Basiskonto Germany
Your Legal Right to a Bank Account
German law guarantees every person legally residing in the European Union the right to a basic payment account. This applies regardless of nationality, Schufa score, income, or residence status. If you have been refused a regular Girokonto, do not have a registered address yet, or are an asylum seeker, this guide explains exactly what you are entitled to, how to claim it, and what to do if a bank refuses.
The Basiskonto is not a banking product that a bank chooses to offer. Under Germany's Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG), every bank that provides payment accounts to consumers is legally obligated to open a Basiskonto for anyone who qualifies. Banks cannot simply refuse. If they do, the refusal must be in writing with a specific legal justification, and the refusal can be challenged through BaFin. You do not need to accept a verbal "no."
What is a Basiskonto and what does it do?
A Basiskonto (basic payment account) is a bank account with essential payment functions that every legally EU-resident consumer has the right to access in Germany. It was introduced by the Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG), which implements the EU Payment Accounts Directive (2014/92/EU) in German law. The right has been enforceable since 19 June 2016.
A Basiskonto is functionally a current account (Girokonto) with specific legal protections attached. You use it for the same everyday purposes: receiving salary or social payments, making transfers, paying bills by direct debit, withdrawing cash, and making card payments. What makes it different from a regular Girokonto is the legal framework protecting your access: the bank cannot refuse you without legal justification and cannot terminate the account without specific legal grounds.
Basiskonto: what it includes
- Cash deposits at branches and ATMs
- Cash withdrawals at branches and ATMs (in Germany and across the EU)
- Outgoing SEPA credit transfers (Überweisungen)
- Receiving and executing SEPA direct debits (Lastschriften)
- Card payments at in-store terminals and online
- A basic payment debit card
- Online banking access
Basiskonto: what it does NOT include
- No overdraft (Dispo): you cannot go into negative balance
- No credit card
- No savings products or investment accounts
- No guaranteed access to premium services (SEPA Instant, contactless: at bank's discretion)
- No loans, mortgages, or other credit products
A Basiskonto covers every transaction that daily life in Germany requires: receiving salary or Bürgergeld (basic income support), paying rent via SEPA transfer or Lastschrift, paying for groceries, utilities, health insurance, and public transport subscriptions. The absence of an overdraft means you must ensure sufficient funds before any debit, but for most people this is not a limitation in practice. It is a fully functional everyday account.
Who is entitled to a Basiskonto?
The ZKG sets the eligibility rule broadly: all consumers legally residing in the European Union have the right to a Basiskonto in Germany. The law explicitly addresses several groups that might otherwise struggle to open an account.
Any person who legally resides in Germany and holds citizenship or legal residence from an EU or EEA member state. This includes all nationalities across the EU regardless of their income, Schufa score, or employment situation.
Citizens from outside the EU who hold a valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), student visa, or any other valid legal residence status in Germany qualify. Nationality from outside the EU does not disqualify you.
Persons whose asylum application is pending (Aufenthaltsgestattung) have the right to a Basiskonto. The law explicitly identifies asylum seekers as a target group. Banks cannot refuse on the basis that the asylum decision is still outstanding.
Persons who cannot be deported for legal or factual reasons (Duldung, also called tolerated residence or suspension of deportation) are explicitly included in the ZKG. Their residence status does not disqualify them from the Basiskonto right.
German law does not require a formally registered home address under the Bundesmeldegesetz (Federal Registration Act) for a Basiskonto. A postal address, such as the address of a relative, a friend, or an advice centre, is sufficient. Banks cannot refuse because the applicant is homeless or does not have an Anmeldung.
The Basiskonto explicitly removes creditworthiness as a barrier. A bank cannot refuse a Basiskonto because the applicant has negative Schufa entries, no German credit history, or is in an insolvency procedure. The account has no overdraft, so credit risk is not a relevant consideration.
Situations where the Basiskonto right does not apply
Unlike a regular Girokonto at most German banks, the Basiskonto does not require a Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate from the Bürgeramt). ZKG § 33 explicitly states that a postal address is sufficient. This is critical for newly arrived individuals before they have secured permanent accommodation and completed the Anmeldung process. A friend's address, the address of a social welfare organisation, or an advice centre can be used as the postal address.
The legal protections that come with the Basiskonto
The Basiskonto is not merely a regular account offered voluntarily. It carries specific legal protections under the ZKG that distinguish it from any other banking product. These protections are the reason why the Basiskonto matters as a legal concept.
Banks cannot refuse without written legal justification
A bank must process a Basiskonto application within 10 business days. If refusing, it must provide a written statement citing the specific legal ground under ZKG § 34. A verbal refusal or a refusal without a specific written reason is itself unlawful and can be challenged immediately at BaFin.
Banks cannot close the account arbitrarily
The ZKG lists the only valid grounds for terminating a Basiskonto (24 months of inactivity, loss of eligibility, account misuse for criminal activity). A bank cannot simply decide to close the account because it does not want a particular customer or because the customer has a low balance.
Fees must be "reasonable"
Banks may charge a monthly fee for the Basiskonto, but under ZKG § 41 the fee must be reasonable and proportionate to market conditions. Excessive fees can be challenged through BaFin. Fees are typically in the range of 3 to 13 euros per month across German banks.
Credit status and nationality are irrelevant
A bank may not use bad Schufa, low income, refugee status, or foreign nationality as grounds for refusal. These factors are legally excluded from the Basiskonto decision by the ZKG. The only permitted grounds for refusal are those explicitly listed in § 34.
When can a bank close a Basiskonto?
ZKG § 42: exhaustive list. Banks may not use any grounds outside this list
| Termination scenario | Notice required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No transactions for 24 months | 2 months written notice | Bank must inform the account holder before acting |
| Account holder no longer qualifies (left EU) | 2 months written notice | E.g. departed Germany/EU permanently |
| Account holder opened another working account | 2 months written notice | Only if new account provides equivalent access |
| Account holder rejected valid contract changes | 2 months written notice | Must be a valid change under § 675g BGB |
| Account misused for criminal activity (fraud, money laundering) | No notice required | Immediate termination permitted |
| Reasons NOT permitted for termination | Low balance, low income, bad Schufa, refugee status, nationality, or any other reason not listed above | |
Fees: what banks can charge for a Basiskonto
The ZKG does not set a fixed maximum monthly fee for the Basiskonto. It requires only that fees be "reasonable" (angemessen) given market conditions and the usage of the account. BaFin monitors compliance and can challenge fees it considers excessive.
In practice, Basiskonto fees vary considerably across providers. Some banks offer the Basiskonto free or at the same cost as their standard Girokonto. Others charge a monthly flat fee. Transaction fees per individual payment may not apply if a monthly flat fee has been agreed.
Basiskonto fees at selected German banks (2026)
Always confirm current fees with the bank before applying, as pricing can change.
| Bank | Monthly fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank) | €0 | Free Basiskonto; digital application |
| Consorsbank | €0 | Free online Basiskonto |
| Sparkasse (varies by region) | ~3 to 7 € | Varies across ~350 regional Sparkassen |
| N26 | 8.90 € | ZKG-specific account; paper application required |
| Deutsche Bank | ~6.90 € | Standard account fee applies |
| Commerzbank | ~5 to 10 € | Standard tier pricing |
| Volksbank / Raiffeisenbank | ~3 to 8 € | Varies by individual Volksbank |
| Revolut | N/A | Cannot legally offer Basiskonto (no cash deposit functionality) |
ZKG § 38(2) requires that a Basiskonto include cash deposit functionality. Revolut explicitly states it cannot offer a Basiskonto because it does not support cash deposits for any of its plans. Some other app-only fintechs face the same limitation. When applying for a Basiskonto, choose a provider that supports cash deposits as part of its services.
How to apply for a Basiskonto: step by step
Most applicants will attempt to open a regular Girokonto first. If that is not possible for any reason, the Basiskonto route provides the legal safety net. The application process is similar to a regular account opening but requires explicitly invoking your ZKG rights.
Try a regular Girokonto first
Before applying for a Basiskonto, attempt to open a regular free Girokonto. If you have an EU/EEA passport and can complete video identification, C24, N26, and bunq all open accounts without requiring Anmeldung or a German address. These free accounts often provide better features than a Basiskonto and may be available to you even if a traditional bank rejected you.
Applying for a Basiskonto: the process
Note: explicitly stating that you want a Basiskonto under the ZKG is important. Do not simply apply for a regular Girokonto. The official ZKG application form triggers the legal protections. Most banks have a specific form on their website or at their branch, usually labelled "Antrag auf Abschluss eines Basiskontos" (application for a basic account contract). Some banks (like N26) require a paper form submitted by post.
The required documents vary slightly by bank but typically include:
This is typically done via video call (VideoIdent), at a Deutsche Post branch (PostIdent), or in person at a bank branch. N26's Basiskonto specifically requires the PostIdent method (with a coupon attached to their application form) rather than their standard video ident flow. Check your chosen bank's specific instructions.
The ZKG sets a 10-business-day processing time. If the bank does not respond within this period or refuses without written legal justification, you can immediately escalate to BaFin. Keep a record of when you submitted the application.
Once approved, the bank provides your German IBAN and sends a debit card. The IBAN can be used immediately for receiving salary or social payments. The card arrives by post, typically within 5 to 10 business days.
Document every step of the application: the date of submission, a copy of the completed form, and confirmation of identity verification. If the bank later refuses or delays beyond 10 business days, this documentation becomes the basis of your BaFin complaint. A paper trail is your strongest tool when asserting the legal right.
What to do if a bank refuses your Basiskonto application
A refusal does not end your right. The ZKG has a formal escalation mechanism: if a bank refuses a Basiskonto application without a valid legal reason, BaFin can conduct an administrative procedure and order the bank to open the account. The process is designed to be accessible to individuals without legal representation.
Escalation path: from refusal to BaFin order
The bank must provide the refusal in writing (schriftlich) within 10 business days, stating the specific legal ground under ZKG § 34. A verbal or informal refusal is not legally sufficient. Request written documentation immediately if the bank tries to refuse verbally.
Ask in writing (by email or letter) for a formal written refusal citing the specific legal ground. Keep all correspondence. If the bank cannot cite a valid ZKG ground, they are already in violation of the law.
Submit a formal complaint to BaFin using the official application form for an administrative procedure. The form is available in German at bafin.de. Include:
- Your application date and the bank's identity
- Copy of your submitted application form
- The bank's written refusal (or evidence they did not respond)
- Your identity documents
- Proof of legal residency in Germany
BaFin reviews the case and can issue an administrative order (Verwaltungsakt) requiring the bank to conclude the Basiskonto contract. BaFin's Verbrauchertelefon (consumer hotline) is available for questions: +49 228 299 70-299. Complaints can also be submitted online at bafin.de.
Try a different bank in parallel
While a BaFin complaint is pending, you are entitled to apply for a Basiskonto at a different bank simultaneously. Filing a complaint about one bank does not prevent you from trying another. Sparkasse branches are often more accommodating for Basiskonto applications for asylum seekers and people with complex situations than digital-first banks.
Seek support from an advice centre
Consumer advice centres (Verbraucherzentrale) in Germany provide free or low-cost assistance for people whose Basiskonto applications were refused. They can review the refusal letter, advise on whether the stated reason is legally valid, and assist with the BaFin complaint. Find your nearest Verbraucherzentrale at verbraucherzentrale.de.
BaFin's official processes and most bank correspondence are in German. If your German is limited, consumer advice centres (Verbraucherzentrale) offer multilingual support in many cities. Social welfare organisations and migration advisory services (like AWO, Caritas, and Diakonie) often have staff who assist with banking access and can accompany you to a bank branch for the Basiskonto application. You do not have to navigate this alone.
Basiskonto vs. regular Girokonto: when to use which
The Basiskonto is a safety net, not the ideal choice for everyone. For most expats who can open a regular Girokonto, that option is usually better: it may cost less, offer more flexibility, and carry no stigma in banking relationships. The Basiskonto is specifically designed for the situations where a standard account is unavailable.
| Feature | Basiskonto (ZKG) | Regular free Girokonto (e.g. C24, DKB) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal right to open | Yes, guaranteed by ZKG | No, at bank's discretion |
| Schufa check | Not a valid refusal ground | Bank may use Schufa for decision |
| Anmeldung required | No (postal address sufficient) | Usually yes for traditional banks; no for some neobanks |
| Monthly fee | 3 to 13 €/month typically | €0 at C24, DKB, N26 Standard |
| Overdraft (Dispo) | Never allowed | Possible after credit check |
| Termination protection | Strong: only ZKG grounds allowed | Standard bank terms apply |
| Cash deposits | Mandatory by law | Varies (most neobanks: no) |
| SEPA Instant, Apple Pay | At bank's discretion | Usually included at modern banks |
| Best for | Refused applicants, asylum seekers, no Anmeldung, negative Schufa | Most expats once settled in Germany |
Choose the Basiskonto route when:
- A regular Girokonto has been refused without explanation
- You are an asylum seeker or have Duldung status
- You do not yet have an Anmeldung and need an account immediately
- You have a very poor or completely absent Schufa record that concerns traditional banks
- You are in a legal grey area regarding your residence documents
Try a regular Girokonto first when:
- You have a valid EU/EEA passport and can complete video identification
- You already have your Anmeldung or a registered address
- You want a free account with modern features (contactless, Apple Pay)
- You want access to Viacash, SEPA Instant, or a Girocard
Practical tips for opening a Basiskonto in Germany
Sparkassen (public savings banks) are legally required to offer a Basiskonto and generally have the most experience with applications from asylum seekers and people in complex administrative situations. Most cities have a Sparkasse branch, and staff there are often more familiar with the ZKG procedures than staff at commercial banks or online-only providers. Bring your identity document and the ZKG application form.
A verbal application has no legal force. Use the official written Basiskonto application form. This creates a documented record of the date and content of your application, starts the 10-business-day processing clock, and gives you the basis for a BaFin complaint if the bank fails to respond or refuses unlawfully.
If you do not yet have a registered address (Meldebescheinigung), use the address of a friend, family member, a social advice centre, or a migration organisation in Germany as your postal address for the application. The law requires only that you are reachable in Germany, not that you are formally registered. Explicitly state on your application form that you are using a postal address, not a registered residence address.
The official application form and bank correspondence are in German. If your German is not sufficient to navigate the process, bring a friend, interpreter, or a social worker with you to the branch. Migration counselling services (Migrationsberatung) offered by organisations such as Caritas, Diakonie, AWO, and the Red Cross often assist with banking access specifically and can accompany you to the application.
The Basiskonto is a stepping stone. Once you have an Anmeldung, a stable residence document, and a few months of German banking history, switch to a free regular Girokonto (C24, DKB, or N26 Standard). These accounts have more features, may cost less, and provide access to overdraft once your credit history develops. The Basiskonto can remain open until the switch is complete.
Frequently asked questions
The Basiskonto is one of the less-discussed financial rights in Germany, which is ironic given how many people it is designed to protect. Most guides focus on comparing the best free Girokonten for people who already have their paperwork in order. This guide is deliberately different: it focuses on the legal mechanism that exists precisely for people who are not yet in that position.
The most actionable points: always apply in writing rather than asking verbally; a postal address is legally sufficient even without Anmeldung; and a verbal refusal carries no legal weight. The BaFin escalation route exists and works. For anyone helping refugees or newly arrived migrants in Germany navigate the banking system, sharing this guide is more useful than any product comparison.