Here at Feels Like Home, our team understands that the idea of opening a bank account in a foreign country might be intimidating. That’s why we’ve already taken the time to look into the topic for you. Do you actually need a bank account? If yes, which one should you get??

You already know that you want to open an account? Scroll to the bottom of the page to request an appointment from our suggested bank. (ERSTE BANK) 

Why you need a bank account:

If you stay in Austria for longer than 6 months, you should def. open an Austrian bank account (maybe even if you are staying between 3-6 months) Let us tell you why: 

We recommend that opening a bank account be the first check on your travel to-do list once you’ve arrived. That’s because it’s important to have an Austrian bank account when you:

• Apply for a visa
• Purchase health insurance
• Apply for scholarships and student loans 

Although an Austrian bank account isn’t required to obtain an Austrian visa, you’ll still need one to acquire some of the necessary documents. Before your visa application is approved, for example, you will need to purchase health insurance. Not only do many Austrian insurance companies accept only domestic bank accounts, having that account is a convenience to you because your insurance provider can then deduct your monthly payment automatically.

In addition to helping with your visa application, having an Austrian bank account is also useful when applying for scholarships or student loans, as some of these options require an Austrian bank account to apply.

And even after you have your visa and finances squared away, you’ll still use your bank account to more easily:

• Find housing
• Sign up for mobile and internet plans
• Travel within the EU
• Pull out money without fees whenever you need
• Pay with your debit card in shops and stores (Many places and stores in Austria don’t accept credit cards)

No matter your housing preference, signing a rental agreement will be a quick, easy process with an Austrian student bank account. Once you’re nice and cozy, the obvious next step is setting up your internet connection. Most service providers require that you have an Austrian bank account when signing a long-term contract. Luckily, we’ve done our research here too! We cooperate with internet and mobile service providers in order to bring you special deals and the very best service for pre-paid, mobile plans, and internet plans.

Even after you’re set up with your reliable new internet connection, you’ll continue to use your Austrian bank account daily for electronic purchases, withdrawals, or travel within the European Union. To make travel to neighboring countries even easier, you’ll also receive a free International Student Identity Card when you open an account through Feels Like Home and Erste Bank!

What are your options and what do we recommend:

Generally speaking you have two options:

1) A physical bank that has branches in Austria
2) An online bank where everything is done via online and mobile banking

The advantages and disadvantages are obviously that with the physical bank you have a place you can go personally. This usually comes at costs (that the online banks don’t have) BUT there is great news for you:

Student accounts at most Austrian banks are completely free (as long as you are a student and until the age of 27)
So we personally recommend to use one of the physical banks in Austria.

But which one should you select?
From our years of experience helping internationals, we recommend ERSTE BANK.
It’s Austria’s biggest bank and they have an exeptionally well done online and mobile banking system.
They are also very experienced in handling internationals in Austria.

You can use our tool below to book an appointment . Once you’re there, an Erste Bank representative will guide you through opening an account free of charge. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about opening a student bank account in Austria:

How to open a bank account:

Opening a student bank account in Austria is a free, straightforward process, especially with us by your side. To open a student account, you simply need to book an appointment and view your personalized checklist.
Be sure to bring your:

• Student registration (Or confirmation that you got accepted)
• Valid, government-issued photo ID (Passport)
• Passport picture
• €50 to activate your account (will be your starting balance)

Within a few days, you will receive your account number and have complete access your new student banking account, just like that!

Along with access to your account, you will also receive a free debit card, and an International Student Identity Card

An Austrian bank account is a great tool to make your life easier, and that’s exactly our goal: to make things easier for you, aspiring international student. So don’t forget to book your appointment below!