Open a bank account

Many things are easier with a German bank account:

• the conclusion of contracts for mobile phones or fitness clubs
• rent payments
• payment of semester fee
• payment of health insurance contributions
• direct debits and standing orders
• cashless payments for purchases
• online purchases on the internet
• money transfers from abroad
• general domestic money transfers
• online banking
• You will definitely need a bank account for a part-time job in Germany

You can open a bank account free of charge for students (usually up to the age of 27) at all banks and savings banks. The conditions of the banks and savings banks vary. Therefore, we recommend that you obtain and compare different offers. There are also numerous online banks where the entire process (account set-up, financial transactions) takes place via the internet.

The following documents must be submitted to open a current bank account:

• Registration certificate with German address
• Passport or identity card
• Residence permit/visa
• Current certificate of enrolment
• Tax ID (this will be sent to you automatically after registration at the Residents' Registration Office and can usually also be submitted to the bank at a later date)

The following bank branches are located on the university campus (main campus Grifflenberg):

Sparkasse Wuppertal, branch directly at the university Mensa, Max-Horkheimer-Str. 15, 42119 Wuppertal

• Opening hours: always Tuesday and Thursday from 11.00 - 15.00. (It may be necessary to make an appointment in advance by calling 0049 (0)202 488-2424)
• Cash dispenser (with GeldKarte / prepaid mobile phone charging function)