Opening a bank account

If you already opened a “Sperrkonto” (blocked account) when applying for your visa, you can also set up a giro account with a bank. You can pay your bills from that giro account; your rent and health insurance bill will be withdrawn from it every month. A German bank account is important, as a foreign account is not accepted everywhere.

Many banks offer free giro accounts for students.

To open a German giro account, you need the following documents:

• Passport or ID card
• Letter of admission or certificate of enrollment for the University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
• Registration confirmation from the city you’re living in

Caution: The Foreign Registration office in Augsburg accepts a giro account with at least 11,904 euros on it as proof of financing in addition to a “Sperrkonto” (blocked account).

After opening a bank account, you will usually receive a bank card or an EC card.

The PIN number for your EC card will be sent to you by post a few days after opening your bank account. Yan can use the PIN number when withdrawing money from the ATM or when paying with your EC card in a shop. In some shops, you have to sign the receipt after paying with your EC card.

Caution: It is essential to keep the PIN number a secret – that way you can avoid unauthorized access to your bank account.