Over 27? Explore GiroKonto

Commerzbank StartKonto

The perfect free account for young people under 28

For students, trainees, and career starters in Germany

No monthly fees, no hidden costs, and full access to all banking services.

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

Why StartKonto is perfect for you

The best banking package for students, trainees and young professionals

100%
FREE

No monthly fees for customers under 28 years old. Completely free banking!

50€
BONUS

Starting credit when you open online and actively use your account!

24/7
SUPPORT

English online banking and mobile app available anytime, anywhere!

Stay free until you turn 28! No hidden costs, no surprises. After 28, your account automatically converts to a regular GiroKonto.

Perfect for

Students

University, Hochschule, or vocational school students in Germany

Trainees

Apprentices (Azubis) starting their career in Germany

Career Starters

Young professionals starting their first job

Expats Under 28

International newcomers to Germany under 28

Ready to start your free banking journey?

Join thousands of young people who chose StartKonto for their financial needs in Germany

Open Your StartKonto Now

Everything you need, all included

Free Girocard

Contactless debit card for payments and withdrawals

Virtual Debit Card

Instant digital card for Apple Pay & Google Pay

6,000+ Cash Group ATMs

Free cash withdrawals across Germany

Free SEPA Transfers

Unlimited transfers within Europe at no cost

English Banking App

Award-winning mobile app in English, 24/7 access

English Support

Help in English at 450+ branches nationwide

Standing Orders

Automate your rent and regular payments

Direct Debit

Automatic payment of bills and subscriptions

Secure photoTAN

Bank-level security for all transactions

Add a free credit card

Choose the card that fits your age and needs

💳

Young Visa Credit Card

For students and trainees aged 18-28. Free worldwide payments and cash withdrawals.

100% free with StartKonto
Apple Pay & Google Pay compatible
Worldwide contactless payment
Ages 18-28 years old

Requirements: Minimum €300 monthly income (salary, BAföG, etc.) and good credit score

🎮

Prepaid Junior Credit Card

For teenagers aged 14-17. Safe prepaid card for school trips, exchanges, and online shopping.

Free until age 18
Prepaid - load up to €500
No credit check required
Ages 14-17 years old

Perfect for: School trips, exchanges, online gaming, and learning financial responsibility

Designed for student life

Student Budget Friendly

No monthly fees means more money for books, food, and fun. Perfect for managing your BAföG, student job income, or money from home.

Split Bills Easily

Free instant transfers to friends for shared rent, groceries, or nights out. No cash needed - just send money with the app.

Study Abroad Ready

Keep your German account when you go on Erasmus or internships abroad. Use it across Europe with SEPA transfers.

Award-Winning Mobile App

Manage everything from your phone with our innovative banking app:

  • • Check balance anytime, anywhere
  • • Fast transfers with photoTAN
  • • Find nearby ATMs instantly
  • • Push notifications (Kontoalarm)
  • • Income/expense overview (FinanzAssistent)
  • • Block Girocard via app
  • • Service requests via chat

Who can open a StartKonto?

Basic Requirements

  • Age: You must be between 18 and 27 years old (under 28)
  • Registration: Registered in Germany with a German address (Anmeldung)
  • ID: Valid passport or European ID card
  • Contact: Valid email address and phone number

💡 Good to Know

  • No proof required: You don't need to prove you're a student or trainee
  • Works for everyone under 28: Whether you're studying, working, or looking for a job
  • International students welcome: Many visa types accepted
  • After 28: Your account automatically becomes a regular GiroKonto (€4.90/month)

Open your StartKonto in 3 simple steps

1

Apply Online

Fill out the online application (in German, but we have a free English guide). You'll get your IBAN immediately and can start receiving money right away.

→ Get our free English guide
2

Verify Your Identity

Choose the easiest option for you:

  • Video-Ident: Instant verification via video call (fastest!)
  • PostIdent: Visit any German post office with your ID
  • Branch: Visit any Commerzbank branch in person
3

Start Banking!

After verification:

  • 1-2 days: Online banking ready (with photoTAN activation)
  • 3-5 days: PIN arrives by mail
  • ~1 week: Physical Girocard arrives
  • Instant: Virtual card ready for Apple/Google Pay immediately!

Ready to start your financial life in Germany?

Your StartKonto Guide

Get our free English guide to opening your StartKonto

Step-by-step instructions in English to help you through the German application form

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Common Questions

What happens when I turn 28?

Important: If you keep your StartKonto after turning 28 without switching, a monthly fee of €9.90 will apply from your 28th birthday onwards.

We recommend: Switch to a GiroKonto, KlassikKonto, or PremiumKonto before your 28th birthday. With the GiroKonto, you'll pay only €4.90/month (first 3 months free) and can even make it free permanently by maintaining €50,000+ in combined assets or meeting digital banking conditions.

You'll keep all your account data, cards, and access - just with more suitable pricing for your age group.

Do I need to be a student?

No! The StartKonto is for everyone under 28, regardless of whether you're a student, trainee, working, or between jobs. No proof of enrollment required.

Can I use it for my salary or BAföG?

Absolutely! The StartKonto is a full current account perfect for receiving your salary, BAföG, student job income, or money transfers from family.

Can I open it if I just arrived in Germany?

Yes! You need to be registered in Germany (Anmeldung) with a German address. Many visa types are accepted. The application process has English support through our guide.

Is there really no catch with "free"?

No catch! The StartKonto is genuinely free for people under 28. Basic banking services (account, Girocard, transfers, ATM withdrawals) cost nothing. Optional services like credit cards or international (non-SEPA) transfers may have fees.

Where can I withdraw cash for free?

At Cash Group ATMs (6,000+): You can withdraw cash for free from all Commerzbank and Cash Group ATMs 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.

Can I get an overdraft (Dispokredit)?

For 18+ years: Students and trainees aged 18 and older can apply for an overdraft facility. Requirements include regular income and a good credit score (Bonität). Variable interest charges apply quarterly.

Under 18 years: Overdraft is not available for account holders under 18 years old.

What's the difference from GiroKonto?

The StartKonto is 100% free for people under 28. The GiroKonto has a €4.90 monthly fee (first 3 months free) but is available to everyone regardless of age. Both have the same features and benefits.

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.

Join thousands of young people banking with Commerzbank

Free banking, English support, and everything you need for life in Germany

✓ 100% free until 28  |  ✓ No hidden fees  |  ✓ English support