Checking Account Comparison Austria 2024: Best Accounts Tested

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A checking account is the basis for all banking transactions. However, costs and services vary greatly. In this comprehensive comparison, we show you the best checking accounts in Austria and what to look for.

What Does a Checking Account Cost in Austria?

Average Costs

Costs for a checking account consist of:

1. Account management fee: €0 - €15 per month
2. Debit card: €0 - €25 per year
3. Credit card: €0 - €80 per year
4. Transfers: €0 - €1 per transaction
5. Cash withdrawals: €0 - €3 per withdrawal

Average: €80 - €200 per year Free accounts: €0 - €40 per year (only optional extras)

Best Checking Accounts in Austria

1. Bank99 Free Account

💰 Account management: €0 💳 Debit card: €0 🏧 Cash: Free at all ATMs in Austria ⭐ Rating: 4.8/5

Advantages:

• Truly completely free
• Modern online banking app
• Good interest on credit balance (0.75%)
• Apple Pay & Google Pay

Disadvantages:

• No branches
• Young bank (less experience)

Ideal for: Digitally savvy customers of all ages

2. Easybank Account

💰 Account management: €0 💳 Debit card: €0 🏧 Cash: 5x free/month, then €0.75 ⭐ Rating: 4.6/5

Advantages:

• No account management fees
• Good online platform
• Free credit card (with €2,000 deposit)
• Sub-accounts for savings goals

Ideal for: Savers with regular income

3. Erste Bank s Komfort Account

💰 Account management: €0 (up to 26 years) / €5.40 per month 💳 Debit card: €0 🏧 Cash: Unlimited free ⭐ Rating: 4.4/5

Advantages:

• Austria's largest bank
• Dense branch network
• Personal consultation
• Comprehensive services

Disadvantages:

• Not free (except for youth)
• Higher additional fees

Ideal for: Customers who value branches

4. N26 Account

💰 Account management: €0 💳 Debit card: €0 🏧 Cash: 3x free/month in AT, then €2 ⭐ Rating: 4.2/5

Advantages:

• Modern app
• Fast account opening (8 minutes)
• Free sub-accounts (Spaces)
• Real-time notifications

Disadvantages:

• German bank (not Austrian)
• Limited cash withdrawals
• No branch network

Ideal for: Mobile-first users, travelers

What to Look for in a Checking Account

1. Account Management Fees

Free with:

• Regular deposits (e.g. €2,000/month)
• Young people (often up to 26 years)
• Digital accounts (no branches)

2. Debit and Credit Cards

Debit Card:

• Should be free
• Maestro or Debit Mastercard
• Contactless payment standard

Credit Card:

• Often €20 - €80 annual fee
• Free at some banks (with conditions)
• Important for online shopping and travel

3. Cash Withdrawals

In Austria:

• At own ATMs: usually free
• At other ATMs: €1 - €3 per withdrawal
• Unlimited free at some banks

Abroad:

• Eurozone: €0 - €3
• Outside Eurozone: 1-2% exchange rate fee + €2-5 fixed fee

Tip: N26 or Revolut for foreign travel!

4. Online Banking & App

Modern requirements:

• ✅ Clear interface
• ✅ Real-time transactions
• ✅ Face ID / Fingerprint login
• ✅ Apple Pay / Google Pay
• ✅ Push notifications

Test winners: N26, Bank99, Easybank

Checking Accounts for Different Target Groups

For Students & Apprentices

Recommendation: Bank99, Easybank, Erste Bank s Komfort (up to 26)

Important:

• €0 account management
• Free card
• Good app
• Free cash

For Employees

Recommendation: Easybank, Bank99, Erste Bank

Important:

• Overdraft facility
• Multiple sub-accounts
• Good service hotline
• Credit options

Need a loan? If you're looking for a loan in addition to a checking account, you can compare loan offers without obligation:

Compare Loan Offers

For Retirees

Recommendation: Raiffeisen, Erste Bank, Savings banks

Important:

• Local branches
• Personal contact person
• Telephone banking
• Low complexity

For Expats & International

Recommendation: N26, Revolut, Wise

Important:

• Multiple currencies
• Cheap international transfers
• International acceptance
• English-speaking support

Account Switching Made Easy

Legal Account Switching Service

Since 2016, the account switching service has been mandatory in Austria!

The new bank must:

• Transfer all standing orders
• Inform payment partners
• Transfer credit balance
• Close old account (upon request)

Duration: Maximum 12 business days Cost: €0

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Only focusing on free account → Watch out for hidden costs with extras

❌ Account without overdraft facility → Plan buffer for emergencies

❌ Not using sub-accounts → Lose sight of savings goals

Checklist: The Perfect Checking Account

1. ✅ Account management: €0 or very cheap
2. ✅ Debit card: free
3. ✅ Online banking: modern app
4. ✅ Cash: sufficient free withdrawals
5. ✅ Transfers: online free
6. ✅ Support: availability given
7. ✅ Security: 2-factor authentication
8. ✅ Extras: sub-accounts, cashback, etc.

Conclusion: Find Your Ideal Checking Account

✅ Define your needs:

• Do you need branches?
• How often do you withdraw cash?
• Do you need a credit card?

✅ Compare at least 3 offers

✅ Pay attention to total costs, not just account management

✅ Use the free account switching service

✅ Review annually whether your account is still optimal

Our tip: For most Austrians, Bank99 or Easybank is the best choice - free, modern and secure!

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As of: November 2024. Conditions may change. Check current conditions with banks.