Bank accounts in Germany
A Girokonto (current account) is the first thing to set up: rent, health insurance and wages all run through it.
Student Girokonto at a Sparkasse
Sparkasse offers a Girokonto for students and trainees with an app, contactless payments and around 20,000 ATMs across Germany. It is free at many branches: each Sparkasse sets its own account conditions and fees, so ask your local branch whether it offers the free student account and whether an age limit applies. (Source: sparkasse.de, checked on October 19, 2026.) Turned down at one branch? Try another branch or book online; an online bank works as a stopgap and you can move to a Sparkasse later.
Set up rent as a standing order
Set your rent as a Dauerauftrag (standing order) from your account so it goes out automatically every month. A clean rent payment record matters when you apply for flats.
Credit card (optional)
The PAYBACK Visa costs EUR 29 per year. Payments are fee-free worldwide and it collects Payback points on every payment; points do not expire while the card is active. Cash withdrawals are fee-free abroad but cost 2% (minimum EUR 5) within Germany. (Source: payback.de, checked on October 19, 2026.)
Our editorial pick
A Sparkasse student Girokonto. Criteria: free for students at many branches per Sparkasse's own page (each Sparkasse sets its own conditions), a branch and ATM network that covers every city in this guide, and a name every landlord and employer recognizes. This is an editorial preference, not a price ranking.