Banks Germany

N26 Account Opening – Detailed Instuctions

Eight minutes – that’s all it takes to apply for a German bank account and complete the application – fully online.

N26 (formerly NUMBER26) is a relatively new bank in Germany with provides a modern banking facility. It was earlier in partnership with Wirecard Bank, but since then has obtained a German banking license. So the bank is governed by German Law and, your account is protected by the German Deposit Protection Fund. Claiming to provide the “Europe’s Most Modern Bank Account”, N26 has lot of facilities which makes it one of the best option for a bank account. Some of the features at  provided below:

• Free bank account with no monthly minimum input
• Free Mastercard prepaid credit card
• Free worldwide cash withdrawals in any ATM with Mastercard
• English Banking with Mobile app
• Modern banking facility with smartphone
• No Credit check – No Schufa records

For more information about the bank, read the detailed review of N26 bank providing you with information and advantages of the account.

Requirements for opening N26 account

The bank makes it very simple to open an account.  The only conditions required to open the bank account are

• Are you over 18?
• Do you have an address in either Germany, Austria, Greece , Spain , Slovakia , Ireland , France  or Italy?

If you meet the above two conditions, then congratulations, you can open a N26 account. Since N26 gives a Prepaid credit card, it does not perform credit checks unless you apply for overdraft facility. Therefore, you do not need to have a Schufa credit record in Germany. This is good for newcomers who have no credit history in Germany, or those you have a bad credit history.  Also, this avoids the need to provide a employment contract either, which some banks need.

You should be able to receive documents in that address, but need not provide a proof of residence in that address (Anmeldung).

The only document required is

• Identity proof – This could be your Passport (any country) or official ID (an EU country).

That’s it, you are ready to open a bank account now.

Being an modern bank, most of the activity is performed through your smartphone, so you also need a smartphone (iOS 7 or Android 4.3) to complete the process and use your account fully.

Steps to open a N26 account

The steps vary a little depending on which country you are applying from. But overall the process is simple and easy. In this regard,  the bank lives up to its promise of modern service right from the start when opening the account. You can apply and complete the application process entirely online without having to move away from your screen.

It provides English language website and application form, the instructions are also straight forward. However, here is a step by step guide on how to apply and activate the account.

Step 1 : Apply for the bank account

Open the website from the link provided here.

Enter your country of residence and Email address  : Once you click the link, you will be sent to the website of the bank. If you have a wrong language, you can change the language to English by clicking on the top right corner and select English.

On the page be asked to select the country and enter your email address. The country on the left is your the country of residence (one of the 8 countries) and not nationality. Currently, the account is open to residents of any of the 8 listed countries (Germany, Austria, Greece , Spain , Slovakia , Ireland , France, Italy). In case you are from other countries, you can still select your country and enter your email address. You will be informed when the account is available for your country.

Tip: Enter the email address and register even if you are not from one of the countries. Depending on the demand, N26 will extend the service to the other countries (read here). This is true because till recently, the account could only be opened by residents of Germany and Austria.

Provide your email address

Personal Invite Code (applicable to some countries only): In certain countries, the account can be opened only through personal invite code. If you are from those countries and you clicked on the correct link (not on waiting list) then the following is applicable for you.

After you enter your email, you will receive the below email with a personal activation code. If you did not use the link provided on this website, it is possible that you get an email informing you of being on the waiting list. This changes based on the countries.

Number26 – Email with activation code

The code is a personal code and can be used only by you. You can now click on Open Account Now and Download App link provided in the email. The link will take you to the page where you can enter your personal invite code.

Enter your Invite code

Enter your details:  You will be forwarded to the application page asking you for your details. As this form is in English, the details required are self explanatory I suppose. The email address and password will be used for your banking account login. Make sure you enter the details as in your Passport and also the correct address in Germany where you will be able to receive documents.  since all the documents will be sent to the address you provide.

Enter your personal details as your official document (Passport or ID)

Address in Germany where you can receive post

Confirm email address : Once you completed the application you will receive an email asking to confirm your email address. Click on and confirm.

Step 2: Verify Identity

According to the German Money Laundering Act, all financial services institutions are required to verify the identity of the client who wants to open a bank account. Usual method used by the banks in Germany is the PostIdent method where you will have to go to the nearest post-office in Germany to verify the identity. But since N26 is available to residents outside Germany, it also provides an entirely online method of verifying identity using video. You can select the process whichever is suitable to you. Also, it is not necessary to finish both the application and verification at the same time. So you can apply online now and complete your verification at a later date.

Verify Identity using VideoIdent

This is an online method of verifying identity online through videochat with an employee who checks your identity through the video. Don’t worry, you do not have to know German, the person will talk to you in English. It is easier and can be completed entirely online from your computer or using your smartphone. Please note that you need a camera (webcam) and an internet connection.

Tip: Have your passport/ID readily available with you. Also, beware that you will be talking to a person who can see you and will take a photo of you, so put on some clothes 😉

Timings: Monday to Sunday  – 8am to 12pm.  Yes, that is right, any day of the week till midnight. So the VideoIdent process can be done from the comfort of your home after your day at workday.

Important note:  There has been reports that VideoIdent staff may not be authorized to verify passports of certain countries.  Therefore holders of passport from those countries may have to use the PostIdent.

VideoIdent  – N26 app.

If you have downloaded the N26 app on your smartphone with internet access, you can follow the instructions below

1. Open the app and log in to your account using the username(email) and password you had used when creating the account.
2. You will be asked to verify the account. Just follow the step provided there and a Video call will start.
3. have your passport or ID with you as they will take a photo of you holding the ID for their records.

VideoIdent using your computer

If you do not have the app installed yet, you can also do it using the computer has a webcam and an internet connection on your computer.

1. Just go to the N26 website and login to the account using the details you used for creating the account.
2. Follow the instruction provide here. Have your phone near you. You will get a code on your phone during the identification process. Also, have your passport or ID with you as they will take a photo of you holding the ID for their records.

Normal PostIdent:

If you prefer, you can also perform a normal verification from a post office in Germany. Print out the PostIdent form and go to the nearest Deutschepost branch and ask the clerk to perform the PostIdent. To find out the centre which is closest to you, click Postoffice Finder.  Type in the city, postal code or the name of the street and under the option “alle speziellem service” select the option for “PostIdent”. You will be shown on the map the Postoffice branches closest to you. Don’t forget to take your passport along.

Step 3 : Pair your phone

As stated earlier, you will need your smartphone to complete the application process. Also, since you can authorize transactions only with your paired smartphone, it is important to pair your phone. If you want to pair a different smartphone with your account or if you lose your phone, please get in touch with the customer support immediately. They will carry out the changes after authenticating your identity.

To pair your phone, you should have the N26 app installed on your phone. The app only works with iPhone (iOS 7 or higher) and Android (version 4.3 or higher). So make sure you have a smartphone capable of running that application.

Next, you need to set a PIN and a transaction code. Make sure you remember them as they are important for making transactions. If you need to change it, you will have to contact the bank later. They will carry out the changes after we have authenticated your identity.

Step 4: Activate the account and Card

Now you can transfer money to your N26 account. You will find your IBAN and your BIC in the mobile app or the online banking interface under “Card Info”.

The MasterCard will be sent to you automatically once you have finished the verification. However, you cannot use it till you activate it.

You will receive your N26 MasterCard in a few business days.  Along with the card, you will receive instructions on how to activate the MasterCard. Follow the instructions and you are set. You can now use the account and the MasterCard.

Now you are ready to use your new N26 bank account with free MasterCard.