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Best Bank Accounts for Expats in Europe (2026)

Compare the best bank accounts across 11 European countries. Whether you need a local account for salary deposits or a multi-currency account for international transfers, we break down fees, features, and requirements for expats.

Our recommendation

We recommend Wise as the best all-round bank account for expats in Europe. Real mid-market exchange rates, multi-currency account with local bank details, and no monthly fees. Trusted by 16M+ people worldwide.

Open free Wise account
Free to create an account. Fees apply to transfers and card usage.

Banking as an expat in Europe

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you need to do when moving to a new country. You will need it for receiving your salary, paying rent, setting up utilities, and building a local financial footprint. Some countries require a local bank account before you can even sign a rental contract or register for taxes.

Fortunately, digital banks have made the process far simpler. Services like Wise, Revolut, and N26 let you open an account from your phone in minutes, often before you even arrive. For full local banking features, you may also want a traditional bank account, which we cover for each country below.

Top digital banks for expats

Multi-currency account with 40+ currencies at the real mid-market exchange rate. No monthly fees, no minimum balance. Get local bank details in EUR, GBP, USD, and more. The go-to choice for receiving salary in one currency and sending money in another.

No monthly feeReal exchange rate40+ currenciesLocal bank detailsDebit card included

Free plan includes fee-free card payments abroad, free ATM withdrawals (up to limits), and built-in budgeting tools. Premium plans add travel insurance, crypto trading, and higher limits. Over 35 million users across Europe.

Free plan availableFee-free card paymentsCrypto & stocksPremium from 7.99/moBudgeting tools

German digital bank with a full banking license. Free standard account with no monthly fee. Premium plans (Smart, You, Metal) add insurance, sub-accounts, and higher withdrawal limits. IBAN issued from Germany or Spain depending on your country.

Free standard accountGerman banking licenseInstant notificationsUp to 16.90/mo premiumSub-accounts (Spaces)

UK digital bank beloved for its budgeting features, instant spending notifications, and fee-free spending abroad. Salary sorting, bill pots, and savings vaults make it easy to manage money. Premium plans add travel insurance and credit tracking.

Free standard accountFee-free abroadSalary sortingSavings potsUK banking license

Dutch digital bank focused on green banking. Every 100 spent plants a tree. Easy Money plan is free, Easy Green (9.99/mo) adds metal card and CO2 offsetting. Multi-currency support, sub-accounts, and joint accounts. Dutch banking license.

Free Easy Money planGreen bankingDutch banking license25 sub-accountsJoint accounts

Compare banks by country

Each country page includes a detailed comparison table with local banks, fees, ATM limits, FX costs, and tax notes specific to that country.

United Kingdom

Monzo, Starling, Wise, Revolut

Germany

DKB, ING, N26, Wise, Revolut

France

Boursorama, Fortuneo, N26, Wise

Netherlands

ING, ABN AMRO, bunq, N26, Wise

Spain

Openbank, BBVA, N26, Wise

Italy

Fineco, Intesa Sanpaolo, N26, Wise

Portugal

ActivoBank, Moey, N26, Wise

Switzerland

Neon, Yuh, Wise, Revolut

Ireland

AIB, Bank of Ireland, N26, Wise

Austria

Erste Bank, BAWAG, N26, Wise

Belgium

KBC, Belfius, N26, bunq, Wise
SE

Sweden

Best bank accounts
DK

Denmark

Best bank accounts
NO

Norway

Best bank accounts
FI

Finland

Best bank accounts
PL

Poland

Best bank accounts
CZ

Czech Republic

Best bank accounts
RO

Romania

Best bank accounts
GR

Greece

Best bank accounts
Tip: Many expats keep two accounts: a digital bank (Wise or Revolut) for international transfers and fee-free spending abroad, plus a local bank for salary, direct debits, and building a credit history in your new country.

How we chose these banks

We evaluated banks on monthly fees, card fees, ATM withdrawal limits, foreign exchange markups, account opening requirements for non-residents, and mobile app quality. We also considered whether the bank offers local IBANs (important for salary payments and direct debits) and the ease of opening an account as a newly arrived expat.

Our rankings are updated quarterly. All fee data was last verified in March 2026. Fees and features can change, so always check the bank's website before opening an account.