Opening an Account
If you want to open a bank account in Germany, you will need to apply to become an account holder; application processes vary from bank to bank, but typically you will be able to open an account in person or online if you are able to provide the bank with certain information. You will usually be able to open an account at a branch, in person, or online via the Internet, if your chosen bank offers this service.
To open an account in person you may need to make an appointment with an advisor in-branch, but could be able to set up an account with the help of a cashier. You will need to bring identification and certain official documents before you can open the account. If you wish to open an account with an online bank, or a bank which offers online registration, you may need to download application forms from the Internet, fill them out and sign them and post them to your future bank. However you choose to open an account, you will need to provide the bank with certain information, including:
Personal Details, such as your address, date of birth and nationality
Proof of identity, such as a valid ID card or a current passport
Details of previous or additional bank accounts
Information on the banking transactions and services that your account should offer, such as direct debit, online banking, telephone banking or an overdraft
Details of your income, perhaps including details of your tax status
Most banks will ask applicants to sign a 'Schufa' clause on their application form. This clause entitles the bank to pass the applicant's details to the Schufa, the German Association for the protection of loan security. The Schufa, in turn, gives the bank information regarding the applicant's credit history and creditworthiness. In the UK, this procedure is known as a credit check. Based on the details they are given by the Schufa, the bank may choose to accept or decline an applicant's request for an account.
Underage Applicants
Children and underage applicants may also be able to open an account at certain banks. However, the child's parent or guardian will usually be required to sign the application forms as proof of consent. A parent and child can also apply for joint management of a bank account, which ends when the child reaches adulthood and has control of their own finances.
Young people still at school or currently studying may be eligible to open a pupil account or a student account. If you are not yet eighteen but already earn an income, you can open an account and withdraw cash without the consent of your parents. However, minors with their own salary are not allowed to authorise even basic transactions such as bank transfers without their parent or guardian's permission.
