# Best Commercial Banks in Austria (2026) > Compare the best commercial banks in Austria in 2026. Top 7 banks including Erste, BAWAG, Raiffeisen, and UniCredit Bank Austria for expats. Fees, English service, and how to open an account. Updated: May 19 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/banking/commercial-banks Updated May 19 2026. **Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI)** is Austria's largest commercial bank by assets, with **more than EUR 200 billion on its balance sheet** and the deepest CEE footprint of any Austrian group. **Tatra Bank**, RBI's Slovak retail subsidiary, leads on digital banking in the region. **Erste Bank** runs the country's biggest retail branch network and the **George** platform, while **BAWAG P.S.K.** remains the top pick for expats thanks to English service at Austrian post offices. Standard current accounts cost **EUR 5 to EUR 15 per month**, and most banks now offer online opening via [FMA-regulated](https://www.fma.gv.at) VideoIdent verification. ## Top 7 Best Commercial Banks in Austria Ranked on branch coverage, English service, digital experience, fees, and expat usability, here are the top 7 Austrian commercial banks in 2026. Largest CEE Bank ### 1. Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) 5.0Austria's biggest CEE-focused bank with more than EUR 200 billion in assets and the deepest Central and Eastern European footprint of any Austrian group. RBI anchors the wider Raiffeisen cooperative network and serves corporate, SME, and internationally mobile retail clients. Why we recommend it: Largest Austrian bank by assets with the deepest Central and Eastern European footprint. Best for: Professionals with ties to Central and Eastern Europe and customers wanting Austria's largest commercial bank by assets Pros - +Austria's largest commercial bank with EUR 200 billion+ in assets - +Strongest CEE banking network of any Austrian group - +Full suite of corporate and investment banking services - +Comprehensive wealth management for private banking clients Cons - −Retail experience depends on the local Raiffeisenbank - −Branch English service is inconsistent outside Vienna - −Fees can be higher than BAWAG for basic accounts [Visit RBI](https://www.rbinternational.com)Best Slovak Retail ### 2. Tatra Bank 4.7RBI's Slovak retail subsidiary and one of the strongest digital banks in Central Europe. Tatra banka is frequently cited for its mobile app quality and is accessible to Austrian residents with CEE ties via the Raiffeisen group. Why we recommend it: Region's strongest digital banking experience inside the RBI group. Best for: Customers with cross-border Austria-Slovakia banking needs who want a strong digital retail experience Pros - +Best-in-class digital banking within the Raiffeisen group - +Cross-border access through RBI for Austrian customers - +Strong Slovak retail and SME product lineup - +Modern mobile app with broad payments support Cons - −Primarily a Slovak retail bank, not Austrian-domiciled - −Austrian salary and benefits still need an AT IBAN - −Branch footprint is focused on Slovakia [Visit Tatra Bank](https://www.tatrabanka.sk) ### 3. Erste Bank 4.5Austria's largest retail bank with the country's deepest branch network and the highly rated George online banking platform. Erste is the default choice for most Austrians and offers the most polished digital experience. Why we recommend it: Biggest retail branch network and the George platform that simplifies multi-product banking. Best for: Anyone wanting Austria's best combination of branch network, mobile app, and digital features Pros - +Largest retail branch network across Austria - +George platform consistently ranked best-in-class for UX - +Full English interface in George online and mobile banking - +Wide ATM network with no fees at own machines Cons - −Standard Girokonto fees around EUR 10 per month - −Branch staff English varies outside central Vienna - −Premium features require a paid George Gold or Premium tier [Visit Erste Bank](https://www.sparkasse.at) ### 4. BAWAG P.S.K. 4.3Austria's third largest bank, uniquely accessible through Österreichische Post branches across the country. BAWAG has a strong expat reputation thanks to reliable English service and straightforward account packages. Why we recommend it: Strongest English service in Austria thanks to post-office branches that serve newcomers. Best for: Expats wanting English-speaking support and branches available inside Austrian post offices Pros - +Post office branches give unmatched branch density - +Consistently good English support at Vienna branches - +Competitive KontoBox account packages with transparent pricing - +Strong mobile banking app with Apple Pay and Google Pay Cons - −Smaller ATM network than Erste and Raiffeisen - −Fewer premium investment products than Erste or RBI - −Call centre hold times can be long during peak hours [Visit BAWAG P.S.K.](https://www.bawag.at) ### 5. UniCredit Bank Austria 4.1Italian-owned UniCredit Group's Austrian bank, with a focus on internationally mobile customers and corporate banking. Bank Austria is popular with expats who already bank with UniCredit abroad. Why we recommend it: Best for cross-border transfers within the UniCredit network. Best for: Internationally mobile professionals, expats with existing UniCredit accounts, and Italian or CEE nationals Pros - +Seamless transfers across the UniCredit group in Europe - +English service available at flagship Vienna branches - +Strong corporate and SME offering - +Modern mobile banking via the UniCredit app Cons - −Fewer branches than Erste or BAWAG outside Vienna - −Higher minimum balances on premium packages - −Occasional product changes linked to UniCredit group decisions [Visit Bank Austria](https://www.bankaustria.at) ### 6. Oberbank 4.0A Linz-based regional bank with branches across Upper Austria, Vienna, and Germany. Oberbank is known for its independent governance, conservative balance sheet, and strong SME relationships. Why we recommend it: Regional Upper Austrian bank with deep SME and private-banking expertise. Best for: Business owners and residents of Upper Austria wanting a regional bank with personal relationships Pros - +Strong Upper Austrian and SME focus - +Independent shareholder structure and stable ownership - +Conservative lending with long-term customer relationships - +Wealth management via Kepler-Fonds subsidiary Cons - −Limited presence outside Upper Austria and Vienna - −Digital banking lags Erste and BAWAG - −Mostly German-language service [Visit Oberbank](https://www.oberbank.at) ### 7. Volksbank 3.8Austria's cooperative banking group, restructured in 2015 into regional Volksbanks operating under a shared brand. Volksbank is rooted in Austrian Mittelstand and SME lending. Why we recommend it: Regional cooperative network with strong household and SME service. Best for: Customers wanting a cooperative bank with regional focus and mainstream retail products Pros - +Cooperative ownership structure with local governance - +Branch presence across most Austrian states - +Solid range of retail and SME products - +Modern mobile banking via the Volksbank app Cons - −Digital experience trails Erste and BAWAG - −Inconsistent English service between regions - −Fees can be higher than national competitors [Visit Volksbank](https://www.volksbank.at) ## How Do You Open a Bank Account in Austria? Opening a current account (Girokonto) in Austria is straightforward once you have a registered address. Here are the key steps: - 1Register your Austrian address (Meldezettel) You must register with the local Meldeamt within three days of moving in. The resulting Meldezettel is required by every Austrian bank as proof of residence. - 2Choose a bank that matches your needs Erste Bank and BAWAG P.S.K. have the largest branch networks. Raiffeisen is strong outside Vienna. UniCredit Bank Austria suits internationally mobile customers with existing UniCredit accounts abroad. - 3Book an appointment or start online Most banks accept walk-ins but an appointment shortens the wait. See our [account opening guide](/banking/open-bank-account) for a step-by-step walkthrough. - 4Bring your documents Passport or ID, Meldezettel, proof of employment or income, and a residence permit if you are a non-EU citizen. Some banks also ask for an Austrian tax ID. - 5Activate online banking and your debit card Your Bankomatkarte (Austrian debit card) and online banking credentials arrive by post within 5 to 10 business days. Set up the mobile app immediately for contactless payments. ## Which Banks Offer English Service in Austria? English service quality varies significantly between Austrian banks. Here is what to expect in 2026: - **BAWAG P.S.K.**: Reliable English support at most Vienna branches. Online banking is available in English. - **Erste Bank**: George platform has a full English interface. Branch staff in central Vienna usually speak English, less reliable in rural areas. - **UniCredit Bank Austria**: International customer focus with English support available at flagship Vienna branches. - **Raiffeisen**: Coverage depends entirely on the branch. Vienna branches are usually fine, rural Raiffeisen banks may not. - **Oberbank and Volksbank**: English service is inconsistent. Expect German-first interactions outside major cities. #### Bring a German-speaking friend if unsure Even in English-friendly branches, complex products like mortgages, brokerage accounts, and loan applications are often handled in German. For account opening only, English should be sufficient at BAWAG, Erste, and UniCredit Bank Austria in Vienna. ## What Fees Do Austrian Banks Charge? Austrian banks earn a large share of revenue from account fees. Here is a breakdown as of April 2026: - **Monthly account fee**: EUR 5 to EUR 15 for a standard Girokonto. Student and youth accounts are often fee-free. - **Debit card (Bankomatkarte)**: EUR 15 to EUR 25 per year, sometimes included in the package. - **Credit card**: EUR 20 to EUR 80 per year depending on tier. See our [credit card guide](/banking/credit-cards) for comparisons. - **ATM withdrawals**: Free at your own bank's ATMs. EUR 1 to EUR 3 per withdrawal at third-party ATMs. - **SEPA transfers**: Free within the eurozone through online banking. Paper transfers cost EUR 2 to EUR 5. ### Ways to Reduce Banking Fees - **Choose an online-only package**: Erste's George Free and similar products waive monthly fees for digital-only users. - **Consolidate with one bank**: Bundling salary, savings, and a credit card often reduces the overall fee schedule. - **Use fintech for international transfers**: See our [fintech app guide](/banking/fintech-apps) for cheaper FX via Wise or Revolut. ## Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [Erste BankAustrian Commercial Banking](/facts/erste-bank) - [Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI)Austrian Commercial Banking](/facts/rbi-raiffeisen-bank-international) - [Tatra Bank (Tatra banka)Austrian Commercial Banking](/facts/tatra-bank) - [BAWAG P.S.K.Austrian Commercial Banking](/facts/bawag-psk) - [UniCredit Bank AustriaAustrian Commercial Banking](/facts/unicredit-bank-austria) - [OberbankAustrian Commercial Banking](/facts/oberbank) - [Volksbank WienAustrian Commercial Banking](/facts/volksbank) ## Official Sources - [FMA: Austrian Financial Market Authority](https://www.fma.gv.at) - [OeNB: Austrian National Bank](https://www.oenb.at) - [Arbeiterkammer: Bank Fee Comparisons](https://www.arbeiterkammer.at) - [Austrian Bankers' Association (VÖB)](https://www.bankenverband.at) ## Related Guides [### Open a Bank Account Step-by-step guide to opening an Austrian current account](/banking/open-bank-account)[### Credit Cards in Austria Compare Austrian credit cards, fees, and rewards](/banking/credit-cards)[### Cost of Living How much you actually spend each month living in Austria](/living/cost-of-living)[### Income Tax in Austria Calculate your net salary and understand Austrian tax brackets](/taxes/income-tax)[### Debit vs Credit Cards Why Austrian banks issue debit cards first and when credit matters.](/banking/debit-vs-credit-cards)[### Who Issues Austrian Cards How banks distribute cards from card complete and PayLife.](/banking/card-issuers)[### Business Credit Cards Company cards and corporate spend tools in Austria.](/banking/business-credit-cards) --- Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/banking/commercial-banks Last updated: Updated: May 19 2026 Format: LLM-readable Markdown twin (.md) of the canonical HTML page.