# How to Open a Bank Account in Austria (2026) > Open a bank account in Austria as a resident: the documents you need, the best banks for newcomers like Erste, N26 and Revolut, set up in 2026. Updated: July 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/banking/open-bank-account The best free bank accounts in Austria are **[N26](https://n26.com) (€0/month, no Meldezettel needed)** and **Bank99 (€0/month)**. Traditional banks like **[Erste Bank](https://www.sparkasse.at)** charge **€5 to 15 per month** but offer branch access and personal advisors. All accounts require a **passport**. Austrian banks also require a **Meldezettel (address registration)**. Non-EU citizens need a residence permit. Opening takes **15 to 30 minutes in-branch** or about 10 minutes online with neobanks. ## Which Are the Best Banks in Austria? Rank byOur overall pick below is Erste, from Erste Bank. ### Erste Bank 4.5Best Traditional Bank. Austria's largest retail bank, with an extensive branch network and English-speaking advisors in Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg. [Open an Erste Bank Account](https://www.sparkasse.at)TypeTraditional bankMonthly feeapprox. €3.75IBANAustrian (AT)English supportMajor-city branches + appPrices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site. Pros - George banking app with an English interface - Extensive ATM and branch network across Austria - Free s Studienkonto for under-27s Cons - Monthly account fee applies - English advice limited to major-city branches Best for People who want in-person branch support and a full-service Austrian banking relationship N26 Bank SE, Germany ### N26 4.3Best Online Bank. A full EU-licensed bank account you open online in minutes, with no Meldezettel and a fully English app, ideal as a first account. [Get Started with N26](https://n26.com)Smart€4.90/monthGo€9.90/monthMetal€16.90/monthStandard is free. Paid tiers as of August 2026, from n26.com/en-at/plans. TypeOnline bank (neobank)Monthly feeBestFree (Standard)IBANAustrian (AT)English supportFull app + supportPrices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site. Pros - Open online in minutes, no Meldezettel required - Free Standard account with no monthly fee - Fully English app and customer support Cons - No physical branches in Austria - Free ATM withdrawals capped (3-5 per month) Best for Digital nomads, English-speaking residents, and newcomers without a Meldezettel ### Raiffeisen Bank 4.0Cooperative banking group with the largest rural branch network in Austria and strong local advisory services outside the big cities. [Explore Raiffeisen Accounts](https://www.raiffeisen.at)TypeCooperative bankMonthly feeapprox. €2.99IBANAustrian (AT)English supportLimitedPrices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site. Pros - Largest branch network in Austria, including rural areas - Strong regional presence with local advisory services - Mein ELBA online and mobile banking platform Cons - Service and support mostly in German - Monthly account fee applies Best for Residents living outside major cities who need rural branch access Based on English-language support, ease of account opening, and overall value, here are our top recommendations. Once you have an account, explore your [credit card options](/banking/credit-cards). ## What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Open an Account? - 1. Register your address Before visiting any bank, make sure you have your Meldezettel. Without it, most traditional banks will not open an account for you. Register at your local Magistrat or Gemeindeamt within three days of moving in. - 2. Choose your bank Decide between a traditional bank ([Erste Bank](https://www.sparkasse.at), [Raiffeisen](https://www.raiffeisen.at), [Bank Austria](https://www.bankaustria.at)) for branch access and full services, or a neobank ([N26](https://n26.com)) for a fast, app-based experience. Consider whether you need in-person service in German or prefer English-language digital banking. - 3. Book an appointment or apply online Traditional banks usually require an in-person appointment at a branch. Neobanks let you apply entirely online with video identification. Some branches of [Erste Bank](https://www.sparkasse.at) offer English-speaking staff in major cities. - 4. Bring your documents Present all required documents at your appointment. The bank will make copies and verify your identity. For online banks, you will go through a video-KYC process where you show your documents on camera. - 5. Sign the contract Review the account terms, fee schedule (Entgeltinformation), and sign the contract. Pay close attention to monthly account fees (Kontoführungsgebühr), card fees, and transaction limits. - 6. Receive your cards and access Your Bankomatkarte (debit card) and online banking credentials will either be handed to you or mailed to your registered address within 5 to 10 business days. PIN codes are always sent separately from cards for security. Illustration of a bank card, a euro coin, and a bank building, for opening an account and choosing a bank or card in Austria. ## What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account in Austria? Austrian banks regulated by the [FMA](https://www.fma.gv.at) require a set of standard documents when opening an account. While the exact requirements can vary slightly between banks, you will generally need the following: - Valid passport or EU national ID card Your primary identification document. Non-EU citizens must present a passport. - Meldezettel (registration confirmation) Proof of your registered address in Austria. You get this from the local Meldeservice (registration office) within three days of moving into your accommodation. See our Vienna registration guide for details. Your Meldezettel is one of the most important documents. - Residence permit or visa (non-EU citizens) Your Aufenthaltstitel, Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte, student visa, or other valid residence document. EU citizens can check our EU citizens guide for details. - Proof of employment or enrollment Some banks ask for an employment contract (Dienstvertrag) or university enrollment confirmation (Studienbestätigung). This is not always mandatory but can speed up the process. - Austrian tax identification number Your Steuernummer or Sozialversicherungsnummer. If you do not have one yet, some banks can open an account without it initially, but you will need to provide it later. See our income tax guide for more on tax numbers. ## How Do You Open a Bank Account as an Expat? The documents you need depend on your citizenship. EU citizens have a simpler process, while non-EU citizens need additional paperwork. If you have not registered your address yet, some banks can still help. EU citizens Bring your passport or national ID card plus your Meldezettel. Most banks can open your account the same day. Non-EU citizens You need a passport, Meldezettel, and your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel or Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte). Some banks also ask for proof of employment or enrollment. Without a Meldezettel [N26](https://n26.com) and [Revolut](https://www.revolut.com) can be opened before you arrive in Austria, since they do not require an Austrian address registration. This is useful for receiving your first salary or setting up rent payments before you move. Documents checklist - Valid passport or EU national ID card - Meldezettel (address registration confirmation) - Residence permit or visa (non-EU citizens only) - Proof of employment or university enrollment (sometimes required) - Austrian tax number or Sozialversicherungsnummer (can sometimes be provided later) ## Do You Need an Austrian IBAN, and What Is EPS? A local **AT-IBAN** matters more than EU rules imply. Austrian employers, the **Finanzamt**, social-security bodies like **OeGK** and **SVS**, and some landlords occasionally reject a non-Austrian IBAN. This happens even though EU SEPA rules require them to accept any euro-area IBAN. Refusing a valid euro IBAN is unlawful **IBAN discrimination**. You can report it to the [FMA](https://www.fma.gv.at) (Financial Market Authority). Practically, an **AT-IBAN** avoids friction. Newcomers who need to receive a salary or pay rent should prefer an account that issues one. **EPS (eps-Überweisung)** is the dominant Austrian online-banking payment rail. Many smaller merchants and government or public portals prefer **EPS** over card payments, and **SOFORT** is also common. A plain foreign neobank without **EPS** may leave you needing a card or **SOFORT** fallback for EPS-only Austrian checkouts. ## How Do Austrian Bank Fees Compare? | Bank | Monthly Fee | Debit Card | Cash Withdrawals | English Support | Best For | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [N26](https://n26.com) | €0 | Free | 3 free/month | Yes | Digital-first residents | | Bank99 | €0 | Free | Unlimited at Post | Limited | Free banking | | [Erste Bank](https://www.sparkasse.at) | €5-8 | Free | Own ATMs free | Yes | Branch access | | [Raiffeisen](https://www.raiffeisen.at) | €5-10 | Free | Own ATMs free | Limited | Rural coverage | | [Bank Austria](https://www.bankaustria.at) | €6-12 | Free | Own ATMs free | Yes | UniCredit network | | BAWAG PSK | €5-9 | Free | Post offices | Limited | Post office access | Sources: Bank websites, AK Bankenrechner. Updated: April 2026. Monthly fees vary widely between Austrian banks. Free accounts exist, but traditional banks charge for branch access and personal service. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the most popular banks. Illustration of a banking app, a coin stack, and a rising chart, for managing money and saving in Austria. ## What Are the ATM Withdrawal Fees in Austria? | Bank | Own ATMs | Other Austrian ATMs | EU ATMs | Non-EU ATMs | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [N26](https://n26.com) | N/A (no own ATMs) | 3 free/month, then €2 each | 3 free/month, then €2 each | €2 + 1.7% currency fee | | Bank99 | Free (all Post offices) | €1.45 per withdrawal | €1.45 per withdrawal | €1.45 + currency markup | | [Erste Bank](https://www.sparkasse.at) | Free (Sparkassen network) | €1.09 to €2.18 | €2.18 + possible local fee | €4 + 1.5% currency fee | | [Raiffeisen](https://www.raiffeisen.at) | Free ([Raiffeisen](https://www.raiffeisen.at) network) | €1.09 to €2.18 | €2.18 + possible local fee | €4 + 1.5% currency fee | | [Bank Austria](https://www.bankaustria.at) | Free | €1.96 per withdrawal | €1.96 + possible local fee | €4 + 1.75% currency fee | | BAWAG PSK | Free (own + Post offices) | €1.45 to €2.18 | €2.18 + possible local fee | €4 + 1.5% currency fee | | [Revolut](https://www.revolut.com) | N/A (no own ATMs) | €200 free/month, then 2% | €200 free/month, then 2% | €200 free/month, then 2% | Fees are approximate and may vary by account type. Sources: Bank websites, AK Bankenrechner. Updated: April 2026. ATM withdrawals (Bargeldbehebung) in Austria vary significantly by bank and card type. Most Austrian banks allow free withdrawals at their own ATMs but charge fees at other banks' machines. Here is what each bank charges as of April 2026. **Tip:**Austria has approximately 9,000 ATMs (Bankomaten). [Erste Bank](https://www.sparkasse.at) and the Sparkassen share a network of ~4,000 ATMs. [Raiffeisen](https://www.raiffeisen.at) has ~3,500. Using your own bank's ATMs is always free. To avoid fees at other banks' ATMs, withdraw larger amounts less frequently, or use [N26](https://n26.com)/[Revolut](https://www.revolut.com) for their free monthly allowance. **EU regulation note:**Under EU regulation, withdrawals in EUR from any EU ATM must not be charged more than a domestic withdrawal in the cardholder's home country for basic payment accounts. However, ATM operators can still add their own surcharge. This applies to euro-denominated accounts only. ## What Are Common Mistakes When Opening a Bank Account? - Not comparing fees across banks Monthly Kontofuehrungsgebuehr (account management fees) vary from €0 to €15. Switching to a free account can save you €100 or more per year. Use the AK Bankenrechner to compare. - Opening at the first bank you see The closest branch is not always the best deal. Online banks like [N26](https://n26.com) or Bank99 offer €0 monthly fees. Take 30 minutes to compare before committing. - Not asking about the Kontofuehrungsgebuehr Some banks advertise low headline fees but add charges for individual transactions, paper statements, or card replacements. Ask for the full Entgeltinformation (fee schedule) before signing. - Forgetting about KESt on interest Austria applies a 25% capital gains tax (Kapitalertragsteuer, or KESt) on interest earned in savings accounts. Your bank withholds this automatically, but it is good to know before comparing savings rates. - Not setting up a FinanzOnline link Connecting your bank account to FinanzOnline (the Austrian tax portal) makes filing your annual tax return much easier. Most banks support this through their online banking platform. Illustration of a bank card, a euro coin, and a bank building, for opening an account and choosing a bank or card in Austria. ## What Do German Banking Terms Mean? Austrian bank documents are almost always in German. Here are the key terms you will encounter when opening and managing your account. GirokontoChecking account, also called a current account. This is the standard account for salary payments and daily transactions.KontofuehrungsgebuehrAccount management fee. The monthly charge your bank applies for maintaining your account.BankomatkarteDebit card. The standard payment card in Austria, used for purchases and ATM withdrawals.UeberweisungBank transfer. Used for rent payments, bill payments, and sending money within the SEPA zone.DauerauftragStanding order. A recurring automatic transfer you set up for fixed payments like rent.EinzugsermaechtigungDirect debit authorization. Permission you give a company to pull payments from your account, commonly used for utilities and subscriptions. ## What Tips Should Residents Know About Austrian Banking? - •Many Austrian banks charge monthly account fees ranging from €0 to €15. Student accounts and accounts for people under 27 are often free. For a full breakdown, see our [cost of living guide](/living/cost-of-living). - •SEPA transfers within Austria and the EU are typically free. Be aware of fees for non-SEPA international transfers. Interest earned on savings is subject to 25% KESt -- see our [income tax guide](/taxes/income-tax) for details. - •Most Austrian bank websites and apps are primarily in German. [Erste Bank](https://www.sparkasse.at) and [N26](https://n26.com) offer the best English-language support. - •If you need a bank account before having a Meldezettel, [N26](https://n26.com) can be a good temporary option since it does not require Austrian registration. For more on registration, see our [Vienna registration guide](/living/vienna-registration). Sources: Bank websites, [AK Bankenrechner](https://bankenrechner.at), [FMA](https://www.fma.gv.at). Updated: April 2026. ## What Should You Read Next? [### Credit Cards in Austria How credit cards work in Austria and the best options.](/banking/credit-cards)[### Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) Everything about the Sperrkonto for student and residence visa applications.](/blocked-account)[### Vienna Registration (Meldezettel) How to register your address in Vienna and get your Meldezettel.](/living/vienna-registration)[### Health Insurance Public and private health insurance options in Austria.](/insurance/health-insurance)> What's your situation? Jump straight to the answer. [CheapestN26 Free (Standard)→](#best-n26)[Best Traditional BankErste Bank €3.75→](#best-erste-bank)[Also worth itRaiffeisen Bank €2.99→](#best-raiffeisen-bank)All 11 sections Getting Started - [1Best banks](#best-banks) - [2How to open](#step-by-step) Requirements - [3Documents needed](#what-you-need) - [4As a resident](#as-expat) - [5AT-IBAN & EPS](#at-iban-eps) Costs - [6Bank fees](#fees-compare) - [7ATM fees](#atm-fees) Help - [8Common mistakes](#common-mistakes) - [9German terms](#german-terms) - [10Expat tips](#expat-tips) - [11What should you read next?](#read-next) Ask the author ## Have a question this guide did not answer? Send it to Jules. Questions shape what gets written next, and the most common ones become new sections on this page. Goes straight to Jules by email. No newsletter, no spam. Replies are best effort within a few days. --- Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/banking/open-bank-account Last updated: Updated: July 2026 Format: LLM-readable Markdown twin (.md) of the canonical HTML page.