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 NowWhy StartKonto is perfect for you
The best banking package for students, trainees and young professionals
No monthly fees for customers under 28 years old. Completely free banking!
Starting credit when you open online and actively use your account!
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 NowEverything 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.
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.
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
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 guideVerify 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
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