How to Open a Bank Account in Austria

How Do Austrian Bank Fees Compare?

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 for expats.

Sources: Bank websites, AK Bankenrechner. Updated: April 2026.

What Are the ATM Withdrawal Fees in Austria?

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.

Fees are approximate and may vary by account type. Sources: Bank websites, AK Bankenrechner. Updated: April 2026.

What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account in Austria?

Austrian banks regulated by the FMA 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 for expats.

• 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.

What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Open an Account?

1. 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. 2. Choose your bank

   Decide between a traditional bank (Erste Bank, Raiffeisen, Bank Austria) for branch access and full services, or a neobank (N26) for a fast, app-based experience. Consider whether you need in-person service in German or prefer English-language digital banking.

3. 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 offer English-speaking staff in major cities.

4. 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. 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. 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.

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.

What Are Common Mistakes When Opening a Bank Account?

• Not comparing fees across banks

  Monthly Kontofuehrungsgebuehr (account management fees) vary from EUR 0 to EUR 15. Switching to a free account can save you EUR 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 or Bank99 offer EUR 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.

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.

Girokonto

Checking account, also called a current account. This is the standard account for salary payments and daily transactions.

Kontofuehrungsgebuehr

Account management fee. The monthly charge your bank applies for maintaining your account.

Bankomatkarte

Debit card. The standard payment card in Austria, used for purchases and ATM withdrawals.

Ueberweisung

Bank transfer. Used for rent payments, bill payments, and sending money within the SEPA zone.

Dauerauftrag

Standing order. A recurring automatic transfer you set up for fixed payments like rent.

Einzugsermaechtigung

Direct debit authorization. Permission you give a company to pull payments from your account, commonly used for utilities and subscriptions.

What Tips Should Expats Know About Austrian Banking?

• •Many Austrian banks charge monthly account fees ranging from EUR 0 to EUR 15. Student accounts and accounts for people under 27 are often free. For a full breakdown, see our cost of living guide.
• •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 for details.
• •Most Austrian bank websites and apps are primarily in German. Erste Bank and N26 offer the best English-language support.
• •If you need a bank account before having a Meldezettel, N26 can be a good temporary option since it does not require Austrian registration. For more on registration, see our Vienna registration guide.

Which Are the Best Banks for Expats in Austria?

Based on English-language support, ease of account opening, and overall value, here are our top recommendations for expats. Once you have an account, explore your credit card options.