How to open a
Commerzbank account
in Germany 2026
If you want to settle in Germany, it is necessary to open a bank account. Commerzbank offers many advantages for expats, which we will present to you in this article.
In addition, we will explain to you under what conditions you can open a bank account at Commerzbank, and how to fill in the German online application form step by step. Therefore, we prepared a free English guide.
The biggest advantages of a bank account with Commerzbank for expats:
Competent, English-speaking customer service in about 450 branches across Germany seven days a week
Access to English online and mobile banking 24/7, with an excellent banking app and instant payments
Easy payment with your smartphone or smartwatch because Google Pay and Apple Pay are supported
Unlimited free cash withdrawals at over 6,000 Cash Group machines and free deposits at Commerzbank ATMs
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Your Commerzbank Guide
Commerzbank offers everything an English-speaking customer could wish for. Customer service and online banking in English and many additional advantages.
We are happy to help you with our free guide to open your Commerzbank account now.
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First 3 months free. Permanently free with €50,000+ assets.
Is the Commerzbank account free?
There are no fees¹ for the Commerzbank Basic account, provided the following conditions are met. Additionally, you get a 50€ starting credit² + 100€ per referral, via the customer recruit customer program. To take advantage of these benefits, you must meet the following conditions:
- Private use
- If you are under 28 years old, the account is completely free with no monthly fees (StartKonto).
- 3 months without account fees; the following conditions apply for a permanently free GiroKonto account. Otherwise: ¹You have a credit balance of at least €50,000 in your call money, fixed-term deposit and savings accounts as well as current accounts and assets in the custody account, which are managed under one customer number and totalled. Negative balances on current accounts are not taken into account. A review is carried out monthly on the last bank working day. If the assets have fallen below the minimum value of €50,000, the monthly price will be calculated with the next account statement. Otherwise, a monthly fee of €4.90 applies.
- Digital (paperless) account management
- Use of Commerzbank or Cash Group ATMs provided no deposit fee is charged
²You receive the 50€ starting credit at Commerzbank if:
- You are a new customer (no account in the past 24 months at Commerzbank)
- You open the account online
- You use your account actively for 3 months
- You agree to promotional emails and calls
What is included in the free Basic account of the Commerzbank in Germany?
- The contactless debit card, named Girocard
- The Virtual debit card, which allows you to use Apple Pay and Google Pay without a traditional credit card
- Free cash at over 6,000 cash machines in Germany
- Competent, English-speaking customer service in about 450 branches across Germany
- Access to English online and mobile banking 24/7, with an excellent banking app
Conditions to open a Commerzbank account in Germany
The primary condition to open a German bank account is that you must be registered in Germany. The reason: You must provide your German home address. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid passport or European ID card.
To open an account at Commerzbank you also need to provide your first and last name, nationality, email address and phone number
How do I open a Commerzbank account online?
You can open your bank account at Commerzbank easily and quickly in 6 steps:
The first step is to fill out the German online application form and set your Commerzbank login data for your account. You will then receive your new IBAN and a confirmation of your order. Here you find our free guide for this application form.
After you have saved your application, you will receive all important documents by email.
In the third step you must confirm your identity. This can be done either via video chat, PostIdent procedure or in a Commerzbank branch. You will receive more information by email.
After the verification follows the activation of the photoTAN, which will be sent to your online banking within 1-2 business days.
For security reasons, the PIN of your new card will be sent to you first and independently of your Girocard.
About four working days later, your new Girocard will arrive in a separate letter.
Guide to opening an account with Commerzbank
You can usually use online banking 1-2 business days after you have legitimized yourself, as soon as you have activated the photoTAN procedure.
You can usually withdraw cash and pay in stores with your new Girocard after one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to open a Commerzbank account?
You'll need a valid passport or EU ID card, proof of German registration (Anmeldung), and sometimes proof of income. EU citizens only need their ID card. Non-EU citizens may need additional documents depending on their visa status.
Can I open an account before arriving in Germany?
No, you need to be registered in Germany (Anmeldung) with a German address first. However, you can prepare all documents in advance and open the account online as soon as you have your Anmeldung.
How long does it take to open a bank account in Commerzbank?
Once you have verified yourself and activated the photoTAN procedure, it usually takes only 1 – 2 working days until your online banking is completely ready for use. After about a week, you can use your new Girocard to withdraw or deposit money and make contactless payments in all stores.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay with Commerzbank?
Yes! Commerzbank supports both Apple Pay and Google Pay through their virtual debit card. You can add your card to your mobile wallet and make contactless payments without needing a physical credit card.
Which cards do I get with my current account?
Girocard: The Girocard is a contactless debit card. You can use it to make contactless payments with compatible card readers. The amount is then charged to your account immediately. Virtual debit card: The virtual debit card is completely digital. You can use it with Apple Pay and Google Pay without needing a traditional credit card. Transactions are authorised by and charged directly to your current account.
How to deposit or withdraw money at Commerzbank?
Visit the self-service area in your branch. The machines are available for cash deposits and withdrawals. All you need is your Girocard. Simply insert your card, enter your PIN and choose your language. Select the "Deposit money" or "Withdraw money" option in the menu and follow the instructions.
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 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, and Galeria Kaufhof.
How to block Commerzbank card?
In case you lose your card, it is important to have it blocked as soon as possible. If you are a customer at the Commerzbank, you can contact the customer service. The service hotline is available 24 hours a day. Alternatively, you can also have your cards blocked in your online banking account, after logging in — with a TAN.
Does the account come with an overdraft facility?
Yes, Commerzbank can set up an overdraft if you have a good credit score. Current overdraft interest rate: 12.20% p.a.
Is Commerzbank safe?
Yes. Commerzbank is one of Germany's largest banks and a member of the German deposit protection scheme (Einlagensicherung), which protects deposits up to €100,000 per customer. As a publicly traded bank regulated by German and European authorities (BaFin, ECB), Commerzbank meets strict security and transparency standards.