I am moving to work in Berlin & I need to set up German account. But what bank?

Question

What I'd ideally like is a bank that has a branch near Rosenthaler Platz, with interent banking, an english option for the website and if at all possible has long hours (an pref. open Saturdays).....I don't ask for much, I know! Thanks!

Answer 1

In Germany they have so many banks.

You can do also open account on line too.

When you moved to Bln. than you can give them your address.

So here is the some good famous banks. Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Citi Bank, Sparkasse, Frankfurter Volksbank.

They are having also English sites and before you do that, you can contact first somebody and ask further questions.

I just let you know, I do something like that from the US with Commerzbank and worked with no problems.

By the way Berlin is such a nice place. God Luck and enjoy the city.

Answer 2

they can administer to her cash also on-line, nobody problem ... here site to bank this does, she is international. https: // www.wirecardbank.de/on this seite can select them on top on the right also sprache in German or in English:) then I wish them a lot joke in nicest land of Europe.

Answer 3

I lived and worked in Berlin for seven years, and I'm German. What I think will fit your needs best is the Postbank. The CitiBank might also be ok for international transfers. You best go to both of them and have a talk. They will find a solution which isn't ecessarily cheap, but will fit your needs, and then you decide for one of them, or even for both.

Most bank transactions will be done online anyway. We don't use checks here; we either use cash, or an ec (electronic cash) or credit card. When we want to send money to someone, we strike a few keys on a computer connected to the internet, and that's it. No more paper.

I don't know if the Postbank still supports Western Union transfers, but they used to. And almost every bank, except the very small ones, have English language options on their websites. But still, for your very first bank account in Germany, you'll have to show up personally.

As to Saturdays: No, sorry. There will be definitely NO German bank that works / makes bookings on Saturdays. That's a German tradition. You can draw money from ATMs, launch internet transactions, but before Monday 9:00 am there's no chance you get it booked.

Make sure your bank sets you up a credit line from the beginning, let's say, 1.000 euros. Showing up with your working contract will be of advantage to make them do so. But also make sure you pay your debts back as soon as possible. Don't let them sell you another credit card if you already have one: You don't need it. You'll see that they're virtually useless in Germany, as you can pay almost everything with your ec card, which is issued with every regular account. Keep your American credit card (or whatever nationality you are) for emergencies, and inform the cc company that you will be abroad, so that they don't think of fraud.

Answer 4

Postbank is the cheapest for international wire transfer. They charge €7.00 or so.

You also get a free EC Card (I could use mine in Japan - BUT there was a €4.80 handling fee).

In general, with all German bank, check the cost. Many charge if you have not much turnover. Postbank charges if the amount coming every month is less then €1250

I am not sure if they got English online banking.