Opening a
bank account
Student life means taking responsibility for yourself. Having your own current account is a must. Standing orders for rent, telephone, Internet, and insurance are automatically and conveniently debited with your consent.
If you have sufficient funds in your account, you can withdraw cash from any ATM in Germany — although you may have to pay a fee. You can make cashless payments with your debit card at all suitable checkouts. A bank card is usually free of charge for students. In most cases, you can only make cashless payments with a debit card from a German bank in Germany. Outside Germany, this is only possible in conjunction with the Maestro international payment system, for example. Find out how your bank handles this before you go on vacation.
A bank account to suit your needs
You are free to choose which bank you would like to use for your money. You will find banks and savings banks on almost every corner in every city. Just keep your eyes open or search the net. And speaking of the Internet: Online banks are also an option. These allow you to conduct all banking transactions exclusively online.
Documents required for opening an account
When you open your first current account, every reputable bank will require various documents:
- Passport or identity card,
- Student ID card or certificate of enrolment (also letter of admission from the university),
- Registration confirmation (residents’ registration office, immigration authority).
If you present these documents to the bank staff, they will help you to open an account. If you’re not sure what documents your chosen bank requires, give them a call beforehand and find out. This saves you extra trips and time.
Good to know
Be careful not to confuse your bank account with your blocked account. You will need the blocked account in addition to prove your financial means before you start your studies.
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