Free Bank Accounts in Germany in 2026

Commerzbank announced that they introduced a monthly account fee of 4,90 euros. You will not be charged the 4,90 euros if you have a minimum balance of 50.000 euros invested as a sum in all of the Commerzbank portfolio (savings account, securities investment account, and, of course, the checking account).

3 Steps to check whether an alternative free bank account is suitable for you:

1. Banky – use our free tool to check which banks will most likely accept you based on your nationality and residence status in Germany.
2. comdirect, DKB, or ING – if you hold permanent residency in Germany, you can try to open a bank account with any of these three. They offer free bank accounts with consumer-friendly conditions; however, the banking apps of Comdirect and ING are in German only.
3. Santander Bank could be a great alternative if you would like to stick with a branch bank. They have branches and offer a free bank account; however, everything is in German as well.

Deutsche Bank and most Sparkasse branches have even higher fees, so they are not really alternatives to reduce the fees.

If you are happy with your Commerzbank account and don’t mind paying the 4,90 euros monthly, of course, you don’t need to take any action.

How To Switch Bank Accounts In Germany?

If you decide to switch bank accounts, here are a few things to consider:

1. Don’t close your old (Commerzbank) account right away. It is important to have a transition period during which you can move all of your direct debits and standing orders to your new account. Only close your old account once you are sure that no more payments will be automatically deducted from it even in 10 months (e.g. for your car or dog tax).
2. All German banks need to offer a free account switching service (Kontowechselservice). This service will scan your old bank account and identify possible direct debits. They will then inform the person/company that holds the direct debit of your new bank account details. You don’t have to use this service, you can also do it manually.
3. Switching your bank accounts manually. Here is a list of possible service providers you need to inform about your new bank details:
   • your employer
   • your internet/phone provider
   • your electricity provider
   • your insurance provider
   • your health insurance (if you are not employed)
   • your gym or other memberships like Spotify
   • your local authorities for dog or car tax
   • other payment providers like Paypal

For a lot of service providers you can simply change the bank account details online in your customer profile. For others, you would need to send an email or a letter.

Here is a template in German:

Änderung der Bankverbindung für den Vertrag [put your contract number]

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

hiermit möchte ich Ihnen meine neue Bankverbindung ab dem [put the date from which your new bank account is active] mitteilen.
Ich bitte Sie, in Zukunft von folgendem Konto abzubuchen:

Kontoinhaber: [Put your full name]
IBAN:
BIC:
Bank:

Bitte bestätigen Sie mir die Änderung der Bankverbindung innerhalb der nächsten 14
Tage schriftlich.

Für Ihr Verständnis und Ihre Bemühungen bedanke ich mich im Voraus.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen

[Your First and Last Name]