The Right Bank Account for Au Pairs in Germany
The Right Bank Account for Au Pairs in Germany
Recommended bank accounts, key information & practical tips
Every au pair coming to Germany needs their own bank account. Important: It must not be a sub-account of the host family but must be opened in the au pair’s name.
Since many au pairs stay in Germany after their au pair year (e.g. for studies or vocational training), it’s important to choose a bank account that can be used long-term.
Why a Personal Bank Account is Mandatory for Au Pairs
To allow host families to claim au pair costs for tax purposes, the following payments must be made via bank transfer:
- Monthly pocket money
- Contribution to the language course
Cash payments are not allowed.
👉 This is why the bank account should be opened immediately after registration in Germany, so the first pocket money can be transferred on time.
Since au pairs have a limited income, a free bank account with no monthly fees is especially important.
Recommended Bank Accounts for Au Pairs in Germany
Depending on where you live and your country of origin, different options may be suitable. Below is an overview of trusted banks that work particularly well for au pairs.
1822direkt – Current Account from the Sparkasse Group
1822direkt is part of the Sparkasse network and offers a solid option with its MOBILE current account:
✅ Free account management from €0.01 monthly incoming funds
💳 EC card: €6 per year
📱 Alternative: free digital card (mobile payments)
🏧 6 free withdrawals per month at Sparkasse ATMs
🛒 Additional free withdrawals (up to €200) in many shops
🌐 Online account opening available
🧾 Identity verification via PostIdent or VideoIdent
➡️ Recommended for au pairs who prefer a classic German bank account.
DKB – Free Current Account for Young People
Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB) is a fully online bank and very popular among young people:
✅ Free for account holders under 28
💳 Free Visa debit card
🌍 Free withdrawals worldwide
📱 Apple Pay & Google Pay included
🚫 No overdraft possible (better cost control)
🧾 Identity verification via PostIdent or VideoIdent
➡️ Ideal for au pairs, as most meet the age requirement and international use is easy.
Open an account now: DKB Girokonto
N26 – German Mobile Bank
Revolut – Multilingual App-Based Bank
N26 is a mobile-first online bank focused on app-based banking:
✅ Free current account
💳 Mastercard debit card (digital or physical for €10)
📱 Very easy to use via app
❗ No EC card available
Important: Depending on your country of origin, a valid residence permit may be required, as not all passports are accepted for verification.
➡️ Well suited for digitally confident au pairs who want to manage everything via smartphone.
Revolut is an international fintech company:
🌍 Lithuanian IBAN (LT) – fully SEPA-compatible
💳 Card for worldwide payments
💶 Account fee: approx. €3/month
🏧 €200 free withdrawals per month
🌐 App available in many languages
💱 Multiple currency accounts possible
➡️ Especially popular for au pairs who send or receive money internationally.
Open an account now: https://www.revolut.com/de-DE/
Santander – Flexible Current Account with Branch Network
Santander offers a traditional current account with a good mix of digital banking and in-person support:
✅ Free account possible (depending on model / incoming funds)
💳 Free debit card (depending on account type)
🏧 Cash withdrawals at many ATMs across Germany
🏦 Branches available for personal support
🌐 Online account opening available
🧾 Identity verification via PostIdent or VideoIdent
➡️ Recommended for au pairs who prefer personal assistance and local support.
Wise – Fast & Ideal for International Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a traditional current account but very practical:
⚡ Very fast online account setup
🎥 Identity verification via video
💳 Debit card for €8
🌍 Belgian IBAN (SEPA-compliant)
💱 Low exchange rates
💶 Minimum deposit: €20
➡️ Ideal for au pairs who regularly send money to their home country.
Important Tips for Opening a Bank Account as an Au Pair
Please keep in mind:
❌ Do not set up an overdraft facility
✅ Only use prepaid or debit cards
📄 Required documents:
- Registration certificate (Anmeldung)
- Tax ID (usually sent by post about 2 weeks after registration – can often be submitted later)
👉 Identity verification is usually done via POSTIDENT (video or in-person). The POSTIDENT app is often required.
Support from the Host Family
Many au pairs open their first bank account in Germany. Host families should therefore:
- Explain how online banking works
- Assist with the first ATM withdrawal
- Help organize documents
- Clarify which documents should be kept
📁 Tip: Keep all bank documents in one folder for better organization and security.
Conclusion
A suitable bank account is a basic requirement for a successful au pair stay in Germany. The key factors are:
- No monthly fees
- Easy usability
- International accessibility
With the right support, opening a bank account is quick and straightforward.