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Close or keep a German bank account

Selected criteria

  1. I’m planning to leave Germany
  2. Bank accounts and finances
  3. Close or keep my German bank account

Before leaving, do not rush to close your German bank account on the first day. First list all expected incoming and outgoing payments, check the bank’s terms and decide whether you need the account for final settlements. Refunds, last payments and messages from organisations may go through it, so it is useful to make a list of regular transactions in advance. Also check whether you have other banking products: a regular Girokonto, savings or a blocked account. Arrange to receive bank notifications after moving and save your statements. Once your obligations are complete, choose the appropriate option: keep the account for a transition period or close it under the bank’s procedure. If your situation involves a residence permit, blocked account or disputed transactions, check the details with the bank and the relevant article.

Plan overview

This plan helps you check payments and terms, retain access to needed funds and decide when to close a German account.

What to do step by step

  1. 1

    List outstanding payments

    Record expected incoming payments, recurring debits and organisations that may need your account after you leave.

    Articles for this step

    How to Leave Germany Properly: A Checklist for Abmeldung, Contracts, and Documents How to Leave Germany Properly: Checklist for Abmeldung, Residence Permit, Contracts, and Benefits
  2. 2

    Decide whether you need the account during the transition

    Assess whether final settlements, refunds or last debits will go through the account, and only then choose a closing date.

    Articles for this step

    How to Leave Germany Properly: Checklist for Abmeldung, Residence Permit, Contracts, and Benefits Girokonto in Germany: how to open, choose, and use your account safely
  3. 3

    Check the bank’s terms and statement

    Open the terms of service, check fees, active transactions and bank messages before submitting a request.

    Articles for this step

    AGB, Fees and Bank Customer Rights in Germany
  4. 4

    Prepare final transfers

    Check the bank details, amount and payment reference before confirming the final transfer.

    Articles for this step

    Money transfers in Germany and SEPA: IBAN, timing, fees, and security
  5. 5

    Review separate banking products

    If you have a Sperrkonto, clarify its separate closure procedure and do not confuse it with a regular current account.

    Articles for this step

    Sperrkonto in Germany: how to open a blocked account for a visa
  6. 6

    Save documents and close the account at the right time

    Save statements and confirmations, arrange to receive mail and complete the closure procedure once settlements are complete.

    Articles for this step

    Girokonto in Germany: how to open, choose, and use your account safely Abmeldung in Germany Before Departure: How to Deregister

Important notes

  • Do not close the account automatically on the day you leave: first check final settlements.
  • The terms of service and account statement are important when making a decision.
  • Keep confirmations and departure documents.

Common mistakes

  • Close the account before final settlements
  • Assume Abmeldung closes all contracts
  • Confirm bank changes without checking
  • Confuse Girokonto and Sperrkonto