Banks in Germany

The banking system in Germany is one of the largest in the world with around two thousands financial institutions and more than 32 thousand domestic branches. One of the features of the German banking system is a very low market share of private banks in relation to public and cooperative credit institutions. Largest German international banks are Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank.

The banking system in Germany has a three-pillar structure: 

• Cooperative banks (975 credit cooperatives and 1 cooperative central bank)
• Public law institutions (403 savings banks and 9 regional banks)
• 500 credit banks and other companies (including 4 large banks, 189 regional and other banks and 188 branches of foreign banks).

Several largest German banks have International divisions to cover the financial needs of English-speaking clientele, such as travelers and ex-pats.

Opening hours

German banks are usually open on weekdays from 8:30 to 16:00 and on Thursdays until 17:30 or 18:30. Some small branches close at lunchtime. Most of the banks have round-the-clock access to ATMs and printers of bank statements in the lobby.