Bank Account for International Researchers
Would you like to open a bank account? Find out about banks, online banking, bank transfers and salary receipts in Germany.
If you are staying in Siegen for a while or need to make payments during your stay, a German bank account can be useful.
The bank account for everyday life is called a Girokonto. This gives you an EC card that you can use to make purchases, withdraw money, transfer money and carry out other transactions.
- Many banks charge a monthly account fee of around €6-9
- Fees and account types can vary depending on age and student status
- Many banks charge a high fee if you withdraw money from another bank's ATM
- Passport
- Registration certificate
- For some banks: Tax ID
- There are a number of bank branches in Siegen. These include, in alphabetical order: Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Postbank, Santander, SpardaBank, Sparkasse, Targobank and Volksbank.
- You can also open a bank account at online banks or banks that do not have a branch in Siegen. Please note that you will probably need to contact these banks by phone if you need assistance with your account.
If you are interested in more sustainable/ethical banking, you can find more information here and further information here.
