Can I use Revolut, Wise or a foreign bank account in Germany?

Short answer: Yes, you can often use Revolut, Wise or another foreign SEPA bank account in Germany for salary payments, rent, utilities and direct debits. However, a German IBAN or local current account (Girokonto) may still make everyday banking easier.

What usually works: A foreign bank account within the SEPA area can generally be used for euro transfers and common payments in Germany. This includes:

• Receiving your salary
• Paying rent and utility bills
• Setting up SEPA direct debits (Lastschrift)
• Sending standing orders (Dauerauftrag)

Revolut and Wise: Revolut Germany offers eligible residents a German IBAN that can be used for salary payments, bills and SEPA direct debits. Wise Germany provides EUR account details for euro transfers and many direct debits, although the IBAN may come from another European country.

Do you need a German IBAN? Employers, landlords and service providers should generally accept any valid SEPA IBAN. Refusing an account only because the IBAN does not begin with DE may be considered IBAN discrimination (IBAN-Diskriminierung). In practice, a German IBAN can still prevent delays when setting up contracts or receiving payments.

When a German bank account may be better: A local current account can be useful if you need cash deposits, a Girocard, branch support or frequent ATM withdrawals. Before using an online bank account in Germany as your main account, check ATM fees, card charges, currency conversion costs and support for recurring payments.

A non-SEPA foreign bank account is usually less practical because international transfers, currency conversion and limited direct debit support can create extra costs or delays.

Key takeaways:

• Revolut, Wise and other SEPA accounts can often be used for salary, rent and regular bills in Germany.
• A German IBAN is not always required, but it can simplify contracts and payments.
• Non-SEPA accounts may involve extra fees, currency conversion and payment restrictions.
• Check direct debit support, ATM fees and card conditions before choosing your main account.

Still deciding whether you need a local account? Read how to open a German bank account before you arrive and learn which charges can apply to supposedly free bank accounts in Germany.