How to open a German bank account in 2026
Which German banks accept new arrivals without an Anmeldung or Schufa history, what documents you need, and the order to do it in.
Sources and last review
Reviewed 2026-09-15
An account supporting SEPA transfers and direct debits can handle salary, rent and recurring bills. Eligible SEPA payments do not universally require a German IBAN. Check account eligibility and features separately from immigration proof-of-funds requirements.
The good news is that this has become much easier. A few years ago you needed a registered address before any bank would talk to you, which created a genuine chicken-and-egg problem because landlords wanted a German account. Several banks have now dropped that requirement entirely.
The sequence that works
Open a digital account first
Check the provider’s supported country of residence, identification and address requirements before applying. A delivery address, residence eligibility and an Anmeldung certificate are different requirements. Approval is not guaranteed; N26 may assess SCHUFA information and offer Flex in some circumstances.
Add a traditional bank later
Once you have your Anmeldung and Steuer-ID, open a traditional account if you need one.
Which bank for which situation
The practical differences that matter for a newcomer.
| Bank | Anmeldung needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| N26 | No | Getting a German IBAN immediately on arrival |
| bunq | Within 90 days | Accepts a wider range of nationalities |
| Wise | No | Opening from abroad, cheap international transfers |
| DKB / ING | Yes, plus Steuer-ID | Full direct banking once settled |
| Sparkasse / Commerzbank | Yes | Cash deposits, branch service, formal letters |
The Schufa problem
You arrive with no credit history at all
Schufa is Germany’s credit reference agency. New arrivals have no file, which some banks treat as risk.
You have a legal right to a basic account
Eligible consumers can apply for a basic payment account under the Zahlungskontengesetz. Statutory eligibility and refusal grounds apply. It provides payment services without an overdraft.
Documents to have ready
Exact requirements vary by bank, but this covers most applications.
Why applications get rejected
Details that do not match exactly
If the name or address on your application differs at all from your passport or Anmeldung, the system flags it.
Failed video identification
Poor lighting, a damaged document or a weak connection will end the call.
Applying before your Steuer-ID arrives
Some banks will not process an application without it.
The IBAN detail nobody mentions
Not all IBANs are treated equally
Some providers issue non-German IBANs, which occasionally get rejected.