Step-by-Step Guide:
Opening Your Depot
Complete English instructions to help you open your securities account and start investing
Go directly to depot opening →Complete Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to open your Commerzbank Depot online and start investing in stocks, ETFs, and funds.
Check the Prerequisites
Check the Prerequisites
To open a Commerzbank Depot, you need an existing Commerzbank Girokonto (or another German bank account as reference). If you don't have one yet, open a Girokonto first — it only takes about 6 minutes.
Tip: Having a Commerzbank Girokonto makes the process faster, as your identity is already verified and data is pre-filled.
Start the Online Application
Start the Online Application
Log in to your Commerzbank online banking or click "Open Depot" to start the application. Select "Depot" as the product type. Your personal data will be pre-filled from your existing account.
Tip: If you're a new customer, you'll need to complete the full application including personal details and tax information.
Provide Investment Experience Information
Provide Investment Experience Information
As required by German regulations (WpHG), you must answer questions about your investment knowledge and experience. This includes your familiarity with stocks, bonds, funds, and derivatives. Answer honestly — this determines which products you can trade.
Tip: Even if you have limited experience, you can still open a depot. You may be restricted from certain complex products initially.
Provide Tax Information
Provide Tax Information
Enter your tax identification number (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer) and select your tax residency. You can also set up a Freistellungsauftrag (tax exemption order) for up to 1,000 EUR in capital gains per year (2,000 EUR for couples).
Tip: Set up the Freistellungsauftrag immediately to avoid unnecessary tax withholding on your first investment gains.
Complete Identity Verification (New Customers)
Complete Identity Verification (New Customers)
If you're an existing Commerzbank customer with verified identity, this step is automatic. New customers need to verify via Video Chat (IDENT app, 5-10 min) or PostIdent at a Deutsche Post office.
Activate & Start Investing
Activate & Start Investing
Your depot is usually activated within 1-2 business days. Once active, log in to your online banking, navigate to the depot section, and place your first order. You can invest in stocks, ETFs, funds, and bonds.
Tip: Consider starting with a monthly ETF savings plan (Sparplan) — you can begin with as little as 25 EUR per month.
Open Depot Now
Follow these steps to open your Commerzbank Depot online. You'll need a Girokonto or another reference account.
Open Depot Now →Helpful Tips for Your Depot
Before You Start
Have your tax ID (Steuer-ID) ready. Decide on your investment strategy. Research ETFs and funds that match your risk profile. Consider setting up automatic savings plans.
Cost-Saving Tips
Use free ETF savings plans where available. Set up a Freistellungsauftrag to optimize taxes. Compare trading fees for one-time purchases vs. savings plans. Consider the free depot conditions.