Getting a European bank account with an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is necessary for paying bills and transferring money. It is also helpful for making purchases, getting cash, and managing funds between dollars and euros.

Andrews Federal Credit Union

• Branches in Wiesbaden

• Shared branching with Service Credit Union

• Provides online banking and bill pay

Community Bank

Community Bank provides convenient and affordable banking services and financial information to help support service members, base organizations and mission readiness. Community Bank is located in 10 countries across the globe, with 60 Banking Centers and over 270 ATMs. They also provide interactive banking so you can easily access your account. Call toll-free: 00-800-BANK-EASY (00-800-2265-3279) or DSN: 314-546-1892 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except German holidays.

Keesler Federal Credit Union and Global Federal Credit Union

• Shared branching with Andrews Federal Credit Union and Service Credit Union (meaning free access to these branches).

Service Credit Union

• Branches distributed throughout bases in Germany

• Check depositing from your smartphone

• Provides “Call 24,” an automated phone teller that is available 24/7

Here are some regional and “portable” banks that can be a great tool to get local bills paid, and often with competitive exchange rates and low fees.

Note: The DoD will not deposit paychecks to German banks.

• Bunq: International banking brand where you can create an account to pay bills in Euro. Visit bunq.com

• Deutsche Bank: National bank with locations all over Germany and the globe as well as online banking options to pay bills in Euros. Visit deutsche-bank.de/pk.html.

• Wise: International banking app that lets yuo create a local account to pay rent and bills in Euros. Visit wise.com.

• N26: International banking app that lets you create a local account to pay rent and bills in Euros. Visit n26.com.

EUROPEAN DEBIT CARDS

Some smaller shops only accept a European electronic cash (EC) card—also known as Girocard, VPAY or Maestro Card. It may be come in handy and can be distributed through a local bank.

• Many German businesses, especially smaller ones, may not always take credit or debit cards.

• Always carry euros when off-installation.

The German banking system differs from the U.S. Your IBAN is typically used to send money to people, to pay bills for German services or utilities, and also to pay invoices like medical bills or traffic fines. 

You can set up automatic transfers, automatic direct debits or one-time payments using a fund transfer from your IBAN to the recipient. Most banks have an easy online form for transferring funds.

Check conversion rates before transferring large amounts between U.S. and euro accounts.

To send money, or pay a bill you will need:

• The euro amount due

• The receiver’s International Bank Account Number (IBAN)

• The receiver’s Bank’s Identifier Code (BIC)

• A reference number from your utility bill, service invoice, or other details for the reference section

• The payee’s name

Welcome to Germany