Banking, SCHUFA and the blocked account

You usually need your passport, your Anmeldung confirmation, and often your tax ID. Both traditional banks, such as a Sparkasse or Deutsche Bank, and online banks work.

Online banks can be faster and need less German. If you do not have an Anmeldung yet, some banks and app-based providers still let you open a basic account.

Sometimes. Several online banks open an account with just your passport and an address, before you register. Ones that often work without an Anmeldung include:

• N26
• bunq
• C24
• DKB
• Wise
• Vivid
• Monese
• Revolut

Some of these are app-based e-money providers rather than full German banks, but they give you an IBAN you can use for rent, salary, and bills. Requirements can change, so check the current terms before you apply.

This helps when you have arrived but do not have a Bürgeramt appointment yet. You will still usually need the Anmeldung for a full account and to receive your tax ID.

SCHUFA is Germany's main credit record. Banks, landlords, and phone providers check it to decide whether to accept you.

New arrivals start with no history, which is neutral rather than bad. It can still lead to rejections until you build a record by paying bills and running an account normally.

Common reasons are a thin or empty SCHUFA record, no registered address, a very short account history, or an existing negative entry.

By law, everyone in Germany can open a basic account (Basiskonto), even with a poor record. So if you are refused a normal account, ask specifically for a Basiskonto.

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) shows that you have enough money to support yourself. It is often required for a student or job-seeker visa.

You deposit a set yearly amount, and it releases a fixed sum to you each month. Several providers offer these, so check that yours is accepted by your visa office before you sign up.

Keep every confirmation and transaction record, and contact the provider in writing with your account details and the exact problem.

If money you deposited is held over a small error, ask for a written explanation and a timeline. For visa-critical funds, escalate early and keep proof, because these disputes can take weeks.

Never share your full banking login, your card PIN, or a one-time code, and be careful about sending copies of your ID and Sperrkonto certificate.

For an unauthorised transaction, tell your bank immediately and in writing, and ask about reversing the payment. A real bank never asks for your PIN or full password by email or phone.