What is a Girokonto? Put simply, it’s the German name for your everyday current account. It’s where your salary lands, where you pay your rent from, and where every contactless payment runs through. With mobile banking, your money is always at hand, wherever you are.

This guide explains what a Girokonto is and how it differs from a savings account. Once you know which account is for everyday spending and which is for your savings, it gets easier to plan bigger expenses and leave your savings untouched.

What do you need a Girokonto for?

Here’s what you can do with a Girokonto:

• Receive your salary or other income

• Pay rent, utilities, and subscriptions

• Make everyday card payments in stores and online

• Send money to and receive money from friends and family

• Set up standing orders for recurring payments

• See where your money goes with spending insights

In Germany, this account is usually called a Girokonto. At bunq, we call it a Bank Account. If you live in Germany, you get a local German IBAN, so receiving your salary or paying rent is simple.

A Girokonto usually comes with a debit card. In Germany, that’s often a girocard, sometimes still called an EC card. Many banks also offer Visa or Mastercard cards that you can use online and abroad. With your bunq Card, you can pay at home, online, and when you travel.

Typical costs and finding the right bank

Knowing what a Girokonto costs makes it easier to find a bank that fits your everyday life. These costs are worth comparing:

• Monthly fees. Banks charge in different ways. Some charge a fee per transaction, others a fixed monthly fee. With bunq Free, you get an account with no monthly account fee. Standard transaction fees apply.

• ATM fees and limits. Some banks charge a fee when you withdraw cash at certain ATMs or once you reach your free withdrawal limit. With bunq Pro and Elite, 6 ATM withdrawals per month are free.

Girokonto vs. savings account

When you keep spending and saving apart, you can see at a glance what’s available today and what you’re putting aside for later.

A Girokonto keeps your everyday money at hand. A savings account helps the money you’ve set aside grow, usually through interest.

Good to know: you pay your rent from your Girokonto. You save for your next holiday in your savings account.

With bunq, you can add a Savings Account where your savings earn interest, and move money between your accounts with ease. With Income Organizer, you can also set aside part of your income automatically every month and stay on track with your savings goals.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a bank account and a Girokonto?

“Bank account” is the umbrella term for any account at a bank, for example current accounts and savings accounts. A Girokonto is the one made for your everyday banking. At bunq, your everyday account is simply called a Bank Account.

What is a Girokonto for kids?

A Girokonto for kids is an account that parents open for their child and manage together with them. It gives kids a practical way to learn how to handle money, while parents keep an eye on things with shared access and instant notifications. With bunq Core, Pro, or Elite, you can open up to four Child Accounts. Depending on your child’s age, they get a Savings Account and their own account with a card.

Does opening a Girokonto affect my SCHUFA score?

Some banks run a standard credit check when you open an account. bunq doesn’t report to SCHUFA, so opening or using a bunq account won’t affect your SCHUFA score.

Can I close my Girokonto at any time?

Yes. In Germany, you can close your Girokonto at any time. Your bank isn’t allowed to charge a fee for the cancellation itself. If your bank has agreed a notice period with you, it can be one month at most.

Ready for your Girokonto

The right Girokonto makes everyday banking simple, from getting paid to keeping track of your spending.

With bunq, you’re ready to go in just 5 minutes. All you need is your phone and your ID.

Open a current account with bunq