However, it does not replace a Girokonto. After arriving, students must open a German bank account as student to receive monthly disbursements from the blocked account.

Can Minors Open a German Bank Account?

Yes, but with additional steps. Students under 18 can still open a German bank account as student, but parental consent is usually required. Some banks, particularly traditional ones like Sparkasse, offer youth accounts (Jugendkonto) with special terms:

• Joint application with a legal guardian
• Parent or guardian’s ID and proof of income
• May restrict online features or payment limits

If you’re a minor planning to study in Germany, it’s essential to check with the bank in advance or coordinate through your host university.

Visa-Specific Requirements to Open a German Bank Account as Student

Non-EU Students

• Blocked account is mandatory for visa
• You’ll also need a regular Girokonto for living expenses
• Proof of residence and visa status required

EU/EEA Students

• No blocked account required
• Can open a German bank account as student with minimal paperwork
• ID or passport usually sufficient

Some banks, especially online ones, simplify the process for EU students, while non-EU students may face stricter identity checks and visa-based restrictions.

Required Documents to Open a German Bank Account as Student

To open a German bank account as student, gather the following:

• Valid passport or EU ID
• German visa/residence permit (non-EU only)
• Proof of university admission or enrollment
• Proof of German address (Anmeldung or rental contract)
• Optional: Tax ID (Steuer-ID) or health insurance certificate
• German phone number (some banks require this)

The more organized your documentation, the faster and smoother your application will be—especially if applying in person.

Step-by-Step Process to Open a German Bank Account as Student

Step 1: Choose a Bank

Consider whether you prefer an online bank or a traditional one with branches. Look for:

• No monthly fees for students
• English-speaking support
• Compatibility with your visa status
• SEPA capabilities and online access

Choosing the right institution will define how efficiently you can open a German bank account as student and manage it.

Step 2: Prepare All Documents

Make sure all your documents are current and match your registration details. Incomplete paperwork is the top reason applications are delayed or rejected.

Step 3: Start the Application Process

You can open a German bank account as student either online or at a local branch:

• Online Banks: N26, bunq, or DKB usually accept applications digitally
• Traditional Banks: Commerzbank, Sparkasse, and Deutsche Bank often require in-person visits

Online applications may take as little as 15 minutes, while branch-based setups could take a few days.

Step 4: Identity Verification

• VideoIdent (video call ID check) is common for online banks
• PostIdent via Deutsche Post or in-branch ID verification for others
• Ensure your camera, passport, and connection are working properly during video calls

Step 5: Receive Your IBAN and Banking Materials

Once verified, your IBAN, debit card, and online access credentials are sent by post or email. Now you can fully open a German bank account as student and begin managing your finances in Germany.

Best Banks to Open a German Bank Account as Student

N26

• 100% digital onboarding
• No fees for basic accounts
• English interface and mobile-first banking
• Ideal if you want to open a German bank account as student before arriving in Germany

Commerzbank

• No fees for students under 28
• Strong in-person support
• Full online and mobile access

Deutsche Bank

• Officially accepted for visa-related blocked accounts
• Traditional structure, widely trusted
• More bureaucracy, but high visa-compatibility

Sparkasse

• Widely available across Germany
• Ideal for underage students or those seeking branch-based support
• Not always the most modern digital experience

What to Do If You Can’t Open a German Bank Account as Student

Sometimes applications are delayed or rejected. Here’s what to do:

Issue: No Anmeldung (proof of address)

Many banks, especially traditional ones, require this. Use your temporary housing contract, hostel registration, or university dorm address if available.

Issue: Lack of German skills

If the bank interface or contract is only in German, use digital banks like N26 or ask a university advisor to help interpret documents.

Issue: SCHUFA not available

SCHUFA (credit score) is not required to open a German bank account as student initially. Most student accounts are exempt. However, banks like DKB or ING may run checks—stick to student-friendly banks when new to Germany.

Issue: Rejection with no reason

If rejected, request a written explanation. Try another bank, especially one with expat-friendly terms. Also, check your documents for inconsistencies, especially your proof of residence.

What Happens If You Switch Banks After Opening One?

It’s common to open a German bank account as student with a visa-friendly institution (like Deutsche Bank) and later switch to a better or more flexible one. Here’s what to consider:

• Notify institutions (employer, health insurance, university) of your new IBAN
• Close the old account only after ensuring all payments and transfers have been updated
• Avoid fees by closing during a billing cycle to avoid charges for partial months

Some banks charge account closure fees, so check their terms carefully before switching.

Glossary of Banking Terms

• IBAN: International Bank Account Number used for SEPA transfers in the EU
• BIC: Bank Identifier Code, used with IBAN for international transactions
• SEPA: Single Euro Payments Area – enables free cross-border euro transfers
• Girokonto: The German term for a standard current account
• Sperrkonto: A blocked account required by German embassies for visa applications
• VideoIdent: Online identity verification via video call
• PostIdent: Identity verification done at Deutsche Post

Understanding these terms makes it easier to navigate the process and communicate with banks, even in German.

Open a German Bank Account as Student with Confidence

Whether you’re applying from abroad or after landing in Germany, taking the time to open a German bank account as student is an essential step in settling into your new academic life. From receiving your blocked funds to paying rent or part-time wages, a local bank account makes everything smoother.

Choose a bank that fits your needs — digital for convenience or traditional for structure. Understand the documents you need. Don’t let minor issues delay your financial setup. And if one bank says no, try another. Germany’s banking system can seem rigid, but it works well once you’re inside it.

By planning ahead, understanding the requirements, and choosing the right bank, you can successfully open a German bank account as student and set yourself up for a successful stay in Germany.

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