Opening an account

How to open a bank account in Austria

If you plan to stay in Austria for longer, you will need a bank account. Actually it is quite easy to open an account – the tricky part is which bank to choose, as there are many.

When going to the chosen bank you will need a proof of identity like a passport and sometimes also a proof a residence in Austria ( Meldezettel).

The most common form of accounts in Austria is the current account (called Girokonto), with a current account you usually can:

• Draw money with your EC – card (EuroCheque) from your own bank’s ATMs but also from ATMs from other banks. Normally they are located outside the bank and you can withdraw money with nearly all common cards there. However – using your local Austrian card saves you any commission that you might be charged when using a foreign card.
• Transfer money (locally and abroad)
• Pay for example your rent by standing order.
• Pay for example your telephone bills by direct debit or other regular but variable amounts.

When you open an account in Austria you will get a personal customer advisor who will help you with financial decisions. Approximately after 3 or 4 days you will get you EC – card by post.

It is common to receive Internet-banking access and even telephone banking with your account. You should use these options as they are cheap or even free and save you from walking to the branch whenever you need something financial to be done.