Opening a bank account in Austria
Why you need an Austrian or EU account, what banks usually check, your legal right to a basic account (Basiskonto) with a capped annual fee, and how to complain if a bank refuses.
- Applies to
- Anyone living in Austria who needs to receive a salary, pay rent or set up direct debits. The right to a basic account applies to consumers lawfully resident in the EU who do not already have a usable current account in Austria.
- Effort
- Low effort
- Time needed
- An hour at a branch or an online identification; banks must decide on a basic account within ten business days
- Cost
- Account fees vary by bank. A basic account may cost at most €83.45 a year, or €41.73 for socially or economically vulnerable people (amounts published by the Arbeiterkammer, 2026).
- When
- In your first week, after you have registered your address
On this page
In Austria your employer pays your salary into a bank account, and rent, energy bills, the ORF contribution and many other payments are usually made by transfer or direct debit (SEPA-Lastschrift). A current account (Girokonto) with an Austrian or other EU bank is therefore one of the first things to set up.
Everyone has a legal right to a basic account (Zahlungskonto mit grundlegenden Funktionen, usually called Basiskonto) since 18 September 2016, which protects you if a bank refuses an ordinary account.
Before you start
An official photo ID
Documents you need
- required
Passport (EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can use a national ID card)
- optional
Registration confirmation
Ask the bank in advance whether it needs it
- optional
Residence permit card, if you already have it
- optional
Employment contract or payslips
Some banks ask for proof of income, especially for overdrafts or credit cards
Step by step
Step 1: Compare offers neutrally
Account fees, card fees and online-banking features differ between banks. Compare several banks, including branch banks and online banks, and read each bank's fee list (Konditionenaushang) before you sign. The Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer) publishes consumer information on current accounts.
Step 2: Prepare your identification
Banks must verify your identity with an official photo ID. Depending on the bank, this happens in a branch, through an online video identification or by another approved method. Ask in advance which further documents the bank wants, for example your registration confirmation, your residence permit or proof of income.
Step 3: Open the account
Once the account is open you receive your IBAN and, usually, a debit card. Give the IBAN to your employer for your salary and to your landlord and energy supplier for direct debits.
Step 4: If a bank refuses, ask for a basic account
If you do not yet have a usable current account in Austria, you can ask for a basic account. The bank may refuse only for a few reasons set by law, for example if you already hold a usable current account in Austria. If the conditions are met, the account must be opened within ten business days. A refusal must be given in writing with reasons and must tell you how to complain.
What the basic account includes
According to the Chamber of Labour, a basic account covers deposits and withdrawals, a debit card for payments and cash withdrawals, transfers, standing orders and direct debits, card and online payments, and online banking where the bank offers it. Overdrafts are generally not possible, and credit cards are not included.
The annual fee is capped: at most €83.45 a year, or €41.73 for socially or economically vulnerable people such as recipients of minimum social assistance or minimum pension, people in private insolvency, students receiving study grants and homeless people (figures on the Chamber of Labour's page, 2026). The amounts are adjusted to inflation every two years.
Complaints
If a bank does not open a basic account although you are entitled to one, you can complain to the Financial Market Authority (Finanzmarktaufsicht, FMA) or to the joint conciliation body of the Austrian banking sector (Gemeinsame Schlichtungsstelle der Österreichischen Kreditwirtschaft). The Chamber of Labour also advises employees on banking problems.
Watch out
For a basic account, the capped annual fee covers all of its services; question any extra charges for them.
Common mistakes
Opening several accounts you do not need, then losing track of card and account fees. Not telling your bank about a new address or a renewed residence permit.
Tips
Ask your employer and landlord early which account details they need, so your first salary and rent payments are not delayed. Keep your IBAN handy for the ÖGK if you ever claim a refund for a private doctor's bill.
Frequently asked questions
Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.
Can I open an account before I have a Meldezettel?
Some banks open accounts on the basis of your ID alone; others ask for a registration confirmation. Ask the bank. The basic account right applies to consumers lawfully resident in the EU.
Can a bank refuse me a basic account because I am not Austrian?
No. The right applies to consumers lawfully resident in the EU. A bank may refuse only for the reasons set by law, for example if you already have a usable current account in Austria, and must give the reasons in writing.
Official links
In your plan
Open a bank account
Sources
Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Apr 2027.
- Bundesarbeitskammer (Arbeiterkammer)Official sourceBankkonto für Jedermann (Basiskonto)
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026Right since 18 September 2016; €83.45 a year, €41.73 reduced; ten business days; refusal reasons.
- oesterreich.gv.atOfficial sourceWertkartenregistrierung (identification methods)
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026Used only for the general point that identity can be confirmed in person, by video or via a bank.
- oesterreich.gv.atOfficial sourceORF-Beitrag (payment methods)
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026