Current account

The Girokonto (current account) is your central account for everyday finances. Your salary is paid in here, rent, electricity and insurance are debited here by standing order or direct debit, and here you use your girocard or debit card to pay.

For children: the German Youth Institute (DJI) recommends a child's own current account from the age of 12. It teaches how to handle digital money, transfers and bank statements. Most banks offer free youth accounts – without account fees and with a card.

Caution: a current account earns hardly any interest (often 0%). Money you won't need for a while should be moved to an overnight money account or into a savings plan.