Choosing a German current account: what does everyday banking cost?
Account maintenance is only part of the price. Compare cards, cash, conditions and the services you actually need.
By Maximilian Steinmetz · · 6 October 2026Quick answer: what matters when choosing a German current account?
Compare annual costs for how you actually bank: maintenance, required cards, cash and overseas payments. Check which incoming payments waive fees and whether transfers from your own accounts qualify. A one-off bonus does not replace suitable ongoing terms.
Your routine determines the services you need
Do you use a branch, deposit cash or manage everything digitally? Do you need a debit card or an additional credit card? A bank with a low basic fee can suit someone else’s routine better than yours.
You can make a separate card choice without switching your current account. If travel payments or deposits are your main concern, consider whether a separate card is enough. The account comparison and card finder answer different questions.
Understand conditional fee waivers
Some tariffs waive a monthly fee only above a certain incoming-payment threshold. Check which payments qualify and what happens during months below the threshold. The incoming-payment value you select is a calculation scenario, not a statement about your financial status.
The comparison includes basic fees, selected cards, mandatory extras and your chosen cash and foreign-currency usage. It does not automatically cover overdraft interest, unusual services or undocumented charges. Check the price list for any additional needs.
Keep annual costs and bonuses separate
The default order considers documented recurring costs over twelve months. Any one-off opening bonus appears separately with its conditions. Products with incomplete cost information do not receive an estimated cost advantage.
Plan a switch around your actual needs
Before closing an account, check recurring direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments. Read the conditions of the services you want and confirm any branch or ATM needs. The prepared comparison keeps filters editable; offers appear only after editorial approval.
Worked example: what does a low monthly fee mean?
Illustration only: €4 monthly maintenance plus €12 a year for an additional card equals €60 in recurring annual costs before usage fees. If the base fee is waived only for qualifying incoming payments, also consider months when those payments are missing. Show bonuses separately.
Frequently asked questions
What is a minimum monthly deposit on a current account?
Some banks waive the account fee only if a certain amount arrives each month, such as salary. If not, a fee can apply. Also check whether transfers from your own accounts count.
Can I get a current account without a credit check?
Under German law, every consumer legally resident in the EU is entitled to a basic payment account regardless of credit history. A basic account may carry fees and usually has no overdraft.
Which costs arise besides the account fee?
Typical extras are card fees, cash from other banks’ ATMs, cash deposits, paper transfers, replacement cards and overdraft interest. Calculate with your actual usage.
Online bank or branch bank?
Online banks are often cheaper and work via app, web and phone. Branch banks offer in-person advice and easier cash deposits. It depends on how you use cash and how much service you need.
Compare current accounts
Take your requirements into the comparison. Settings remain visible and editable.
Prepare comparison