5 Best Banks in Germany For Expats & Students [2024]

Germany is a popular destination for expats and students alike, known for its robust economy, high quality of life, and excellent educational institutions. One essential task for newcomers is finding the right bank to manage their finances. Whether you need an account for everyday banking, savings, or international transfers, Germany offers a variety of banking options. However, finding the right bank for your needs can be a bit tricky, especially when accounting for a potential language barrier.In this article, we are going to review the best banks in Germany for foreigners to help you make your decision easier.In the following sections, we are going to examine the best banks for foreigners living in Germany. Whether you’re a student or living in Germany for business purposes, these banks should provide a venue for managing your finances.N26 is a digital bank that has revolutionized banking in Germany with its user-friendly mobile app and fee-free services. It is particularly popular among young professionals, expats, and students due to its ease of use and flexibility.A major benefit of N26 for foreigners is the support for the English language, from the app interface to customer support. The free plan allows customers to make up to 3 ATM withdrawals per month without any fees.Key features:Visit N26Revolut is another digital-first bank that caters to a global audience, making it an excellent choice for expats and international students. Its app-centric approach offers a range of financial services, including budgeting tools and cryptocurrency trading, making it one of the best crypto-friendly banks. If crypto trading is something you’re looking for, make sure to check how crypto is taxed in Germany.Revolut is arguably the most feature-rich digital bank in Germany. It allows foreigners to trade crypto, earn up to 3.3% annual interest on cash deposits, and can be opened without the need for a German address. It’s also available in English, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.Key features:Visit RevolutCommerzbank is one of Germany’s leading banks, offering a comprehensive range of banking services. It is particularly attractive for those who prefer traditional banking with a strong digital presence. There are numerous branches of Commerzbank across the country, which makes in-person banking highly accessible.Both the app and webpage are in English, and the bank employs English-speaking employees to provide services to their foreign customers. However, it’s worth noting that the app experience is not as streamlined as that of N26 and Revolut, which are exclusively digital-based.Key features:Visit CommerzbankSparkasse is a decentralized network of 520 individual banks spread across Germany, each operating independently. It is known for its local focus and community-oriented banking services. Most banks under the Sparkasse umbrella offer free accounts for students.While its app and webpage are available in English, finding an employee who speaks English at local branches might be a challenge, especially in smaller towns. Overall, Sparkasse is a good option for foreigners, especially for those who don’t need to handle their banking services in person.Key features:Visit SparkasseDKB is a direct bank offering competitive rates and services that are predominantly online. It is a favorite among tech-savvy expats and students who prefer banking digitally. The bank offers its services only via electronic means.DKB has more than 4.5 million customers. In addition to regular banking services, the bank also offers a plethora of financial products and services, including private real estate financing, brokerage services, installment lending, and savings products.Key features:Visit DKBThe banks in this article should provide a great financial experience for foreigners living in Germany. If you are interested in digital-only banking, you can’t really go wrong with either N26, Revolut, or DKB. If you need access to physical branches, then your best bets are likely Sparkasse and Commerzbank.If you want to check a general list of the 50 best banks in the world, make sure you read our article.