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Commerzbank GiroKonto

The complete current account for your life in Germany

Get 50€ starting credit, English support, and access to 6,000+ ATMs nationwide.

Perfect for receiving your salary, paying rent, and managing all your daily banking needs.

Open GiroKonto Now
Trusted by Expats
Since 2014
Used by
10,000+ Expats

Why choose the GiroKonto?

50€
Starting Credit

Receive 50€ when you open your account online and actively use it for 3 months. Plus 100€ for each successful referral!

0€ - 4.90€
Monthly Fee

First 3 months FREE! Remains free permanently if you maintain €50,000+ in combined assets. Otherwise €4.90/month from month 4.

What's included?

Girocard (Debit Card)

Contactless payment with your physical debit card. Accepted everywhere in Germany and across Europe.

Virtual Debit Card

Use Apple Pay and Google Pay without waiting for your physical card. Start paying immediately!

Free Cash Access

Withdraw cash at over 6,000 ATMs across Germany for free. Part of the Cash Group network.

International Transfers

Easy SEPA transfers within Europe. Send money to family and friends internationally.

Mobile Banking 24/7

Full English online banking and award-winning mobile app. Bank anytime, anywhere.

English Support

Get help in English at 450+ branches nationwide or via phone and online banking.

Unlimited Cash Deposits

Deposit cash for free at Commerzbank cash machines across Germany. No limits or fees.

Instant Payments

Send money in real-time via the banking app. Transfers arrive within seconds, 24/7.

7-Day Customer Service

Customer support available seven days a week via phone, online banking, and branches.

Ready to open your GiroKonto?

Get 50€ starting credit and enjoy free banking with English support

Open GiroKonto Now

Requirements to open a GiroKonto

Who can open an account?

  • You must be registered in Germany (Anmeldung)
  • At least 18 years old
  • Valid passport or European ID card
  • German address (from your Anmeldung)
  • Valid email address and phone number

How to get the 50€ starting credit?

  • You are a new customer (no account in the past 24 months)
  • You open the account online
  • You actively use your account for 3 months
  • You agree to promotional emails and calls

Pricing & Fees

Monthly Account Fee

Basic GiroKonto

0€ - 4.90€
First 3 months FREE

Account fee structure:

✓ Free permanently if:

You maintain a combined balance of at least €50,000 across all your call money, fixed-term deposit, savings accounts, current accounts, and custody account assets managed under one customer number. Negative balances on current accounts are not considered. This is reviewed monthly on the last banking day.

Otherwise: €4.90/month from month 4

If your assets fall below €50,000, the monthly fee will be charged with the next account statement.

Free Services

  • ✓ Account opening
  • ✓ Girocard (debit card)
  • ✓ Virtual debit card
  • ✓ SEPA transfers
  • ✓ Standing orders
  • ✓ Cash withdrawals (6000+ ATMs)
  • ✓ Unlimited cash deposits
  • ✓ Instant payments via app
  • ✓ Online & mobile banking
  • ✓ Apple Pay & Google Pay
  • ✓ Customer service 7 days a week

Optional Add-ons

  • • Credit Card (various options)
  • • Overdraft facility
  • • Paper statements (if requested)
  • • International transfers (non-SEPA)
  • • Premium support services

How to open your GiroKonto

Open your account in 6 easy steps - completely online in just a few minutes

1

Complete the online application

Fill out the German application form online. You'll receive your new IBAN immediately. We provide a free English guide to help you through each step.

2

Receive confirmation email

After submitting your application, you'll receive all important documents and next steps by email.

3

Verify your identity

Choose from three convenient options: Video-Ident (instant), PostIdent (at any post office), or visit a Commerzbank branch.

4

Activate photoTAN

Within 1-2 business days after verification, you can activate the secure photoTAN procedure in your online banking.

5

Receive your PIN

Your card PIN will arrive by mail separately for security reasons.

6

Get your Girocard

About 4 working days later, your Girocard arrives in a separate letter. You can now use it with your PIN!

Ready to start banking in Germany?

Open your GiroKonto now and receive 50€ starting credit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a GiroKonto without speaking German?

Yes! Commerzbank offers full English support in online banking, the mobile app, and at many branches. The application process is in German, but we provide a free step-by-step English guide to help you through it.

How long does it take to open an account?

Once you've verified your identity and activated photoTAN, your online banking is ready in 1-2 business days. Your physical Girocard arrives within about one week.

Do I need a residence permit?

You need to be registered in Germany (Anmeldung) with a German address. Your residence permit status may be checked, but many visa types are accepted. EU citizens only need their ID card.

Can I use the account for my salary?

Absolutely! The GiroKonto is a full current account perfect for receiving your salary, paying rent, and all your daily banking needs in Germany.

What's the difference between GiroKonto and StartKonto?

The StartKonto is designed for people under 28 years old and is completely free with no monthly fee. The GiroKonto is for all adults and has a €4.90 monthly fee (first 3 months free) that can be waived under certain conditions.

Where can I withdraw cash?

At Cash Group ATMs (6,000+): You can withdraw cash for free from all Commerzbank and Cash Group cash machines in Germany. The Cash Group includes Deutsche Bank, HypoVereinsbank, Postbank and their subsidiaries.

At participating supermarkets: You can also withdraw cash for free when shopping at:

  • Rewe, Penny, Toom
  • Aldi Süd, Lidl, Edeka
  • DM, Netto, Norma
  • Famila, Galeria Kaufhof

Minimum purchase value varies between €5 and €20 depending on the store.

Does the account come with an overdraft facility?

Yes! If you have a good credit score and request an overdraft, Commerzbank can set one up for you. The overdraft facility allows you to temporarily spend more than your account balance.

Current overdraft interest rate: 12.20% p.a.

The overdraft limit depends on your creditworthiness and must be requested separately. Interest rates may vary depending on your account model.

What is the Commerzbank security promise?

The Commerzbank security promise ensures you can use your online banking safely and securely. You benefit from optimal protection through the photoTAN authentication process for all transactions.

Full protection guarantee: If you lose money due to phishing scams or malware, Commerzbank will refund the full amount if the necessary security conditions are met.

This includes protection when using both the online banking website and the mobile banking app.

Why is Commerzbank ideal for expats?

Commerzbank is the perfect choice for expats moving to Germany because it combines traditional German banking reliability with modern, expat-friendly features:

  • Full English support: Complete English interface in both the banking app and online banking platform
  • Nationwide presence: 450+ branches across Germany offering in-person help when needed
  • English-speaking customer service: Get support in English via phone, email, or in select branches
  • Extensive ATM network: Access 6,000+ free ATMs through the Cash Group partnership (Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, HypoVereinsbank, Postbank)
  • International recognition: Established German bank with global connections and SEPA transfer capabilities
  • Visa acceptance: Works with various visa types and residence permits
  • Award-winning mobile app: Modern digital banking experience perfect for tech-savvy expats
  • Free cash deposits: Unlimited free cash deposits at Commerzbank ATMs nationwide

Whether you're a student, professional, or starting a new life in Germany, Commerzbank makes banking accessible and straightforward for non-German speakers.

Start your financial journey in Germany today

Join thousands of expats who trust Commerzbank for their banking needs

Open Your GiroKonto Now