Best Bank Accounts in Austria for Expats (2026)

Compare the best Austrian bank accounts for expats. Traditional banks, digital alternatives, fees, and everything you need to know about banking in Austria. Updated March 2026.

Tax note for Austria: Austria applies a 27.5% KESt (Kapitalertragsteuer) on interest income, dividends, and capital gains. This is withheld at source by Austrian banks. There is no tax-free allowance for investment income. Austria also charges a 25% withholding tax on savings interest from Austrian banks. Foreign bank accounts must be declared in your annual tax return.

Our pick for Austria

Wise — Real exchange rate, no hidden fees

Trusted by 16M+ people worldwide. Send, spend, and receive in 40+ currencies at the real mid-market rate. Multi-currency account with local bank details in 10+ countries. No monthly fees.

Open free Wise account

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

Bank comparison for Austria

Bank	Monthly fee	Card fee	ATM withdrawals	FX fee	Best for
Wise	0 EUR	7 EUR (one-time)	2 free/mo, then 0.50 EUR	0.33-0.6%	International transfers	Open account
Revolut	0 EUR (free plan)	0 EUR	200 EUR free/mo	0% (weekdays)	All-in-one app
N26	0 EUR (Standard)	0 EUR	3 free/mo, then 2 EUR	1.7%	Free digital bank
Erste Bank	5.41 EUR (s Komfort)	0 EUR	Unlimited free (Erste/Sparkasse ATMs)	1.5-2%	Largest Austrian bank
BAWAG	5.90 EUR (Konto Klassik)	0 EUR	Unlimited free (BAWAG ATMs)	1.5-2%	Online banking features
bunq	0 EUR (Easy Money)	9.99 EUR (one-time)	Limited	Real-time rate	Green banking

How we chose these banks

We reviewed over 10 banks available to expats in Austria, assessing monthly fees, card costs, ATM networks, FX markups, ease of opening, and mobile app quality. Austrian deposit protection covers up to 100,000 EUR per person per institution under the Einlagensicherung Austria (ESA).

Erste Bank and Sparkasse together form Austria's largest banking network with the widest ATM and branch coverage. BAWAG (formerly BAWAG P.S.K.) has strong online banking features. N26, Wise, Revolut, and bunq offer lower-cost digital alternatives.

What to look for as an expat in Austria

Meldezettel (registration) -- To open an account at Erste Bank or BAWAG, you need a Meldezettel (registration confirmation) from your local Magistrat or Gemeinde. Digital banks like N26 and Revolut can be opened without this.
Austrian IBAN (AT) -- Employers and landlords typically require an Austrian IBAN. Erste Bank and BAWAG provide AT IBANs. N26 provides a DE IBAN (legally accepted but may cause friction), Wise a BE IBAN.
Bankomatkarte -- Austria's domestic debit card system. Erste Bank and BAWAG issue Bankomatkarten that work at all Austrian shops and ATMs. International cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted but not universal, especially at smaller shops.
Sparkasse network -- If you choose Erste Bank, you get access to the entire Sparkasse (savings bank) network across Austria, with over 1,000 branches and ATMs, even in small towns.
Cash culture -- Austria, like Germany, is relatively cash-heavy. Many smaller restaurants, markets, and shops prefer cash. Choose a bank with good ATM coverage.

Calculate your Austria salary first

Know exactly how much you take home after Lohnsteuer, social insurance (SV), and other deductions before deciding how to manage your money.

Austria salary calculator