If you’ve just finished school and are preparing for university, you probably have a lot on your mind. But one thing you shouldn’t overlook is choosing the right bank account for students. As you gain more independence, it’s important to have a reliable financial partner you can trust.
What are the best student bank accounts compared?
BBVA Bank Account
- Promotion: 20 Euro with code BONUS
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free within the EU zone from 150 Euro
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: Mastercard debit card
ING Bank Account
- Promotion: 100 Euro bonus
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month with 1.000 Euro incoming payments
- Cash Withdrawals: Free within the EU zone
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: VISA debit card
- Savings account with 3% p.a. interest
bunq Bank Account
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: 2,99 Euro per withdrawal
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide up to 1.000 Euro per year
- Card Type: Mastercard debit or credit card
- 2.01% p.a. interest on savings account
Trade Republic Bank Account
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free worldwide up to 100 Euro per month
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: VISA debit card
- Bank account with 2% p.a. interest
C24 Bank Account
- Promotion: 75 Euro bonus
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free worldwide up to 4 times per month
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: Mastercard debit card
- Tested by Stiftung Warentest 12/25
Note: In Germany, a bank account is called a Girokonto, which is a standard checking account used for everyday banking, such as receiving salary, making payments, and withdrawing cash.
The good news is that there are many banks in Germany that offer special bank accounts for students. In this guide, we’ll show you which benefits and features you can expect from a student account and which banks are best suited for students.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- What are the best student bank accounts compared?
- Why choose a dedicated student bank account?
- What features and benefits does a student account offer?
- What is the best bank account for students?
- What are the requirements for opening a student account?
- How do you open a student account?
- What happens to your student account after graduation?
- Our conclusion on bank accounts for students 2026
Why choose a dedicated student bank account?
Of course, you could simply use any regular bank account – maybe even the one your parents use – but that’s not always the best choice. A checking account designed specifically for students offers several advantages that a standard account often doesn’t.
First of all: who doesn’t like saving money? Most banks allow you to use a student account free of charge up to a certain age. No account management fees mean more money in your pocket – and that’s a huge benefit during your studies, when budgets are often tight.
But that’s not all. Many banks offer attractive extras specifically for students, such as free credit cards that would normally cost an annual fee. These perks can be extremely helpful in your daily life and when traveling.
And what about a small overdraft facility tailored to your needs? This gives you flexibility in emergencies – without having to ask your parents for money or worry about excessive interest rates.
What features and benefits does a student account offer?
Whether it’s Sparkasse, Commerzbank, DKB or ING – not all student accounts are the same. Before choosing a bank, you should take a close look at what each student checking account offers.
Here are some important features to consider when selecting a student account:
All benefits of a student account at a glance:
💸 No account fees
📱 Digital services
📈 Interest on your balance
➕ Overdraft options
💳 Card options
🎁 Additional perks
No account fees
Most German banks offer free account management for students – but only up to a certain age. Sparkasse, for example, has a relatively low upper age limit: you can only use a student account there until age 25. At other banks, free student accounts are typically available until age 27 or even 30.
Compared to a traditional account, you save monthly fees, leaving you with more money for other expenses. As every student knows, it’s essential to avoid unnecessary costs and make the most of your limited budget. A fee-free account lets you use your money where it actually matters.
However, just because account management is free doesn’t mean the entire account is cost-free. Even as a student, you should read your bank’s pricing and service list carefully – otherwise you might end up paying fees unknowingly.
Note: Make sure to check which fees apply for ATM withdrawals in Germany and abroad, what foreign transaction fees you might incur, and what other conditions apply to the student account.
Digital services
Always on the go and want to keep full control over your finances? Then mobile apps, online banking, and digital financial tools are essential. Modern direct banks like comdirect or ING offer user-friendly apps that let you manage all transactions quickly and easily.
Whether you’re sitting in the library or on your way to your next lecture – you can check your account activity, make transfers, or analyze your spending anytime and anywhere.
These features make managing your account much easier and ensure that you always stay in control. Especially if this is your first time having your own bank account, this can be incredibly helpful.
Our reisetopia finance expert tip: The Finanzguru app
Are you looking for an app that helps you manage your finances? Then the Finanzguru app is definitely worth considering.
With Finanzguru, you get permanently free financial analyses and a budgeting tool including savings tips that you can use to plan your next trip.
Finanzguru
- Permanently free digital financial assistant
- Full control over your finances
- Smart spending analysis and budget planner with helpful savings tips
- High security standards backed by strict data-protection policies
- Legally compliant cancellation of unused contracts directly within the app
Credit interests
Building wealth as a student isn’t always easy – but the earlier you start saving, the better! And you don’t necessarily need a fixed-term deposit account for that, because nowadays some checking accounts offer attractive interest on your balance, too.
Many banks also allow you to open a free savings account (Tagesgeldkonto) alongside your checking account so you can benefit from additional interest. Typically, banks offer an interest guarantee for the first few months during which you receive especially high rates.
It may not be a fortune, but every little bit helps and shows that even a student account can be worthwhile. Over time, these credit interest rates can add up to a nice additional income that you can use for study materials, travel, leisure activities, or other expenses.
Overdraft facility
Another point to consider when choosing your student account is the overdraft facility – the so-called overdraft interest rate. Many banks offer students lower overdraft interest rates without proof of income if you do happen to slip into the red.
This gives you additional security without having to worry about exorbitant debit interest rates. This flexibility can be a great advantage, especially in unexpected situations – but you should only use the overdraft interest if there is no other option. The longer it takes you to repay these debts, the faster the debit interest will add up.
Card offers
The wide range of cards available for students is also a highlight: with a Visa or Mastercard debit card, you can not only pay and withdraw money in Germany, but all over the world.
Debit cards linked to student bank accounts are usually free of charge. Some banks also offer a Girocard, which often comes with a small monthly fee.
With other providers, students not only receive a Girocard or a debit card, but also a free credit card on top. A credit card for students is practical because, while you can pay and withdraw money with your debit card, it is not accepted as a guarantee for rental car bookings or hotel reservations – but a credit card is.
The right credit card can make your financial life much easier, as it offers you financial flexibility and a convenient credit limit. However, using a real credit card is only recommended if you have your finances under control and can pay off your monthly credit card bill on time.
Although there are so-called revolving credit cards that allow you to benefit from attractive installment payment options, these come with high interest rates.
Additional services
The many additional services offered by a student account round off the package. The more extras your student account has, the better. The advantages offered by the account depend entirely on your bank. These can include insurance, reward systems, cashback programs, or even starting credit and vouchers.
Some banks, such as Commerzbank, also offer exclusive discounts at their partner companies, which makes your student account even more attractive. These additional services can help you save money and enjoy extra benefits that go beyond mere account management.
In short, a student account not only offers you financial benefits, but also a lot of flexibility and useful extras that make your life easier while you’re studying. So why not take advantage of these benefits right away and find the perfect account for your time at university?
What is the best bank account for students?
Finding the best student bank account can feel like searching for the perfect pizza – there are so many options, and everyone has their own preferences. But don’t worry, we’ll help you navigate the jungle of banks and accounts.
The best student account isn’t just the cheapest account with the most extras, but the one that best suits you and your lifestyle. Everyone has different needs and priorities, and that should be reflected in your choice of account.
BBVA Bank Account
- Promotion: 20 Euro with code BONUS
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free within the EU zone from 150 Euro
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: Mastercard debit card
ING Bank Account
- Promotion: 100 Euro bonus
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month with 1.000 Euro incoming payments
- Cash Withdrawals: Free within the EU zone
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: VISA debit card
- Savings account with 3% p.a. interest
bunq Bank Account
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: 2,99 Euro per withdrawal
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide up to 1.000 Euro per year
- Card Type: Mastercard debit or credit card
- 2.01% p.a. interest on savings account
Trade Republic Bank Account
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free worldwide up to 100 Euro per month
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: VISA debit card
- Bank account with 2% p.a. interest
C24 Bank Account
- Promotion: 75 Euro bonus
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free worldwide up to 4 times per month
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: Mastercard debit card
- Tested by Stiftung Warentest 12/25
If you want to travel during your studies, spend a semester abroad, or embark on a work-and-travel adventure, you should make sure to choose an account with as many international benefits as possible. And that doesn’t always have to be a special student account.
Want to make payments and withdraw cash worldwide without fees? Then take a look at the offers from direct banks such as DKB or N26, which do not charge foreign transaction fees. It may also be worth getting a travel credit card that protects you during your travels or study abroad with included travel insurance.
However, if you only want to stay in Germany and low fees are your main concern, you can easily opt for a free student account with the basics.
Ultimately, it depends on what you personally expect from your account. Compare the different offers and consider which features are most important to you. The best student account is the one that best meets your individual needs and makes your studies as easy and enjoyable as possible.
👉 How reisetopia evaluates financial products: To help you find the best financial products in Germany, we have been conducting independent and comprehensive comparisons for many years. We test and evaluate offers based on clearly defined criteria such as fees, features, and customer service, and present the results in a transparent way. This approach allows you to make well-informed financial decisions with confidence.
What are the requirements for opening a student account?
Are you ready to take advantage of the great benefits of a student account? Before you get started, there are a few requirements you need to meet.
It may sound strange, but you don’t necessarily have to be enrolled at a university to open a student account. Some banks require proof of enrollment at a college, university, or technical college, but others simply require proof of age. This means that even as an apprentice, you don’t necessarily need an apprentice account, but can also open a student account.
Our comparison of the best checking accounts for students shows that many banks offer the best terms for young people in general, being a student is not a prerequisite.
The magic age limit at many banks is between 18 and 27. Some banks are even more generous and allow you to use your student account until you turn 30.
If you are older than that, you can keep your account, but you may have to meet certain requirements in order for the account to remain free of charge. If you are still a minor, your parents must accompany you to open the account.
To open a student account, you must also be a resident of Germany. That’s it in terms of requirements – pretty straightforward!
How do you open a student account?
Opening a student account is not difficult. With most banks, you can even do it easily online. Here’s how it works:
Step 1️⃣: First, choose the bank that suits you best and offers a low-cost account for students.
Step 2️⃣: You have a choice: Do you want to open your student account online or in person at a branch? Online is faster and more convenient, while personal contact at the branch can be helpful if you have any questions.
Step 3️⃣: You can apply for your student account online on the website of your chosen bank. Alternatively, you can fill out the application form at a branch. Provide your personal details, such as your name, address, contact information, and date of birth.
Step 4️⃣: Some banks require you to submit your enrollment certificate or student ID card to prove that you are actually a student. You can usually simply upload these documents, send them by mail, or present them directly at the branch.
Step 5️⃣: One step that you cannot avoid at any bank is the verification of your identity. To do this, you must identify yourself either online or at a branch. With the virtual video identification process, you simply hold your ID card or passport up to the camera. At the branch, you show your documents to a bank employee.
Step 6️⃣: Once you have completed all the steps, the bank will check your documents and open your account.
Step 7️⃣: You will receive your online banking login details and can now use your account to its full extent. Finally, you will receive your bank card and further documents by mail. Activate the card according to the instructions and enjoy your new student account!
BBVA Bank Account
- Promotion: 20 Euro with code BONUS
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free within the EU zone from 150 Euro
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: Mastercard debit card
ING Bank Account
- Promotion: 100 Euro bonus
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month with 1.000 Euro incoming payments
- Cash Withdrawals: Free within the EU zone
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: VISA debit card
- Savings account with 3% p.a. interest
bunq Bank Account
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: 2,99 Euro per withdrawal
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide up to 1.000 Euro per year
- Card Type: Mastercard debit or credit card
- 2.01% p.a. interest on savings account
Trade Republic Bank Account
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free worldwide up to 100 Euro per month
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: VISA debit card
- Bank account with 2% p.a. interest
C24 Bank Account
- Promotion: 75 Euro bonus
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free worldwide up to 4 times per month
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: Mastercard debit card
- Tested by Stiftung Warentest 12/25
What happens to your student account after graduation?
Good question! Don’t worry, there are clear rules and simple solutions for this too.
Note: After graduation, you can usually keep your student account, but many banks change their terms and conditions once you exceed the maximum age or finish your studies.
At many banks, your former student account will simply become a regular checking account. This means that you will typically have to pay for monthly account maintenance and may also lose special student benefits.
At other banks, such as DKB and ING, your account remains free of charge if you have monthly deposits of at least €700. So if you have at least a part-time job after graduation, you don’t need to worry about account maintenance fees with these two accounts.
If your bank’s terms and conditions no longer suit you after graduation, you can also consider switching banks. Changing accounts is quite straightforward these days, and many banks even offer a switching service that helps you transfer all standing orders and notify payment partners.
Our conclusion on bank accounts for students 2026
A student account is the perfect companion throughout your studies – it saves money, offers numerous advantages, and often comes with great extras such as free credit cards or cashback programs. Thanks to your bank’s mobile app, you can keep track of your finances anytime, anywhere, whether you’re in the library or on the go.
And the best part? Students up to a certain age usually don’t have to pay any account maintenance fees. Enjoy your time at university with the right student account!
BBVA Bank Account
- Promotion: 20 Euro with code BONUS
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free within the EU zone from 150 Euro
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: Mastercard debit card
ING Bank Account
- Promotion: 100 Euro bonus
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month with 1.000 Euro incoming payments
- Cash Withdrawals: Free within the EU zone
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: VISA debit card
- Savings account with 3% p.a. interest
bunq Bank Account
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: 2,99 Euro per withdrawal
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide up to 1.000 Euro per year
- Card Type: Mastercard debit or credit card
- 2.01% p.a. interest on savings account
Trade Republic Bank Account
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free worldwide up to 100 Euro per month
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: VISA debit card
- Bank account with 2% p.a. interest
C24 Bank Account
- Promotion: 75 Euro bonus
- Account Fee: 0 Euro per month
- Cash Withdrawals: Free worldwide up to 4 times per month
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0 Euro worldwide
- Card Type: Mastercard debit card
- Tested by Stiftung Warentest 12/25
