How to open a
Comdirect account
in Germany 2026
If you want to settle in Germany, it is necessary to open a bank account. Comdirect, the online bank of Commerzbank, offers many advantages for expats with its fully digital banking experience.
In addition, we will explain to you under what conditions you can open a free bank account at Comdirect, and how to fill in the German online application form step by step. Therefore, we prepared a free English guide.
The biggest advantages of a bank account with Comdirect for expats:
Open your account 100% online with VideoIdent. No branch visits needed — manage everything from your smartphone or computer, 24/7.
Receive a free Visa debit card accepted worldwide. Pay contactlessly in stores and online, and use Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Withdraw cash for free at over 7,000 ATMs across Germany through the Cash Group network (Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, HypoVereinsbank, Postbank).
Manage your finances with the highly rated Comdirect app. Transfer money, check balances, and set up savings plans — all from your phone.
Award-winning online bank
Switch now to one of Germany's best direct banks.
Comdirect combines the convenience of fully digital banking with the security of Commerzbank. As a subsidiary of Commerzbank AG, your deposits are protected up to €100,000. Benefit from innovative digital tools, a powerful mobile app, and transparent pricing.
Best Direct Bank
Repeatedly awarded as one of Germany's best direct banks by leading financial publications.
Top Mobile Banking
The Comdirect app is consistently rated among the best mobile banking apps in Germany for its ease of use and comprehensive features.
Your Comdirect Guide
Comdirect offers everything a digital-first customer could wish for. Fully online account opening, a free Visa card, and an excellent mobile banking app.
We are happy to help you with our free guide to open your Comdirect account now.
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Free with 700€/month income, 1 Apple/Google Pay transaction, or 1 trade + 1 savings plan. Otherwise €4.90/month.
Is the Comdirect account free?
There are no fees¹ for the Comdirect GiroKonto, provided one of the following conditions is met. Comdirect offers a genuinely free current account for active users:
- Private use
- Monthly income of at least €700 (salary, pension, BAföG, etc.)
- At least 1 payment via Apple Pay or Google Pay per month
- At least 1 securities trade + 1 active savings plan execution per month
- ¹If none of the above conditions are met, a monthly fee of €4.90 applies.
- Digital (paperless) account management
What makes Comdirect special for expats:
- 100% online account opening — no branch visits needed
- Free Visa debit card included
- Free cash withdrawals at 7,000+ ATMs (Cash Group)
- Free cash deposits at Commerzbank shell ATMs (3x per year)
What is included in the free Comdirect GiroKonto?
- Free Visa debit card for contactless payments worldwide
- Apple Pay and Google Pay support
- Free cash withdrawals at 7,000+ Cash Group ATMs
- Free cash deposits at Commerzbank ATMs (3 times per year)
- Award-winning mobile banking app with full account management
Conditions to open a Comdirect account in Germany
The primary condition to open a German bank account is that you must be registered in Germany. The reason: You must provide your German home address. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid passport or European ID card.
To open an account at Comdirect you also need to provide your first and last name, nationality, email address and phone number. Identity verification is done via VideoIdent — entirely online.
How do I open a Comdirect account online?
You can open your bank account at Comdirect easily and quickly in 6 steps:
The first step is to fill out the German online application form and set your Comdirect login data for your account. You will then receive your new IBAN and a confirmation of your order. Here you find our free guide for this application form.
After you have saved your application, you will receive all important documents by email.
In the third step you must confirm your identity. This is done via VideoIdent — a short video call where you show your passport or ID card. The process takes about 5-10 minutes.
After the verification follows the activation of the photoTAN, which will be sent to your online banking within 1-2 business days.
For security reasons, the PIN of your new card will be sent to you first and independently of your Visa debit card.
About four working days later, your new Visa debit card will arrive in a separate letter.
Guide to opening an account with Comdirect
You can usually use online banking 1-2 business days after you have completed the VideoIdent process, as soon as you have activated the photoTAN procedure.
You can usually withdraw cash and pay in stores with your new Visa debit card after one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to open a Comdirect account?
You'll need a valid passport or EU ID card, proof of German registration (Anmeldung), and sometimes proof of income. EU citizens only need their ID card. Non-EU citizens may need additional documents depending on their visa status.
Can I open an account before arriving in Germany?
No, you need to be registered in Germany (Anmeldung) with a German address first. However, you can prepare all documents in advance and open the account online as soon as you have your Anmeldung.
How long does it take to open a bank account at Comdirect?
Once you have completed the VideoIdent process and activated the photoTAN procedure, it usually takes only 1–2 working days until your online banking is completely ready for use. After about a week, you can use your new Visa debit card to withdraw money and make contactless payments in stores.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay with Comdirect?
Yes! Comdirect supports both Apple Pay and Google Pay through the Visa debit card. You can add your card to your mobile wallet and make contactless payments. Using Apple Pay or Google Pay at least once a month also qualifies you for the free account.
Which cards do I get with my current account?
Visa debit card: The Visa debit card is a contactless debit card included for free. You can use it worldwide for payments in stores, online purchases, and ATM withdrawals. It supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can optionally add a Girocard (debit card) for €0.99/month.
How to deposit or withdraw money at Comdirect?
You can withdraw cash for free at over 7,000 Cash Group ATMs across Germany (Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, HypoVereinsbank, Postbank). For deposits, you can use Commerzbank shell ATMs up to 3 times per year for free. Additional deposits incur a fee.
Where can I withdraw cash for free?
At Cash Group ATMs (7,000+): You can withdraw cash for free from all ATMs belonging to Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, HypoVereinsbank, and Postbank. At participating supermarkets: You can also withdraw cash for free when shopping at Rewe, Penny, Aldi Süd, and other participating retailers (minimum purchase usually required).
How to block my Comdirect card?
In case you lose your card, it is important to have it blocked as soon as possible. You can block your card instantly through the Comdirect app or online banking. Alternatively, call the 24-hour service hotline. You can also use the central card blocking number 116 116.
Does the account come with an overdraft facility?
Yes, Comdirect can set up an overdraft (Dispokredit) if you have regular income. The overdraft is typically up to 3 times your monthly net income. Current overdraft interest rate: 13.25% p.a.
Is Comdirect safe?
Yes. Comdirect is a brand of Commerzbank AG, one of Germany's largest banks. Your deposits are protected up to €100,000 per customer through the German deposit protection scheme (Einlagensicherung). Comdirect is regulated by German and European authorities (BaFin, ECB) and meets strict security and transparency standards.