Deutsche Bank's online account opening process
Deutsche Bank does not offer full account opening through its website for most customer types. If you are a new customer in Germany, you can start the process online through their website, but you will need to complete identity verification in person at a Deutsche Bank branch or through a video call with a Deutsche Bank representative. The bank requires this step before your account becomes active.
If you are already a Deutsche Bank customer or have a relationship with the bank, you may be able to open additional accounts or products online without a branch visit. The specific path depends on your location, citizenship, and the type of account you want to open.
Deutsche Bank's online banking platform, called mobilebanking or the web portal, is separate from account opening. Once your account exists, you can manage it online. But creating the account itself requires identity verification that Deutsche Bank will not complete entirely through a screen.
Key Takeaways
- Deutsche Bank requires in-person or video identity verification before opening a new account, even if you start the application online.
- The online application collects your personal information and documents, but does not finalize the account without verification.
- Video verification through Deutsche Bank is faster than a branch visit and available during extended hours on some days.
- You will need a valid passport or national ID card and proof of address to complete verification.
- Existing Deutsche Bank customers can often open additional accounts or products online without a second verification step.
What you need before you start
Gather these documents before beginning the online application. You will need a valid passport or national ID card issued by your country. Deutsche Bank will photograph or scan this during verification. You also need proof of your current address—a utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter dated within the last three months. A bank statement from another bank does not count as proof of address.
If you are not a German citizen or resident, Deutsche Bank's requirements change. Non-residents may face additional documentation requests or may not be able to open certain account types online. Check the bank's website for your specific country before starting.
Have your phone or computer ready for the video verification call. Deutsche Bank uses video to confirm your identity matches your documents. The call typically lasts 5 to 10 minutes. You will need a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.
Steps to begin the online application
Go to Deutsche Bank's website and look for the "Open an account" or "Konto eröffnen" section. The exact wording and location change by country and by month, so search the site if you cannot find it immediately. Click through to the account type you want—checking, savings, or a specific product like a student account.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. The form will ask whether you are a German resident and whether you have a tax identification number. Answer honestly; Deutsche Bank uses this information to determine which verification path you follow and which accounts you can open.
Upload or photograph your identity document and proof of address. The system will tell you the file size and format it accepts—usually PDF or JPG under 5 MB. Take the photo in good light, make sure all four corners of the document are visible, and check that the text is readable before uploading.
Review the terms and conditions. Deutsche Bank will present their account agreement, fee schedule, and privacy policy. You must accept these to proceed. The application will then move to a pending state, and Deutsche Bank will contact you to schedule verification.
Video verification versus branch verification
Deutsche Bank offers video verification as the faster route for most applicants. A representative will call you at the phone number you provided, or you will receive a link to join a video call at a scheduled time. During the call, the representative will ask you to hold your identity document to the camera, confirm your address, and answer basic security questions. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
If you prefer or if video verification is not available for your account type, you can complete verification at a Deutsche Bank branch. Bring your original identity document and proof of address. A staff member will check them against your application and confirm your identity in person. This step is immediate, but you must travel to a branch during business hours.
Video verification is typically available Monday through Friday during business hours, and some branches offer extended evening or Saturday slots. Check the appointment calendar when you receive the verification invitation to see what times are open.
Timeline from application to active account
If you complete video verification, your account usually becomes active within one to three business days after the call. Deutsche Bank will send you a confirmation email with your account number and instructions for setting up online banking access.
If you verify in person at a branch, the account may be active the same day or the next business day, depending on when you visit and how busy the branch is.
Do not assume your account is open until you receive the confirmation email with your account number. Some applications are flagged for additional review, which can add one to two weeks. This happens most often for non-residents or if Deutsche Bank cannot verify your address through their systems.
Setting up online banking after your account opens
Once your account is active, Deutsche Bank will send you login credentials for their online banking platform. You can log in through the website or download the Deutsche Bank mobile app. On first login, you will be asked to set a PIN or password and to register a phone number for two-factor authentication.
Deutsche Bank uses either SMS codes or a push notification system called mobileTAN for confirming transactions. Choose the method during setup. SMS is slower but works on any phone; mobileTAN is faster but requires the Deutsche Bank app.
After you set up two-factor authentication, you can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account online. Some features, like ordering a debit card or changing your address, may require a phone call to customer service or a branch visit, depending on the change.
What happens if your application is rejected
Deutsche Bank may reject your application if your identity cannot be verified, if your address cannot be confirmed, or if you do not meet their customer acceptance criteria. The bank does not always explain the specific reason. If this happens, you will receive an email stating that your application was not successful.
You can contact Deutsche Bank customer service to ask why your application was rejected. They may tell you to reapply with different documents, or they may tell you that you do not meet their criteria for that account type. If you are a non-resident, you may be directed to Deutsche Bank's international banking division or told that online opening is not available for your country.
If your application is rejected, you have the option to visit a branch in person and ask a staff member to help you open an account manually. Some accounts or customer profiles that cannot be opened online can be opened with staff assistance at a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Deutsche Bank account if I don't live in Germany?
Deutsche Bank's online account opening is designed for German residents. Non-residents may be able to open accounts, but the process often requires additional documentation or a phone call to verify your circumstances. Check the bank's website for your country, or contact their international customer service line to learn what is available for your location.
Do I need a German tax ID number to open an account?
If you are a German resident, you will need a tax identification number (Steuer-ID). If you do not have one yet, you can apply for one through the German tax office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) before opening your account. Non-residents do not need a German tax ID but may need a tax ID from their home country.
What if I can't do video verification because of my schedule?
You can complete verification in person at any Deutsche Bank branch during their business hours. Bring your original identity document and proof of address. Branch hours vary by location, so check the branch locator on Deutsche Bank's website before you go.
How long does it take to receive my debit card after my account opens?
Deutsche Bank typically mails a debit card within one to two weeks after your account becomes active. The card will arrive at the address you provided during account opening. You can use online banking and transfers immediately, but you will need to wait for the physical card to withdraw cash or pay in stores.
Can I open a joint account online with another person?
Joint accounts usually require both account holders to complete verification. If you and another person want to open a joint account, you may both need to complete the online application and video verification separately, or you may need to visit a branch together. Contact Deutsche Bank before starting to confirm the process for a joint account in your situation.