Student Bank Accounts – the Right Complement to Comdirect or N26
By: Simon Heinrich – Last updated: 10/2026
If you’ve already opened a first checking account with Comdirect or N26, that covers the basics. But for certain situations in student life, a second, student-specific account can be worth it; for example, if you regularly need to deposit cash, want free cash withdrawals abroad, or simply prefer having a real branch nearby in case something needs handling in person.
We recommend three full-featured accounts here, each filling a different gap: Norisbank (handy for cash deposits), Consorsbank (ideal for free cash withdrawals abroad), and Openbank (the classic, unconditionally free branch bank).
Important note upfront: Unless stated otherwise, all three accounts are free by default—meaning no account maintenance fees, no card fees, and no charges for regular transfers. Where conditions apply for staying fee-free, we call them out explicitly.
The Three Accounts at a Glance
| Feature | Norisbank Top-Girokonto | Consorsbank Girokonto | Openbank BestGiro Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condition for fee-free | Under 30, or at least €500/month incoming funds | Under 31, or at least €700/month incoming fund | Unconditionally free |
| Girocard | Yes, free | Yes, free | Yes, free |
| Debit card | Mastercard Debit, free | Visa Card Debit, free | Visa debit card, free |
| Credit card | optional Mastercard credit card (salary necessary), free | optional Visa Card Gold Light | Optional Visacard |
| Mobile payments | Apple Pay / Google Pay | Apple Pay / Google Pay | Apple Pay / Google Pay |
| Free withdrawals | Within the CashGroup ATM network | Unlimited at all Visa ATMs worldwide above €50 (with the Gold Light credit card) | 6x per month worldwide at Visa ATMs |
| Foreign currency fee | 0% withdrawals, 1.75% payments with Mastercard | 0% with the Visa Card Gold Light | 0% with the Visa debit card |
| Cash deposits | Yes, via Deutsche Bank ATMs | No | Possible at certain branches |
| Branches available | No, fully digital | No, fully digital | Yes, approx. 125 branches, mainly in larger cities |
| ID verification | Postident, VideoIdent | Postident, VideoIdent, eID | PostIdent, Videoident or in person at a branch |
Norisbank Top-Girokonto – best for cash deposits
Norisbank’s biggest practical advantage is that you can actually deposit cash via Deutsche Bank ATMs. For students who occasionally receive cash (a side job, gifts, shared household funds), that’s a feature many purely digital accounts simply don’t offer.
The account includes a free Girocard and a free Mastercard for online and offline purchases—useful because it’s accepted more broadly abroad and by merchants that don’t take a Girocard. The account stays free if you’re under 30 or have at least 500 Euro in monthly incoming funds; otherwise, a 3.90 Euro fee is charged for the affected month at the end of the quarter.
The downside: free cash withdrawals are tied to the CashGroup ATM network. Outside that network, additional fees apply.
Before you start the opening process, we recommend having a look at our article: How to Open a German Bank Account: Step-by-Step Guide
Consorsbank Girokonto – best for free cash withdrawals abroad
Consorsbank shines especially in combination with its available Visa Card Gold Light: this genuine credit card carries no annual fee and lets you pay and withdraw cash for free worldwide at any Visa-branded ATM. For semesters abroad, travel, or internships outside Germany, that’s a clear advantage over many other student accounts.
Alongside the credit card, you get a free Visa Card Debit and a Girocard. The account stays free until your 31st birthday or with at least 700 Euro in monthly incoming funds; if neither is met, a 4 Euro monthly fee applies.
The downside: the credit limit on the Gold Light card is comparatively low, and without a regular income, the overdraft facility is often reduced or cancelled entirely. So if you rely on a credit buffer, it’s worth checking the specific terms carefully.
Openbank BestGiro Student – the classic, unconditionally free branch bank
Unlike the two digital banks above, Santander is a real branch bank with a nationwide network. That’s worth it for anyone who occasionally prefers dealing with things in person, such as more complex requests.
The account is completely free — no minimum incoming funds required. It includes a free Visa debit card, letting you withdraw cash for free worldwide six times a month A classic Girocard is available.
The downside: beyond the six free Visa withdrawals, you’re limited to the smaller CashPool ATM network via the Girocard — solid with around 2 800 ATMs nationwide, but less extensive than the larger ATM alliances.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Student Account
Overlooking the income threshold: Both Norisbank and Consorsbank tie their fee-free status to an age limit or a minimum monthly incoming amount. Check beforehand which condition you can realistically meet.
Bringing the wrong card while traveling: For free withdrawals abroad with Consorsbank, it’s specifically the Gold Light credit card that matters—the plain debit card is noticeably more expensive by comparison.
Relying blindly on the overdraft facility: Without a regular income, many banks reduce or cancel the Dispo entirely. As a student, don’t count on it—build yourself an emergency fund in an instant-access savings account instead.
FAQ
Do I really need a student account alongside Comdirect or N26?
Not necessarily, but if you regularly deposit cash, travel abroad often, or prefer using a branch, one of these three accounts fills a specific gap your first account leaves open.
Can I have multiple checking accounts at the same time?
Yes, that’s common and unproblematic in Germany. Many students use one main account for daily life and a second one specifically for travel or cash.
What happens if I exceed the age limit for a free bank account?
The conditions for free-of-charge maintenance then change. Typically, a monthly minimum deposit becomes necessary from that point on, otherwise a monthly account fee applies. However, this minimum deposit requirement is usually low and easy to meet.