What 'free' really means
Some banks advertise a free Girokonto but require €700+ monthly salary deposit, otherwise they charge €5-10/month. The accounts above are unconditionally free with no hidden requirements.
Best truly free account
C24 Smart-Konto is our top pick: zero conditions, free physical Mastercard, cashback and a great app. It's also fully BaFin-regulated with a German IBAN.
Watch for transactional fees
Even on free accounts, watch for fees on ATM withdrawals abroad, foreign currency transactions and paper statements. C24 and N26 are transparent in their pricing sheets.
Truly free German bank accounts
| Bank | Conditions | Card |
|---|---|---|
| C24 Smart-Konto | None | Mastercard free |
| N26 Standard | None | Virtual Mastercard |
| Tomorrow Now | None | Visa debit |
| bunq Easy | Trial period free | Mastercard |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Girokonto really required?
Yes — German employers, landlords and tax offices all expect a German IBAN for direct debits and salary.
Can I open multiple free accounts?
Yes. There's no legal limit, though banks may decline if you have too many open accounts on your SCHUFA.
Do I need to deposit money to keep it free?
Not for the accounts listed here — they remain free regardless of usage.
Ready to get started?
Open your account in minutes — fully digital, BaFin-regulated, with German IBAN.