How account bonuses work
Banks pay a bonus because a new current account is worth a lot to them: whoever receives their salary there often stays for years and later takes out a credit card, savings account or loan. The bonus is therefore marketing money – and it is only paid if you actually use the account the way the bank wants.
The process is almost always the same: you open the account online (usually with video identification), meet the conditions within the deadline, and the bank then credits the bonus to the new account. If you miss a condition, there is no bonus – there is no partial payment.
Typical conditions
- Incoming payments: The most common condition. Consorsbank, for example, requires €1,500 from another bank in each of three consecutive months, Berliner Volksbank €700 in each of five months from the second month on. Tip: having your salary paid into the new account meets this automatically.
- Minimum term: Some banks reclaim or withhold the bonus if you close the account too early. At norisbank, the current account and the Top-Zinskonto must both be kept for at least 12 months.
- New-customer waiting period: Only those who have not been a customer for a certain time count as new customers – 12 months at norisbank, 24 months at Berliner Volksbank.
- Additional products or consents: norisbank pays only if you open a savings account at the same time; Consorsbank asks for consent to e-mail advertising.
- Account switch: C24 pays its switching bonus only if you use the digital CHECK24 account switch, which closes the old account.
Also check the ongoing costs: a bonus of €200 for an account with a fee of €3.95 a month leaves around €152.60 after the first year. That is why our list shows the “net in year 1” value.
The bonus is taxable
In Germany, a bonus for opening a current account usually counts as other income under Section 22 No. 3 EStG. The bank does not deduct any tax – you have to declare the bonus yourself in your tax return (Annex SO).
It stays tax-free only if all such income in a year totals less than €256. This is an exemption limit, not an allowance: if you collect two bonuses of €200, all €400 are taxable, not just the part above €256. Special cases (for example a bonus linked to a savings account) can be assessed differently – if in doubt, ask a tax adviser.
Bonus despite a negative SCHUFA record?
For a regular current account, the bank checks your SCHUFA record. With negative entries, the application is often rejected – and with it the bonus. Everyone in Germany is entitled to a basic account (Basiskonto), and a current account can be converted into a garnishment-protected account (P-Konto). However, many banks pay no bonus for these accounts. norisbank, for example, states explicitly that Girokonto plus, basic and P-accounts are excluded from the bonus.
Switching accounts without stress
Banks must support a switch by law: the new bank organises the move of standing orders and direct debits once you have authorised it, and the old bank must provide the data. Many banks also offer digital switching services. Proceed in this order:
- Open the new account and check the bonus conditions (deadline, incoming payments).
- Change your salary account with your employer – this usually takes care of the incoming-payment condition.
- Move standing orders and direct debits (switching service or manually).
- Keep the old account running for a few weeks as a buffer, then close it – unless the bonus requires the old account to be closed (C24).
Keep the bonus conditions as a screenshot or PDF. If the bonus does not arrive, this is your proof.
Frequently asked questions
Which current account has the highest bonus right now?
According to the current feed (as of 08/11/2026) the highest bonus is €200: norisbank, Consorsbank, Berliner Volksbank. What matters, though, are the conditions – they are listed with each account.
Do I have to pay tax on an account bonus?
Usually yes. In Germany, a bonus for opening a current account generally counts as other income under Section 22 No. 3 of the Income Tax Act (EStG). It stays tax-free only if all such income in the year is below €256 in total. This is an exemption limit, not an allowance: at €256 or more, the whole amount is taxable. In case of doubt, ask a tax adviser.
Can I get a bonus despite a negative SCHUFA record?
Rarely. Opening a regular current account involves a SCHUFA check. Many banks do not pay a bonus on basic accounts (Basiskonto) or garnishment-protected accounts (P-Konto). norisbank, for example, explicitly excludes Girokonto plus, basic and P-accounts from its bonus.
When is the bonus paid out?
Only once all conditions are met – for example after the required incoming payments in several months. norisbank states that the bonus is credited no later than four weeks after the account is opened. Banks with conditions on incoming payments pay later.
Can I collect several account bonuses one after another?
Yes, but every bank pays its bonus only to new customers. Most banks define a waiting period: at norisbank there must have been no customer relationship in the last 12 months, at Berliner Volksbank in the last 24 months. Some banks also require you to keep the account for a minimum term (norisbank: 12 months).
Do I have to close my old account?
Not usually. C24 Bank is an exception: its switching bonus requires the old account to be closed automatically via the digital CHECK24 account switch within 90 days.