Opening a German Bank Account as an Australian: Complete 2026 Guide

Opening a German bank account is one of the first practical tasks every Australian needs to complete after arriving in Germany. Without one, you cannot receive salary payments, pay rent by bank transfer, set up direct debits for utilities, or access the German financial system in any meaningful way. German society still runs heavily on bank transfers (Überweisungen) and direct debits (Lastschrift) — cash is less useful here than in Australia.

This guide covers which banks work best for Australians, what you need to open an account, the order in which to do things, and the options available if you are in Germany before you have all your documents.

What You Need Before You Can Open a German Bank Account

Traditional German banks require two documents before they will open an account:

1. Your passport A valid Australian passport is accepted by all German banks as proof of identity. Some banks also accept the Australian driver's licence alongside the passport.

2. Your Meldebestätigung (Anmeldung registration certificate) This is the document you receive after completing your Anmeldung — the official address registration at the local Bürgeramt. It confirms your registered German address.

The Meldebestätigung is the sticking point for many new arrivals. You cannot complete your Anmeldung without a permanent address, and you cannot open most German bank accounts without the Anmeldung. This creates a catch-22 that trips up many Australians in their first weeks.

The solution: Use a digital bank (N26 or DKB) that does not require the Meldebestätigung for the initial account opening. More on this below.

The Best German Banks for Australians

N26 — Best for New Arrivals (No Anmeldung Required)

Type: Online-only digital bank Account fee: Free (N26 Standard) / €4.90/month (N26 Smart) / €9.90/month (N26 You) Language: English-language interface available Requires Meldebestätigung: No Requires German address: No (for initial application)

N26 is consistently the recommended starting point for Australians moving to Germany, and for good reason. N26 opened a German bank account using a video identification process (VideoIdent) that works entirely online — no branch visit, no Meldebestätigung required.

How N26 account opening works:

1. Download the N26 app
2. Start the account opening process
3. Complete the VideoIdent — a short video call with an identification agent where you show your passport on camera (available in English)
4. Account is activated within 24–48 hours

N26 gives you a German IBAN immediately, which you can give to employers and landlords while waiting for your physical card (arrives by post to your address in Germany within 5–10 business days).

Limitations of N26:

• No physical branches (no over-the-counter cash services)
• Cash deposits require visiting a partner retail location
• Some German landlords and employers prefer accounts from traditional banks — rare but occasionally an issue
• Customer service is primarily via chat/email — phone support is limited

Verdict: Start with N26. It is the fastest way to get a German IBAN and is excellent for day-to-day use.

DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank) — Best Free Traditional Account

Type: Online bank with traditional backing Account fee: Free with active use conditions / €4.50/month otherwise Language: German only Requires Meldebestätigung: Yes Requires German address: Yes

DKB is a full German bank (owned by BayernLB, a state bank) offering genuinely free banking when you receive a monthly salary or maintain a minimum balance. Unlike N26, DKB uses traditional German banking infrastructure, which means your account is fully integrated with German banking networks.

DKB is widely considered the best free traditional account in Germany for everyday banking. The DKB Visa card is free and works at ATMs worldwide without fees — excellent for Australians who still withdraw from Australian accounts.

How to open: Application is done online via dkb.de (German language). You will need:

• German address (Meldebestätigung)
• Passport/ID details
• SCHUFA credit check consent (Germany's credit reference agency)

For Australians with no German credit history, DKB may initially issue a limited account or request additional verification — this is normal and not a refusal.

Deutsche Bank — Best for Complex Needs

Type: Full-service traditional bank with branches Account fee: From €5.90/month Language: English-speaking staff available at major branches Requires Meldebestätigung: Yes Requires German address: Yes

Deutsche Bank is Germany's largest bank and has branches in major cities. For Australians who need in-person banking — particularly useful for self-employed people, those with complex financial situations, or those who want face-to-face service — Deutsche Bank is the most accessible traditional option with English support available.

Fees are higher than digital alternatives but the branch network and relationship banking may be worth it for some users.

Commerzbank — Good Alternative Traditional Bank

Type: Full-service traditional bank Account fee: From €0 (with conditions) to €12.90/month Language: Some English support Requires Meldebestätigung: Yes

Commerzbank is Germany's second largest bank with a strong branch network. Competitive account options for salaried employees. Relevant for Australians who prefer a traditional bank over a digital-only option.

Revolut — Useful Supplement, Not a Replacement

Type: UK-based fintech Account fee: Free tier available German IBAN: Limited (may show as Lithuanian or Irish IBAN)

Revolut is popular with Australian expats for its excellent currency exchange rates and international transfer features. However, Revolut does not provide a full German IBAN, which means some German landlords and employers will not accept it for rent payments or salary deposits.

Use Revolut as a supplement for currency exchange, international spending, and transfers between Australia and Germany. Do not rely on it as your primary German account.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) — Best for AUD to EUR Transfers

Wise is not a German bank but it is essential for Australians moving money between Australia and Germany. The Wise multi-currency account gives you both Australian and German account details and transfers between currencies at the real mid-market exchange rate with transparent low fees.

Set up a Wise account before you leave Australia. It will be your primary tool for:

• Sending money from your Australian bank to your German account
• Maintaining an AUD account for Australian bills while living in Germany
• Currency exchange at rates significantly better than traditional banks

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your German Banking

Before you leave Australia:

1. Open a Wise account and link your Australian bank account
2. Load some AUD and convert to EUR for your first weeks in Germany

Within your first week in Germany:

1. Open an N26 account using the app and VideoIdent — you get a German IBAN immediately
2. Use this IBAN to receive initial salary payments if you start work quickly

After your Anmeldung (14 days):

1. Open a DKB account for a full-featured free German bank account
2. Once your DKB account is active, you may choose to use it as your primary account and keep N26 as a backup

Optional:

1. If you need a traditional bank for business, Deutsche Bank or Commerzbank are appropriate

The SCHUFA: Germany's Credit Reference System

SCHUFA is Germany's equivalent of Australia's credit reporting system (Equifax/Illion). It tracks your German financial history — bank accounts, loans, mobile phone contracts, and so on. As a new arrival in Germany, you have no SCHUFA history, which is neutral (neither positive nor negative).

Some banks and landlords will do a SCHUFA check as part of their assessment. As a new arrival, your response to a SCHUFA check is simply that you are new to Germany and have no German credit history. This is expected and not a black mark.

Over time, your SCHUFA score builds through responsible financial behaviour — paying bills on time, not defaulting on any contracts. Avoid cancelling bank accounts or other contracts abruptly, as this can negatively affect your SCHUFA score.

You can request a free copy of your own SCHUFA record once per year at meineschufa.de.

Opening an Account Without the Anmeldung: Your Options

If you have just arrived in Germany and cannot yet complete your Anmeldung (perhaps because you are still in temporary accommodation), here are your options:

Option 1: N26 (recommended) N26 does not require an Anmeldung for initial account opening. Get your N26 account started from day one.

Option 2: Bunq Another digital bank that has more flexible address requirements. Less widely used than N26 but a valid alternative.

Option 3: Ask your employer for a cash advance If you are starting work immediately, ask your employer whether they can pay your first week or two in cash while your bank account is being sorted. Many German employers are familiar with this request from international hires.

Option 4: Use Wise's German account details Wise provides a German IBAN (held with a German partner bank) that can receive EUR transfers. Not ideal as a long-term solution but works as a temporary measure.

Sending Money Between Australia and Germany

This is a recurring need for Australians living in Germany — supporting Australian financial commitments (super, loans, insurance) or receiving Australian income while based in Germany.

Best options for AUD → EUR transfers:

Wise — The most commonly used and consistently competitive. Transparent fees, real exchange rate. Set up an account in advance.

OFX (formerly OzForex) — Australian-based international transfer specialist. Good for larger transfers. Former Australian company with a strong track record.

Revolut — Good for smaller amounts and day-to-day currency exchange.

Traditional bank wire transfers — Expensive and slow. Avoid for regular transfers.

As a rough guide, Wise or OFX will save you AUD $50–$150 per $5,000 transfer compared to using a traditional bank's international transfer service.

Tax Implications of German Bank Accounts

From the moment you complete your Anmeldung and become a German tax resident, your German bank accounts are part of your German tax picture. German banks report interest income to the German tax authorities (Finanzamt).

Germany has a Savings Allowance (Sparerpauschbetrag) of €1,000 per year (€2,000 for couples) before savings interest is taxed. Submit a Freistellungsauftrag (exemption order) to your bank to prevent automatic tax withholding on interest up to this threshold.

For Australians with ongoing Australian bank accounts and investments, your Australian income is generally covered by the Australia-Germany Double Taxation Agreement — you will not be double-taxed on the same income, but you may have reporting obligations in both countries. Seek advice from a Steuerberater (German tax adviser) for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Australian bank card in Germany? Yes, for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Australian cards (Visa and Mastercard) work throughout Germany. However, foreign transaction fees and currency conversion margins make this expensive for regular use. The DKB Visa card and N26 card are much cheaper for ATM withdrawals.

Do I need a German bank account to rent a flat? Yes, in practice. German landlords pay rent by monthly bank transfer (SEPA-Überweisung). Most will not accept payment by other means. A German IBAN — even from N26 — is essential before you sign a lease.

Can I keep my Australian bank account? Yes and you should. Keep your Australian account active for Australian financial obligations (superannuation contributions, insurance, credit cards, any Australian income). Set up automatic transfers from your Australian account to your Wise account for regular EUR needs.

How long does it take to get my German bank card? N26: 5–10 business days to your German address after account activation. DKB: 5–10 business days. Deutsche Bank: available at branch upon account opening.

Summary

Open an N26 account using the app the day you arrive in Germany — you get a German IBAN immediately without needing your Anmeldung. Once you have completed your Anmeldung, open a DKB account for a full-featured free traditional account. Use Wise for AUD-EUR transfers and Revolut as a supplement for currency exchange.

Having your banking sorted within the first two weeks removes one of the biggest practical stressors of the early days in Germany and makes every other administrative step easier.

Related reading: Anmeldung Guide for Australians | How to Move to Germany from Australia | Australian Superannuation While Living in Germany