If you want to open an account online, you must prove your identity, even without a branch. Banks are legally obliged to do this and choose an identity verification method for it. This guide explains why the check is needed, which routes the German Money Laundering Act names, which documents to have ready and what applies if a bank does not open your account. Which bank you choose is another question and is not covered here.
Short answer: When you open an account online you must identify yourself, because account providers must establish the identity and address of the person under section 154 of the German Fiscal Code (AO). Section 12(1) of the Money Laundering Act (GwG) names, among others, a valid official ID, the eID and a qualified electronic signature as verification routes. Which methods a bank offers is its own decision (last updated November 2026).
Key points at a glance
- Identity verification is legally required and serves account transparency and the prevention of money laundering.
- A valid official photo ID is the core of the check in every method.
- Which methods are possible depends on the bank. Your ID, your cooperation and a suitable environment determine the process.
- Have your registered address, tax identification number and contact details ready before you start the application.
- Consumers with lawful residence in the EU are entitled to a basic account (Basiskonto), on which the bank must decide within ten business days.
Why do you have to show ID when opening an account?
Under section 154(1) AO it is prohibited to open an account under a false or fictitious name. Under section 154(2) AO the account-holding institution must establish in advance the identity and address of every person authorised to dispose of the account and every beneficial owner within the meaning of the Money Laundering Act and record these details. The bank must also be able to tell the tax authorities at any time which accounts a person uses. That is the background to the check, and it applies to online and branch accounts alike.
Which verification routes does the Money Laundering Act name?
Section 12(1) GwG names several ways in which obliged entities can verify the identity of a natural person. The table summarises them.
| Route | What is needed | Typical process |
|---|---|---|
| Valid official photo ID | Identity card, passport or a recognised substitute document | Check of the document and matching with the person |
| Electronic identity proof (eID) | ID card with activated online function (section 18 PAuswG), card reader or smartphone, PIN | Reading the ID data, entering the PIN |
| Qualified electronic signature | A signature within the meaning of the eIDAS Regulation, payment from an account in your name at an institution | Signing the contract, confirmation via the payment account |
| Notified electronic identification system | A system recognised under eIDAS | Logging in via the recognised system |
| Documents under the Payment Account Identity Verification Ordinance | Documents named in that ordinance | Check of the documents by the bank |
Besides these, banks often offer further routes, such as procedures by video call. Which further methods are permitted follows from supervisory requirements and is not set out in section 12 GwG. Which methods are open to you is stated in the application. Whether a bank offers a particular method is its decision. As a rule there is no entitlement to a particular method.
What do you need to open an account online?
- A valid identity card or passport. If the ID has expired, it is not suitable for the check.
- Your current registered address. If your address or name has changed, have the proof ready, for example the registration certificate or proof of the change of address.
- A working email address and a mobile number for confirmation codes.
- Your tax identification number, which banks frequently ask for.
- For eID: an ID with activated online function, the six-digit PIN and an NFC-capable smartphone or a card reader.
- For video procedures: a quiet, well-lit environment, a stable connection and an ID you can turn in your hand.
How does the identity check work?
- You fill in the application online and confirm your details. Use a spelling that matches the ID exactly.
- You choose a verification method that the bank offers.
- The bank checks the ID and the person. In case of discrepancies or poor image quality the procedure is often aborted and can be repeated.
- You sign the contract, usually electronically.
- The bank activates the account and sends you access data and card separately, usually by post and in the app.
What applies to international students and people without a fixed address?
For students without a German passport, requirements for ID documents and registered address can differ. A detailed overview is in Girokonto als internationale Studierende: Welche Unterlagen du brauchst (in German). If you need a blocked account for entry, the process is described in Sperrkonto für das Studium in Deutschland: So läuft die Eröffnung ab (in German).
Which mistakes often lead to the check being aborted?
Most aborted checks have practical causes and can be avoided. Typical points are:
- The ID has expired, the online ID function is not activated, or the PIN has been forgotten.
- Name or address in the application differ from the details in the ID or in the population register.
- The image cannot be evaluated because of reflections, poor light or an unstable connection.
- The smartphone does not support the radio technology needed to read the ID.
If several attempts fail, it is worth switching to another method or asking customer service rather than submitting the application repeatedly.
What if the bank does not open the account?
Under section 31 of the Payment Accounts Act (ZKG), an institution that offers payment accounts to consumers must conclude a basic account contract with an eligible person if the application meets the requirements. Eligible is any consumer with lawful residence in the EU, including those without a fixed address, as well as asylum seekers and persons who cannot be deported for legal or practical reasons. The institution must offer the conclusion without delay, at the latest within ten business days of receiving the application. A basic account is a payment account with the basic functions. If you are refused, contact the bank, ask for the reasons and check whether a basic account is an option.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open an account without ID?
No. Under section 154 AO the bank must establish your identity and address. Without a valid ID or another permitted route, opening the account is generally not possible.
What happens if the video check fails?
Usually the procedure can be repeated, or the bank offers another route, for example the eID or a check in a branch or by post. Ask the provider about the alternatives.
Do I have to pay for the identity check?
Whether a bank charges a fee for the identity check is stated in its terms. Check this before starting the application.
How long does opening an account take?
That depends on the provider and the method. For a basic account, section 31 ZKG sets a maximum of ten business days after receipt of the application. There are no general periods for other accounts, so the bank’s notes are worth reading.
What to do now
- Check that your ID is valid and your registered address is correct.
- Have your tax identification number, email address and mobile phone ready.
- Choose a verification method that suits your equipment, such as eID with a smartphone.
- Before submitting, read the price and service overview and the notes on identity checks.
- If you still need to settle which account to choose, compare criteria rather than individual providers.
Related guides
- Geld, Konto und Kredit: Der Überblick für junge Erwachsene (in German) (hub)
- Studentenkonto Vergleich 2026 (in German)
- Girokonto als internationale Studierende: Welche Unterlagen du brauchst (in German)
- Gehaltskonto wechseln: Was beim Kontowechsel zu beachten ist (in German)
- Konto vermieten: Warum das strafbar ist und was droht (in German)
Sources: Section 154 AO, account transparency (in German); Section 12 GwG, verification of identity (in German, retrieved 2 November 2026); Section 31 ZKG, entitlement to a basic account contract (in German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
