Comdirect: Free account and credit card!
The Comdirect Bank is one of the two absolute top banks that do not only “permit” a change of residence abroad with its free current account with Visa credit card – you even have the possibility to apply for this account from abroad!
A requirement for the successful opening of the bank account is the ability to understand and speak German language, because this is the contract and communication language of the bank.
Possibility to apply for the bank account and credit card from abroad.
The following is offered by Comdirect:
- Online current account for German-speaking people worldwide
- free account management
- free Girocard
- free VISA credit card / Prepaid Card
- free cash supply in Germany and abroad
- free cash deposits through branch offices
- fair interest rates on balance
- low overdraft credit rates
- optional securities account
- Online account application,
Proof of identity through PostIdent or foreign notaries
Go directly to the bank: www.comdirect.de/sofortkonto.
Uniqueness of the Comdirect Bank
Comdirect Bank was founded by the internationally known German Commerzbank in the early 1990s. Up to this date, 80% still belong to the Commerzbank. This special constellation provides interesting advantages for Comdirect-customers that customers of other direct banks do not have:
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Deposit cash free of charge
As a customer of the Comdirect Bank, you can up to three times per year deposit cash free of charge to your current, savings or custodianship account at any branch office of the Commerzbank. This is even possible outside the opening hours via deposit machines, just like this article shows: How to deposit cash.
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Free cash supply
You can also withdraw cash through the branch offices of the Commerzbank. It is recommendable to contact the customer service for higher amounts (e.g. for a car purchase) in advance via phone or e-mail, so that the branch office can prepare the cash withdrawal for you.
Amounts up to Euro 1.000 per day can be withdrawn free of charge with the Girocard from the many thousands of ATMs of the CashGroup – these are mainly the ATMs at the Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Postbank and Berliner Bank.
Outside Euro area, please use your Visa credit card for cash withdrawals.
Note: Withdraw cash free of charge within Euro area using the Girocard and foreign currency abroad using the Visa credit card.
… this is how you will never pay fees for the cash supply.
Comdirect Visa Credit Card (free)
At the bank account opening, one can choose from different designs (german article) …
The Visa credit card is optional. This means that you do not have to apply for this credit card. However, we recommend it, because it has a lot of advantages. Moreover, the Visa credit card is to 100 % free of charge!
With credit line or prepaid.
According to your creditworthiness, you will get your Visa credit card with a credit line, so that you can pay with it without having the corresponding amount on the bank account. Every Monday, the Visa credit card is cleared automatically with the current account. There won´t be any credit interest rates yet.
If your creditworthiness is not that good or your bank cannot estimate you very well, then you have the possibility to get the Comdirect Visa Prepaid Card. This works just like the Visa credit card with credit line (e.g. free cash withdrawal abroad), however, with the difference that you will have to transfer money to the credit card account beforehand.
A maximum of Euro 5.000 can be deposited to the credit card account. This balance won´t get credit interest.
You can find more tips for the Visa credit card in the article 7 secrets to use your account optimally.
Ideas for the usage of the Comdirect offer
The current account as well as the supplements, such as the Visa credit card or the call money account, are unconditionally free of charge – no matter how often you use the Comdirect.
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Main Current Account
Excellent online banking
The Comdirect can be well used as a main bank, as everything is offered by one single source, such as current account, investments up to financing.
One will not obtain personal consultation in a meeting room with free drinks &ndsah; but you won´t be “sold” things you do not need either.
However, one can contact the bank all around the clock by phone and discuss financial issues with a competent contact person.
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Second Bank
Thanks to the variety of products with call money account, time deposit investments and securities deposit that are also individually usable, one can use the Comdirect as a second bank for special purposes.
Because of the great conditions regarding abroad cash withdrawals, the Comdirect is perfect for holiday journeys. You can save your holiday budget throughout the whole year on your Comdirect call money account and then withdraw your money with your credit card.
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Tax-free investment for non-residents
You can use the deposit – with or without current account – conveniently from abroad. There are no fees for the deposit management and you benefit from the favourable low order fees of the German stock exchange market.
At the bank, you can use your status of “non-resident tax payer“ (german article), so that your account will be exempt from the automatic tax deduction. This will ensure that your capital gains will be tax-free in Germany.
The Author visiting the headquarters of the Comdirect Bank in Quickborn near Hamburg.
We will continue with our research about further clever usage possibilities of the Comdirect within Germany as well as abroad and will provide the results for you free of charge as tips and instructions on this special portal.
Questions and suggestions about the Comdirect are welcome!
“Yes, I would like to become a Comdirect customer”
… free current account with additional benefits!
Are there any ongoing charges associated with the credit card, as long as you keep your account in the black?
This account is totally free (including visa card).
Right, sorry, what I meant was: if I use the credit card, does it automatically come out of my current account (as with a debit card)?
If you want to open the account at the Comdirect, you will obtain two accounts:
If the credit card account is in the red (debit), then it will be settled with the current account each Monday.
If there is credit balance on the Visa credit card (one can transfer money from the current account to the Visa credit card in order to rise the credit limit), then this credit balance will stay, of course, on the Visa credit card and there won´t be an automatic billing.
Therefore, it is no debit card, but neither a revolving credit card. The Comdirect offers an interesting and special feature. Many customers like that, as one can preclude the expensive credit interest.
Does this answer help you?
OK, let me try and be more clear.
If I have 100 EUR in my account, and I use my Comdirect card to spend 1 EUR, and do nothing else, what will my balance be in one month?
99 EUR
Thanks! Apologies if my comments weren’t very, well, educated.
PS: I do appreciate the juxtaposition of words in that sentence. 🙂
Dear Sir or Madam,
please send me a list with all the necessary documents that is required from your bank, in order to open a bank account, either from Greece or if I have to, come physically in the bank myself.
Thank you,
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Bitte senden Sie mir eine Liste mit allen notwendigen Dokumenten, die von Ihrer Bank erforderlich ist, um ein Bankkonto zu eröffnen, sei es aus Griechenland oder wenn es sein muss, physisch kommen in der Bank selbst.
Danke,
The Comdirect Bank is a “direct bank”. The account opening starts with an online form. Use our link on article.
But good idea, we will create a detailed instruction in the next days.
Here is the instruction for opening a saving account at Comdirect: https://www.deutscheskonto.org/en/comdirect/tagesgeld/opening/ – that is similar to current account. Maybe it helps you now?
I am looking to open a german bank account but do not currently have german credit history. (Schufa) I am a dual US and German citizen and have lived in the US my entire life minus trips to Europe. I’d like to take advantage of my German citizenship and open a German bank account. I tried to open one with DKB but it didn’t work out. Mainly because of not having credit and potentially because I am also a US citizen and they don’t want to deal with reporting.
Is ComDirect more open to people in my situation? Or how can I start to build credit history and open accounts in German without any current history? My wife and I both have very good salaries and savings.
Thank you for your help.
It is possible to open the Comdirect checking without credit line. I guess that is a good way for starting the relationship to this bank. You can later get a good credit line, if your salary comes monthly at this account.
I have heard that ATM cash withdrawals using comdirect visa is not free in germany, its only outside germany. is it true?
1. Use outside Germany the Visa Card at all ATMs
2. Use in Germany the Girocard at all Cashgroup-ATMs (partner banks are Deutsche Bank, Postbank, Commerzbank, Berliner Bank, HypoVereinsbank and some more).
That is totaly free.
Thank you Gregor!
Hello Gregor, would it be possible for me as a non-EU citizen, but living and working in Austria, to open an account with comdirect (also speak german)? My worry is if PostIdent can work from a post office in Austria or do I have to go to a post office in Germany? Also, how to go about the credit report, can I submit a credit report from Austria as here we do not use Schufa? I appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you!
Here you see more about account opening at Comdirect: https://www.deutscheskonto.org/en/comdirect-opening-current-account/
Hello
Can you tell me how easy it is to make deposits into the bank account if you live in the UK? Thanks
The easiest possibility is a bank transfer. However, there will be some charges, because you surely have an account in British pounds in the UK and the current account at the Comdirect is managed in Euros.
The opening of foreign currency accounts – even GBP – is possible as an addition at the Comdirect bank.
Hello Mr. Gregor,
I am right now living in Germany and willing to obtain a credit card. So I am reading about Comdirect but I have some clarifications and questions to be asked:
1. Will comdirect open two accounts for new customer current account and credit card account?
2. Is the Credit account linked to the Visa Credit card and Current account linked to Girocard? Is my understanding correct? In which scenarios money will be directly deducted from the current account?
3. Where these account will open?
4. If one has a current account in commerzbank so will be there be any impact or relation between current at commerzbank and current account opened by comdirect?
5. I am not able to underdstand “Sollzins Dispositionskredit”, “Geduldete Überziehung” and “Sollzinsen sind veränderlich und werden dem Girokonto vierteljährlich belastet.” what are these charges and when they will be charged?
6. We can deposit the money in the comdirect current account as per needs but how it reached to the credit account – every monday or we can specify a date for automatic transfer and also manually (in urgent cases)?
7. Will there be any current account maintenance charges debit from the comdirect bank?
8. Will be there any annual fees from the commerz bank annually for using there ATM machines for deposits?
9. What is the difference between various kinds of Visa Card Issued by the bank?
Sorry for so many questions.
Regards
Ami
Welcome to Germany!
The “Sollzins Dispositionskredit” (debit interest overdraft facility) is the interest rate that will be charged, if you overdraw the current account within the agreed credit line. “Geduldete Überziehung” (tolerated overdraft) is if you overdraw the account more than agreed and the bank permits it. However, be careful with it. Especially new customers may have chargebacks, if the account is overdrawn beyond the agreed credit line.
The lending rates may change. That depends on how the general interest level currently is in Germany. The lending rates will be charged from your current account every three months, but only, if these incurred. If you run your account within the positive, no lending rates incur.
The Comdirect offers a Visa credit card. This has a credit line, but is still settled with the current account every Monday. The credit limit can increase, if one transfers money from the current account to the credit card account. The balance remains on the card (so it will not be transferred back to the current account on Monday).
New customers sometimes receive the offering to get a prepaid Visa card. This has the same functions as the credit card, however, with the difference that one must first transfer money from the current account to the credit card account. A maximum of Euros 5,000 can be charged on the prepaid card.
I hope that these answers will help you to use the Comdirect bank properly. Good Luck!
HI, I am from the UK. I would like to use this account and cards during my trips in Europe, not just Germany.
Refer to your answer to point 8 above:
When you say it is free to use the VISA credit card for cash withdrawal at ATM’s outside of Germany, will I be charged interest for the cash I withdraw at ATM’s? (given that the current account has enough EURO to cover the withdrawal amount)
Or when you said free, it is totally free (no admin charge and no interest to be charged)?
Thanks,
Jack
Jack, you won’t be charged interest when you withdraw money using the VISA credit card and the current account covers the withdrawel. So this is really without charges.
On a side note, in a few countries such as the United States ATMs will automatically charge you a fee directly when you withdraw money (i.e. the ATM will serve less money than it withdraws from the account). Comdirect cannot do anything to prevent that. But Comdirect will even refund these fees when you ask them to. I recommend keeping your receipt from the ATM then (even if experience shows that Comdirect doesn’t necessarily ask for it and has given refunds without a proof).
Thanks for the clarification Martin,
Do you know as of today (10 Aug 2015) is comdirect still accepting customer/application from outside of Germany, who live there for less than 180 days? (I am currently in the UK)
Unfortunately I don’t know how Comdirect handles this right now. Maybe someone else knows?
Hi,
I have an comdirect account and I am very new to this concept. I just want to know what does payment partner mean (Zahlungspartner) and how do I select.
Thanks,
Ash
Good decision! Comdirect is one of the best banks in Germany with a free current account.
In what context do they use the term “payment partner”? It is a composite noun and may have several meanings.
I am a resident of Pakistan, can i open an account with comdirect, i can not understand German language also. if yes then what kind of documents you need to open my account. My monthly transactions would be $2000 to $5000 less or more.
The account service of the Comdirect is only available in German language. This is common for us in Germany.
There are only very few exceptions, like Number26: https://www.deutscheskonto.org/en/number26/
There, the account opening and account usage is possible completely in English language. Please note that you need an address in Germany or Austria for the delivery of the MasterCard.
Hi.
What exchange rate is used by the bank?
Instead of charging commissions do they use a more favorable exchange rate?
Thanks
The Comdirect bank uses the exchange rates of the Commerzbank. These kann be queried on the website of the Commerzbank.
About exchange rate, if I withdraw foreign cash when traveling, what rate will be considered since comdirect is euro based? plus any charge fee?
Comdirect uses the exchange rates of Commerzbank, in which all fees are alreay included. The exchange rates of Commerzbank change, but are okay as a whole.
HI, i am a student living in Germany and i am in the process of opening an account with comdirect. the postIdent person misspelled my name so they sent me a form for those living abroad for notarisation. Do i have to have it notarised even thou i live in Germany or i can just fill it in a do a new postIdent? Thank you
Yes, I think that this will be possible, but please arrange it with the customer service of the bank.
Thank you
Hi,
is it possible to apply for a Girokonto with credit card, without a proof of regular salary?
Does Comdirect offer also Girokonto with debit card and if so, can thd debit card be used abroad?
Thanks,
If someone states that he/she has no income, then the Comdirect bank will not open an account with a credit card. That makes no sense from the perspective of the bank.
If the creditworthiness rating from the perspective of the bank is too low for the issuance of a credit card with credit line, it most often offers the issuance of a prepaid credit card. Except for the credit line, it has exactly the same great features and conditions.
A debit card – which is called Girocard at the Comdirect – is always free to the account. As the debit card is issued by Visa Europe, it works quite well within the European Union. Outside this area, the acceptance varies. In the USA, for example, it almost does not work at all.
Additional note: The salary payment does not necessarily have to be transferred to the current account at the Comdirect, but it is important for the bank that the customer has a steady income. Who has no income can open a savings account – here, no creditworthiness check takes place, which is customary at the opening of a current account – however, there is no card to the account https://www.deutscheskonto.org/en/comdirect/tagesgeld/opening/
Hi Sir
I’am citizen of Malaysia. I would like to open an account with comdirect as I will receive my commission project under EUR currency. Hope you can advise the requirement and procedure to open a Saving/Personal Current Account with ATM/Visa/Master card.
Thank you
You will find all information about account opening on our web portal … this is here a WEB PORTAL for free – not a consulting offices with fees. Feel free to us it or ask the bank direct.
It appears that Comdirect has now changed it’s pricing policy for 2016. Some of the services listed in this article are no longer free.
Here is our article about the most important changes (Breathe: There are a solutions).
Hi, thanks for the article, i have a few questions about using comdirect Girocard at shops like Aldi, or using the visa card for online shopping from ebay, is there any extra fees for using the cards in such way? Or there is really no fee if you use them in correct places, As i know for example for some pre-paid mastercards there is a 0.15 Euro fee for each transaction, thanks again
There is no extra fee for using the Comdirect Girocard for transsaction in all EUROS countries.
Thanks Gregor, but how about using the visa card for online shopping.
In Euros free of charge. In other currencies plus 1.75 % foreign transaction fee.
Hello
I hope you can help me.
Does. comdirect send all documents worldwide? Can I by filling in the application decide where the mail is sent to?
With best wishes
Of course!
I am leaving Germany in a few months, is it possible to change the registered address to the new address in USA?
Thank you
Of course!
I am a US citizen who owns a property in France thinking to buy a studio in Berlin. I have an account with Barclays bank in France paying Very little intérêts.
How much interest will comdirect pay monthly or yearly? For the savings card? Do I have to have
The paying credit card to open the savings card?
DKB does not open accounts to US citizens yet?
Please check the current interest rates at the list of prices and services of the bank. There is not much sense in posting these here, since they are constantly subject to change. Maybe you can save yourselves the effort of opening up a new account if you already have a good bank account in France. Wie have a unified payments area within the Euro zone. To 99% you can take care of transfers, standing orders, debit notes and what else might pertain to a studio in Berlin with a French bank account.
Yes, it is correct that the DKB currently does not open any new accounts for foreigners living outside Germany (or Austria/Switzerland). Comdirect opens banking accounts for US citizens as well, with the prerequisite of them understanding the German language, since the banking files and the online banking are only available in German.
Thank you much could you please give the link to find out the interest comdirect pay. Also i found the link to which banks pay best term interest and it is a Portuguese bank yet it was not clear how many years one has to leave the money in term. The bank in France pays .48% very little in the regular savings, and they tell me is the only vehicle open to a US person.
Thank you in advance.
I can confirm, a non-resident comdirect account will be opened without problems if you 1) do not select a credit card, and 2) do not select a dispo/overdraft facility.
(In some European countries a credit card is not very helpful, the normal girocard (with maestro) is more useful)
I selected a regular Konto + Tageskonto + Depot (for shares). I did use the PostIdent procedure.
For those that want a credit card: if you can fund the account wait for 6 months and apply for the card. Ensure your balance is at least twice the limit of the cc.
Thanks for the website! Good information.
For ppl that onlye need an European IBAN and a prepaid mastercard: they should investigate LeuPay.eu (not a bank, but an ewallet, so no ‘insured’ money). However you could then transfer the Euro’s to your DE bank account and keep them safe!
Hi! Thanks a lot for your feedback and tips, we appreciate that! 🙂
Hi,
I am new to Comdirect. Today I received 2 cards girocard and pre-paid visa credit card. I want to know how can I start using the credit card. If I transfer money to my comdirect account (girocard) then can I start to use the credit card for withdrawing cash or make local payments when I travel outside Europe.
Hi. Here’s what you need to do to get started: You should have reveived the neccessary information for your online access. Once you have transfered money to your comdirect account, you transfer it from there immediately to your Prepaid-Visa card, where it should be then available right away. Also, before being able to use your Visa card, you have to choose a PIN for it online.
Hello im leaving right now in Germany, and i already have account in comdirect,
I just want to know if is it possible for me to send money in a Philippine bank? for example BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) and if yes what are the things needed, thank you.
Hello!
Yes, that is possible.
In order to do this, you go to your login screen of the account and enter your login information (your account no. and PIN). In the line underneath that it says “Direkt zu”. There is a dropdown menu, where you can select “Überweisung”, and that brings you directly to the screen from where you can transfer money from your account.
The first screen you see is for transfers within Germany or the SEPA region. There you can can click on a tab that says “Ausland”, and it takes you to the screen for international transfers.
You enter your name, the account information of the recipient and the amount you want to transfer. Please note that you cannot transfer in the Philippines national currency, but you can transfer EUR or USD. Optionally, you can also include a short description/note for the recipient. The next area is the “Entgeld- und Kostenregelung”, where you can select who has to pay the fee of this transaction: OUR (you) BEN (recipient) SHARE (fee will be split between sender and recipient).
Click “weiter” and enter the required TAN , the code to confirm your identity. You should be in possession of a list with TAN, and the system will ask you to enter TAN soandso from that list.
I hope this helps! 🙂
Hello
Thank you for useful website.
I am looking for a cheap current account in Euro zone for my private company registered in another EU country. Does Comdirect offer its services to companies also?
Thank you.
Hello,
Comdirect only opens giro accounts for private customers.
In case your company name equals your own name and does not contain the legal form (e.g. Limited), this might be a solution for you: https://www.deutscheskonto.org/en/open-business-account-germany/
Dear Sir,
I just need to know, how much it costs if I transfer 1000 euro form my comdirect bank account to another bank outside EU.
Sincerely yours,
Samer
In EUR within SEPA area: nothing. Bank transfers are free of charge.
Dear Sir,
first of all, thank you for your quick replay.
Actually, I need to know, how much it costs if I transfer 1000 euro form my comdirect bank account to another bank outside SEPA area for example Egypt or kuwait.
Sincerely yours,
Samer
7,90 EUR
Is that 7,9 EUR a standard fee or is it a percentage of the 1,000 EUR to be transfered outside the SEPA area?
The charge is a percentage of 0.15%, with 7.90 EUR being the minimum charge and 51.90 EUR being the maximum.
Hello, how about incoming transfer like from the US? How much is the charge fee?
David
Fees for incoming transfers in foreign currency: 0,15 % (at least 1,50 Euro, maximally 10 Euro)
Hallo sir, in related to the above question, sending money outside EU do you have a website which contains a list that i will be able to see how much will i pay when i send money from my account to.. examples Philippines, like when i send 50€ nd above, also the exachange of currency how much they will recieve.? Thank you soo much
Hi, thanks so much for the detailed information. I am a foreign national (Australian) and about to try and open a Tagsgeld plus account using the notary method. Is there a way I can also invest in a DAX index fund through Comdirect?
Hi!
Yes, that should be possible. Comdirect offers two different depots: one for investors and one for traders. If you are not sure which would fit you best, you might want to ask the bank for further advice.
Good luck!
Hello, my application to DKB bank was rejected. So I am thinking of comdirect account. I would like to know, if I withdraw money in India from ATM using my Visa card, will I be charged extra by comdirect? Because with DKB the withdraw all over the world is free. Is it the same with comdirect if i use visa card?
Yes, that is the same.
Applied for this account while passing through Germany during a move…got a rejection letter today for “internal bank reasons.”
I wonder if the reason is because I’m a U.S. citizen and they would have to comply with FACTA? I applied for a Gemeinschaftskonto and we both got rejected…the other person on the account was a permanent resident in the US before, so I guess FACTA would apply to them too.
I didn’t think about this before, but as I write this now, I realize that’s probably the reason. I emailed them to follow up and see if they would reconsider, but if that is the reason, then they will probably say no.
Yes, it’s a global phenomenon that banks don’t give a reason – or not the actual reason – if they decide against an account opening.
But of course (that liberty has to be granted to banks, companies and private individuals in general) a contract is only valid, if both parties agree to it. There are many other banks in Germany… 🙂
Of course, of course…but I don’t think any of them (in Germany) like FACTA. Maybe customer service will come through for me though in the end. If not, I’ll get a local or nearby account and pay some fees ;(
If one is willing to pay a fee for a giro account, this account might be interesting as well https://www.deutscheskonto.org/en/account/online/.
The website is currently only available in German, but customer service via phone and e-mail is available in English. The website will be changed to become bilingual.
The online application is very easy – the account open within 2 minutes, so that money can be transferred there immediately.
The production of the MasterCard and the possibility to transfer money from there, will only be enabled, once the legitimization process is finished. Currently, this is only possi-ble with PostIdent in Germany. They are currently working on providing a VideoIdent so-lution. The most current information I’ve heard is that the provider is currently discussion the details with BAFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority). I hope that the VideoID solution will be implemented soon.
Good luck for opening bank accounts in Germany!
By the way: For the account opening you don’t need an address in Germany, and the MasterCard will be sent to the US without addi-tional costs.
hi,
I am in berlin now and registering a German GmbH, so I need a business account. Do Comdirect provides the Business account? I dont have residence in berlin, I am staying at hotel. So will comdirect allow me to open a business banking account?
Saldy no. Comdirect doesn’t offer business accounts. For a German GmbH could be this a fast and good solution: https://www.deutscheskonto.org/en/open-business-account-germany/
Hello, I have been a Comdirect customer now for 6 months, how would I go about apply for a credit card with a limit?
Hello Paul,
you can do that via their website: First you log into your account/profile and look at where your cards and accounts are listed. There you should find a button: “Visakarte bestellen” (Order Visa Card). You will have to answer a few questions:
1. your income after tax
2. selection of a picture for your card
3. TAN (to verify the application)
The bank will then conduct another credit check, and if that is in your favor, you will get your card with a credit line.
Hello,
Sorry if this question has been already asked.
I am moving to Berlin and I am trying to find an apartment to rent.
For that I would need a bank account and a Mietkautionskonto.
Can I open an account – Girokonto (is it the same with EC account?) using the address from my country (Romania, EU country)? I read on the website that for the Mietkautionskonto I have to go to a Comdirect bank, because it cannot be done online (that wouldn’t be a problem). Is it so?
Thank you in advance for your answer!
Best regards.
Comdirect does not offer rent deposit accounts. Less and less banks do that, because they meanwhile have to pay EZB a “penalty interest rate” of currently -0.4%. Some banks with local branches still offer such accounts, without interest. Fees might apply.
Security collateral is becoming more popular, like offered by Deutsche Kaution-skasse. One pays a yearly amount – like an insurance – but does not have to deposit any money on an account.
Does Comdirect also have “active” and “passive” customers like DKB? I’m a freelancer who doesn’t always work in Germany or somewhere else in Europe, so I’m trying to find the best for me.
Thank you
Cool, that is a smart way 🙂
Comdirect conditions are for all customers the same.
From what I read above I understand that if I open a comdirect account I can:
Transfer money to other accounts in SEPA free of charge
Withdraw cash from ATMs with a Girocard anywhere in SEPA free of charge up to 1000 Eur a day if the balance exists in my account.
Is this correct please?
First question: yes. Second also yes, but see details here: https://www.deutscheskonto.org/en/comdirect-card/
Hi, thanks for the great website.
Is there a maximum account balance for this account?
No.
Hi,
We opened a joint account and just received our account numbers, IBAN, etc but not yet cards. Just thinking ahead, is there a way to connect a direct debit to the credit card so it automatically debits from the main account at the end of the month so to not incur interest? Is this feature already included?
Thank you,
Hello,
Is there possibility to share a bank account with the family’s member? I.e. as a holder of comdirect account, can I order additional card for my wife?
Thank you!
Hello!
You have two options:
– For an already existing account, you can give account authorization to your wife. She can then also get her own cards and online access, but she will not be able to use your account as her own, e.g. she cannot have here salary transfered there.
– Another option is the opening of a new/additional joint account. You’d then have a single and a joint account. You and your wife could both fully use such a joint account, it would be in both your names, and you’d both have your own cards and online access.
A simple change of a single into a joint account is not possible.
I spoke to a bank rep and they told me the following. Am I right to assume:
1) In Germany use Girocard at Cash Group ATMS for cash
2) In Germany use Giro or Visa at shops
3) In EU but outside Germany, ATM will charge you a fee with Visa
4) In EU, outside Germany, at shops/retailers you can use the Visa card for free with no charges
5) Outside EU use visa card to withdraw cash for free
6) Online in Euro currency visa card is free but other currencies will charge you
Have I got it right?
Regarding your questions:
1) correct
2) correct, as far as the shops accept card/Visa payments
3) That’s why inside the EUR zone you should use your giro card for that.
4) This only applies to the Euro zone: If other currencies are involved, a 1,75 % conversion rate applies
Starting April 24, 2017, the “rules” are going to be somewhat simpler when it comes to withdrawing cash at ATMs:
– within the EUR-Zone you use your Giro/VPay-Card free of charge
– countries with other currencies: you use your Visa Card
Hi, would appreciate anyone answering my message above.
HI,
Does anyone know how long it takes for an international transfer from Comdirect to a bank in the UK (Santander UK)?
Many thanks,
Hi!
Transfers within the SEPA area and in Euro are credited to the account of the recipient the same or latest the next banking day. A foreign bank transfer to a country in a different currency can take longer – the duration depends on the other country’s banking system and, if applicable, which other banks are involved in the process.
Since Comdirect as a German direct bank does hardly run any own accounts at foreign banks, foreign banks transfers are generally processed via Commerzbank. Since this is a case of a parent company/subsidiary-relationship, this works really quickly. We cannot say anything on how it works abroad, because our specialty are German banks.
We ourselves use for foreign transfers with a change of currency the service provider Transferwise, because the fees are often considerably lower. The exchange rates are, anyway, and TransferWise is quick as well: about 1 day to the UK. Would that be something for you?
How much are your fees to Transfer from my Comdirect account to my UK Bank account?
If you do the transfer in EUR, it is free of charge within the SEPA area – at least as far as Comdirect are concerned. If you do the transfer in PST and share the fees between sender and recipi-ent account, it depends on the transferred amount and the selected option for the fee payment.
The “SHARE” fee is 0.15% of the transferred amount (at least 7.90 EUR, max. 51.90 EUR). With this option, the sender pays the Comdirect fee, and the recipient (which in this particular case would be you as well) pays the respective fees of their bank.
THE “OUR” fee for amounts under 250 EUR: 10 EUR, amounts 250 EUR and over 0.15% (at least 12.50 EUR): With this option, you as the sender pay all Comdirect fees as well as the fees of the cooperating service providers involved in this transfer.
The “BEN” fee option means that the money recipient pays the Comdirect fees as well as the fees of the cooperating service providers: For amounts under 250 EUR the fee is 12.50 EUR, for amounts 250 EUR and over the fee is 0.15% (at least 12.50 EUR). If applicable, a fee for telephone or telefax/letter of 4.90 EUR applies.
Please note that the costs mentioned only refer to the fees that are incurred on the side of Comdirect – potential fees of the other banks/providers as well as exchange rates are not included in these amounts.
Another option that we ourselves use for foreign transfers with a change of currency is the service provider Transferwise. Here, the fees are often considerably lower (as are the exchange rates). Also, the TransferWise option is quick: It takes about one day for a transfer from Germany to the UK.
Hi,
Thanks for all the great info on this site.
I have a question. I see lots of comments about people being rejected for the Comdirect online application.
I recently applied and got to the end where the pre-filled post-ident forms for the “Eröffnungsantrag Girokonto
inkl. Tagesgeld PLUS
Einzelkonto” was there for me to download, along with the application reference no.
Does this mean my application got accepted after the credit check? No chance of being rejected as long as I go to the post office and submit the post-ident forms?
By the way, I’m American but with a German address (just address not officially registered).
Thanks.
Hi,
no, the fact that you have received your downloadable Post-Ident form with your application is no indicator for the success of your application. You need to download/print out the form and present it at a local post office in Germany in order to get your ID verified. At this point of the process, you application is still pending.
First of all, thank you so much Gregor for creating such an amazing site and I really appreciate your work of helping people.
Just sent the application and the PostIdent of comdirect today (I live in Germany), hope I get the account and the cards within a few days. I have a question about withdrawal money by using visa card outside EU zone.
If I want to withdraw money in foreign currency outside EU zone, how the exchange rate will be applied? Do I get to see the exchange rate on the screen of the ATM? I guess there is no withdrawal fee, however I am unsure about any additional fees which is applicable here.
Or, just simply explain me how does it work, please.
Thanking you again…
Thanks a lot! 🙂
Regarding your question:
If you withdraw cash from an ATM outside the Euro zone, the only costs that will usually show on that ATM is the fee of that particular bank. The applied exchange rate is not shown on the ATM screen, but that you can check online, since it is the same that is used by Commerzbank on that particular day at 1 pm.
Dear Team,
Is “Tagesgeld PLUS-Konto” advantage taxable at the end of the fiscal year?
If yes, does Comdirect prepare a summary of the taxable amount?
Regards
Thanks. Your article helped me immensely when i opened a comdirect account for its prepaid credit card. Now i am leaving Germany and want to close the account as i dont want any surprise charges after i leave Germany. What is the procedure to close the account? I dont understand German so i am having trouble finding out this information.
You’re welcome – glad we could help.
If you want to close your account, the best would probably be to do it with a letter by regular or registered mail.
In there, you simply state that you want to close your account, specify the account and sign it yourself. In case there is still some money on that account, you also need to state an account to which that money should be transferred.
Please, also make sure that this letter is written in GERMAN, since that is the only language Comdirect accepts costumer orders in.
Hi,
Is there a possibility to set a recurring payment (sepa landschrift?) From the Girokonto online without the need to fill in paper forms? So far, I’ve managed to make a transfer but not a recurring one.
Thanks!
Do you mean “Lastschriften”? Here money from another account is being debited. That does not work, because in Germany this is not a custom for private accounts. If you mean recurring payments – i.e. payments in the same amount that are being carried out every month (e.g. rent payments) – that does work. It is called “Daueraufträge” (standing order).
Hi there,
I am British and successfully opened a Comdirect account in February whilst visiting Germany using the Postident procedure. Thank you very much for your help on this site, which enabled me to do this as I don’t speak German!
I got a Girokonto, Prepaid Visa Karte and Savings account. I have a few questions:
– If I want to pay online, can I use both the Girokonto or Prepaid visa karte?
– I guess if I want to use the Prepaid visa I have to load it with money first – how do I do this? And can I move the money back to my girokonto? I can’t find how to do this online.
– I guess within Germany it’s better to use the girokonto for all things (ATM and paying) but if I am in Netherlands I should use the visa karte?
A tip for other non-German speakers – the iPad app is in English and makes things a lot easier 🙂
Thanks again
Hi!
Great that you’ve managed the account opening and “work” with the German account even though your language is English 🙂
Regarding your questions:
1) This depends on the online shop. The simplest would of course be the Visa Prepaid Card. In several German online shops one can pay with “Lastschrift”. This means that the giro account is debited with the invoice amount. In order facilitate that one states the IBAN. Another payment service that accesses the giro account is “Sofort-Überweisung”, which is secure and popular in Germany.
2) Yes, that’s right. A Prepaid Visa needs to be charged first. If one knows the way it is simple. Here is an instruction for you:
Log into the online banking, and on the first page you will find an overview of the accounts. Here is an excerpt:
Click on the button “Überweisung”, which loads a new page:
At “Überweisung auf” select the Visa Card, and at “Betrag in EUR” state the amount that you wish to transfer to the Visa Card. Afterwards click “Weiter” and confirm the transaction.
The money on the Visa Card is available to you IMMEDIATELY, even when it does not show up immediately as the new balance in the online banking.
3) Ah, I assume with “Girokonto” you mean the “Girocard”, right? As a correction regarding question 1: The Girocard is usually not accepted for online payments. In the Netherlands you can pay with both cards, Visa + Girocard, and also withdraw cash at the ATM. You can see where the Girocard is accepted when you look for the “V Pay”. For cash withdrawal in the Netherlands please use the Girocard, because that’s free of charge for you. Outside the Euro zone, with foreign currency, please use the Visa Card, with which that is free of charge.
Enjoy your Comdirect account, and many thanks for your tip!
Hi Team,
Thank for the instructions to open a Comdirect account.
Earlier, I have asked a question, maybe missed.
I post it again, if you can clarify it for me:
Is “Tagesgeld PLUS-Konto” advantage taxable at the end of the fiscal year? In Germany? Or abroad if I am a non-German resident?
If yes, does Comdirect prepare a summary of the taxable amount?
Thanks in advance.
If your residence and tax residence are abroad, you don’t need to pax taxt on interest in Germa-ny. There’s no wealth tax in Germany.
With people who are subject to taxation in Germany, the tax is paid to the tax authorities automat-ically. The account owner receives an annual statement about that.
If you are not subject to taxation in Germany, please notify the bank of it, so that they do not pay any taxes on your behalf to the German tax authorities. This is called “Freistellung von der Kapitalertragssteuer”. This is often taken care of in the course of the account opening, because then you need to state in which country you are taxable.
Depending on the country to which taxation you are subject, you have to declare interest income in your annual tax report. In order to do that, you can use the account statement at the end of the year, or probably also the annual interest statement.
There are countries, in which interest earned abroad is not taxable – in that case you don’t have to do anything. Most countries only tax the interest, but there are countries that have a wealth/property tax as well … of course, we cannot answer questions regarding other countries – a good tax consultant in your country should be the better person to do that.
Within the EU as well as rather many OECD states, banking customer information is being ex-change to promote tax honesty … it is therefore worthwhile to take care of this issue.
From Comdirect you get a German language statement regarding the incurred interest during spring of the following year.
Hello,
I have just returned from a trip abroad where I used Comdirect’s Visa credit card to withdraw money without commission.
The exchange rate applied in the transactions was quite poor, approx 1.5-2% lower than the actual one (1 eur to 26000 vnd, instead of 26500).
Do you know if the exchange rates can be checked up beforehand anywhere?
Besides, I was charged by some ATMs like you explain in DKB page. Can comdirect reimburse me for those fees as well?
Thank you!
One cannot predict exchange rates for the future 😉 In case of the credit card closing/statement, it’s actually the ones from the following day that are used. Comdirect does not reimburse third-party-fees anymore. We hope you’ll enjoy the use of your card!
Hello!
First of all, many thanks for this super informative portal!
A question. I have a comdirect account, and I need to transfer some money to an embassy (to a certain IBAN in Commerzbank), and give them an official receipt from a bank, on-line banking printout won’t do. comdirect support told me that they can issue an “Überweisungsbestätigung” by post for 14,90€.
I am wondering, is there a faster or cheaper way to transfer the money and get a receipt? Like in my home country (Ukraine) I can do a transfer in cash in any bank for a fee, and get a receipt.
Thanks in advance,
Andrii
Hello,
Other countries, other customs 😉 A transfer within the SEPA area (e.g. Comdirect to Commerzbank) is arrives on the account the same day, next day latest. So, usually nobody requires confirmations. Such confirmations have to be taken care of manually, and labor costs in Germany are higher, many times over, than those in the Ukraine. That’s why it costs a fee here. You will surely find a good solution.
Hi,
Thanks a lot for your great site!
I have managed to put some money on my Girokonto (even managed to fulfill the conditions for an extra €25 bonus!).
Now, I have a question on how to use the Girocard in Germany.
I have a PIN for accessing the account online.
This pin consists of six digits.
Do I use the same PIN when I pay in stores with VPay or Girocard?
I am used to using a four digits PIN when paying with a card (the Comdirect VISA card for example), but the only PIN I have for the Girokonto (and card?) is six digits.
Please enlighten me! ;o)
Congratulations! You did great!
The six-figure PIN is used to log into the online banking. Visa Card and Girocard each have a separate PIN that is sent by mail. After an account opening, one receives several letters. We hope you have a dedicated bank folder where you can keep everything in order.
The Visa Card PIN could, if necessary, be changed within the oline banking: Persönlicher Bereich > Verwaltung > PIN/TAN-Verwaltung > PIN > VISA-Karten PIN > PIN ändern.
For the Girocard, a change is possible via the Commerzbank ATM. But in order to do that, one has to enter the old PIN. If the PIN does not show up, please contact the customer service and order, if necessary, a new card with a new PIN. Best of luck!
Good news, I found the PIN!
Thanks again for your great site!
Do you know how much I can withdrew a day in overseas? Thanks
With the Visa Card you can withdraw up to 600 Euro daily.
I am a Latvian citizen (EU) recently moved to Germany and tried to open an account with Post-ID identification. After 10 days received a letter from the bank requesting to submit the Meldebestatigung. As I understand this is some kind of a certificate of my place of residence. Where can I get such? In Bundesamt? Is it normal that the bank asks for such document?
You have received the confirmation of registration when registering at the registration office/Bürgeramt of a city or municipality. If you do not have it anymore, go there once more and you’ll get another copy. It’s easy and it confirms that you live at the given ad-dress in Germany. Have fun discovering the Comdirect!
Thank you! Will go there tomorrow as my registration is more than 6 months old. Hope they will open an account after I submit this certificate.
Hallo. Is there any minimum amount which must be deposited in the account to make it active or it’s absolutely free even though there is no transaction for couple of months. Thanks in advance.
For somebody who has been used to US account until now, this is probably amazing. The account is free of charge, without condition. No minimum amount, no minimum turnover.
Hey,
First of all i would like to thank you for providing all the information. Specially in English.
I’ve have been using Comdirect and N26 after reading your review.
My Question is that using the Visa Card abroad, is there a fees on transactions?
I know the cash withdrawal is free but are the transactions also free?
Thank you in advance
Hello Ehsan,
I am not a native speaker, but I’ll try to help you. 😉 With your Comdirect Visa you have to pay 1.75% if you pay with your card in another currency.
In this case you better pay with your N26 MC.
The cash withdrawal is free but unfortunately, as I found out recently the credit card payments through a Comdirect visa card abroad charges a 1.75% transaction fees.
What are the viable solutions? Does N26 also charge the same fees?
I have also heard good things about Transferwise Borderless Account. Can you do a review on it as well?
Lastly, I wanted to thank you for all the help you provided
Nope, N26 don’t charge you if you pay with the MC in another currency, only when you withdraw cash. So the solution is to withdraw cash with your Comdirect Visa and pay with your N26 MC.
How can you find out the account balance using the ATM of the Commerzbank, if you have a card of this bank?
The Comdirect and Commerzbank are two different banks. Maybe you know that from the USA that you can query the account balance at third-party ATMs paying a fee. That does not work in Germany. Best is to install the banking-app of the Comdirect, so you can take a look at your account at any time using your Smartphone.
Hello Gregor,
Thank you very much for this great article and similar ones. It has helped me in understanding the banking system in Germany a lot more clear than any other website. 🙂
I have a couple of questions reg. setting up and using this account. Please excuse me if some of these questions don’t make sense as I am pretty much new to saving money, lol.
Assume that I made the comdirect as my primary account with my salary deposited monthly and I have opened Girokonto with VISA credit card and Savings account.
1. What happens if I bought something with my VISA card and there’s no sufficien balance to settle that out on MONDAY? Will it affect me in any bad way? Also please give any tips on how to come out of such situations or avoid them altogether?
2. Can I use overdraft facility on my current account instead of using my credit card? This way, I can escape the burden on MONDAY, isn’t it? Also, how long can I safely overdraw? Is it weekly too or monthly?
3. Since I also have savings account, how can I use this as source to take money from for my VISA card instead of my current account? Also, if it’s possible for my VISA card to take money from either my current account / savings account, how can I know/decide from which account I am paying from when using my credit card?
Thank you.
1) Most providers can check during the weekend, too, if enough money is available on your Visa Card to make a payment. If you know that a payment provider cannot, do not overdo it. Each bank does an internal customer rating. If problems occur, the rating drops.
2) It makes sense to have a credit line on both your giro account and Visa Card. I have that too. With an incoming salary, that should not be a problem. The Visa Card is automatically cleared monthly with the current account. There is no interest incurred on the credit card account.
3) The savings account at Comdirect is separate. However, with online banking, you can make transfers between all three accounts (checking account, credit card account, savings account) within seconds.
PS: In German language we have recently started to offer consultations. But if you call the bank directly, this is free of charge for you! Enjoy the further exploration of Comdirect!
Hello Gregor,
Thanks a lot for the information. However, I couldn’t clearly understand the VISA credit line clearance. In the first point you mentioned that it would be cleared by the weekend and in the second point, it was said that the VISA credit is cleared monthly. I am confused.
Best,
Kevad
Yes, bank conditions are subject to change and so it is not always easy to keep everything up to date. The Visa Card of Comdirect is automatically billed monthly to the checking account.
This is a process that is convenient and nice for us smart banking customers in Germany, because no expensive lending rates can occur! Until the transfer, the balance remains interest-free, and if the checking account does not have sufficient credit and an overdraft facility has been agreed upon, only a favorable 6.5 percent will apply. That works, right?
Perfect. Thank you very much for the clarification. Hope you carry on your good work. 🙂
Cheers
Hi, I have three questions after reading F&A on their site, because my German isn’t at all reliable.
1. If I understood correctly, since last year, ATM cash withdrawal has a minimum limit of 50€. Below this amount, a fee will be charged. Does this also apply to Cash Group ATMs?
2. I saw: “Was kostet eine Auslandsüberweisung?
“Für Überweisungsausgänge fallen folgenden Entgelte an:
“SHARE 0,15% (mind. 7,90 EUR, max. 51,90 EUR)
“ggf. zuzüglich OUR-Entgelte
“Beträge unter 250 EUR: 10 EUR
“Beträge ab 250 EUR: 0,15% (mind. 12,50 EUR)
“ggf. zuzüglich BEN-Entgelte mind. 0,15%
“ggf. zzgl. Telefonzuschlag: 1,90 EUR
“ggf. zzgl. Fax-/Briefzuschlag: 1,90 EUR
“Für Überweisungseingänge aus dem außereuropäischen Raum oder in Fremdwährung fällt folgendes Entgelt an:
“0,15% (mind. 1,50 EUR, max. 10 EUR)”
Does this mean that even SEPA transfers to other Euro zone accounts will be charged a fee? This is kind of ridiculous. All direct banks charge for cash deposit/withdrawal, which is understandable. But charging online money transfers kind of beats the whole purpose of direct online banking!
If Comdirect really is that thick, could this workaround work? — I can transfer funds from Comdirect to my Transferwise account and then make international SEPA transfer from Transferwise. I think Tranferwise’s partner bank for Euro zone is in Germany, so I won’t have to pay any fees, right?
3. I don’t like the Girokonto overdraft function, especially since I have a Visa credit card. Is it possible to set the Überziehung for my Girokonto to 0?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
1) The minimum withdrawal amount applies to the ATMs of the Cash Group as well. Comdirect as a bank has to pay fees for the use of the cash group as well, and this is where one wants to operate in a way that makes good business sense. You can withdraw lower sums with the Girocard in various German supermarkets with a minimum purchase of 10 or 20 Euros. This is being used more and more frequently in practice.
2) Transfers in EUR within the SEPA system are free of charge.
3) Yes. Please make sure not to overdraw the account, because with an account balance under 0 Euros it does not work anymore. That means direct debits are reversed automatically – with all consequences. We always advise the smart bank customers among us to have an overdraft facility. You do not have to use it. It is a security line.
Hello Gregor,
I have settled in Germany and I want a credit card for my travel bookings, I will deposit the amount in the current account and want to use the credit card only with the amount I have in my current account (just how N26) works. I guess this is possible right? And how much is it charged if I swipe the credit card outside Germany? Is there any monthly balance I need to maintain in my current account or monthly minimum transaction that I have to do with the credit card?
Thanks in advance
Yes, that can be done with Comdirect. There is no minimum sales or mini-mum balance. Payments in Euro by credit card are free of charge, in foreign currencies a foreign service fee of 1.75 per cent applies. More or less similar to N26.
Tip: In foreign countries with a different currency, withdraw cash: This is free of charge on the part of the Comdirect and there is no (!) Foreign Service charge! Enjoy the dis-covery of Comdirect Bank!
Thanks for the valuable information
Awesome!!! What a tip. Will always withdraw cash instead of paying with credit card next time I am outside EU. Thanks a lot.
Hello,
Quick Answer please, If I save an amount of 4000 Euros in Tagesgeld PLUS account. What will be the amount increase per month? IS this a proper savings account with fixed interest rate?
Thanks
Perhaps you have already heard that the key interest rate of the Europäische Zentralbank (European Central Bank) has been -0.4 percent per years. A large number of banks pass on the lower interest rate to customers for larger amounts. The Comdirect does not do that. The account simply has no interest rate.
That means in your case: In a month, the 4,000 Euros will be there, as they are now. The bank has kept the money safe for you.
Great information. Thank you.
I have followed the accunt opening procedures on how to open account for a foreigners domiciled abroad. There is a pdf form to fill out… So you happen to know how and where to send this form once I fill it out? There is no information on that matter available on the comdirect website.
Thank you
comdirect bank AG
Pascalkehre 15
25451 Quickborn
Gregor,
Thanks for all the great info.
We are US citizens, living in the US, but purchasing property in Germany, and need a German account. Is this possible w/ Comdirect?
I tried contacting Comdirect to open an account but the agent told me it’s not possible to be a US citizen and not living in Germany to open an account. Your thread seems to imply they can – was the agent mistaken?
Every account opening is an individual decision of a bank. Fact is that some US people do have an account with the bank. It used to be easier because as a bank you could earn something despite the account being free. Today, the monitoring requirements for foreign account holders – especially for US individuals – are enormous, and the accounts are free. Well, not a good deal.
Depending on which services you expect from an account in Germany, there are alternatives. Actually, it’s the plan for this web portal, but every now and then it makes sense to post this: My business partner Christian Funke does English language consulting regarding account openings Europe/USA.
Good evening,
I understand that some basic German language knowledge is expected to open the account. If someone uses the information on your website and attempts to open the account online outside of Germany as a non-resident, would it result in an unsuccessful application or not necessarily?
Thanks and regards,
Tamas
There are people who manage to open an account outside of Germany as non-Germans because they act smart and the account opening makes sense from the bank’s perspective. However, many do not get an account because they do not understand the language or there are other reasons against it. Each account opening is an individual decision, even if it’s made by a computer. Likewise, not every application from a German resident in Germany leads to an account opening.
Please let me know how I can cancel a mandate for a Lastschrift.