Switching a business account in Germany, how the account switch works

Snapshot

Germany has a statutory account switching service for consumers under the Zahlungskontengesetz, where the old and new bank coordinate the move and the old bank closes the account free of charge. The statutory right covers consumer accounts, so for a business account confirm what the provider offers. As of 10 March 2026.

Statutory service: For consumer payment accounts since 18 September 2016 under the Zahlungskontengesetz. The old bank closes the account free of charge.
Business accounts: May not be covered by the statutory right. Some banks offer a switching service for businesses anyway. Verify with the provider.
What moves: Standing orders, direct debit details, the remaining balance, and notifications to payers and payees you list
Run in parallel: Keep both accounts open briefly so nothing is missed

Fees and features as of 10 March 2026Last reviewed 10 March 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Germany runs a statutory account switching service for consumers. As of 10 March 2026, under the Payment Accounts Act, the Zahlungskontengesetz, every payment service provider must help a consumer switch a payment account, with the old and new bank coordinating standing orders and direct debits and the old bank closing the account free of charge. The statutory right covers consumer accounts, so a business account may not be included, though some banks offer a switching service for business customers anyway. For a business, plan the switch around your invoices, your tax office details and any payment platforms, and keep both accounts open for a short period. Confirm what your provider offers and any costs.

How switching works in Germany

The account switching service, the Kontowechselhilfe, lets your new bank gather the standing orders and direct debits on your old account, set them up on the new one, notify the payers and payees you list, transfer any remaining balance, and have the old account closed. For consumers this is statutory under the Zahlungskontengesetz, and providing information, sending lists and closing the previous account are free of charge. As of 10 March 2026.

What this means for a business account

The statutory switching service under the Zahlungskontengesetz applies to consumer payment accounts, so a business account may fall outside the statutory right. In practice some banks offer a switching service for business customers anyway, and others leave the move to you. Before you switch, confirm whether your new provider offers a business switching service, and check any fees with both the old and new provider. As of 10 March 2026.

A practical checklist for a business switch

Beyond the bank to bank steps, a business has its own updates to make. Plan for the items below, and keep both accounts open briefly so nothing is missed. Verify with the provider

Update the IBAN on your invoices, your website and any contracts that quote bank details.
Update direct debit mandates and the account held by your tax office, the Finanzamt, and by social security.
Update payment platforms, payroll, and any marketplace or gateway payout details.
Confirm the remaining balance has moved and the old account is closed once nothing else is due.

Compare business accounts available in Germany

These providers accept business customers in Germany. Fees and eligibility shown as of 10 March 2026. Confirm any switching service and current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about switching in Germany

Is there a statutory account switching service in Germany?

Yes, for consumers. Since 18 September 2016 the Payment Accounts Act, the Zahlungskontengesetz, requires payment service providers to help consumers switch a payment account, with the old and new bank coordinating the move and the old bank closing the account free of charge. The statutory right covers consumer accounts, so for a business account confirm what the provider offers. As of 10 March 2026.

Does the switching service cover business accounts?

The statutory account switching service under the Zahlungskontengesetz applies to consumer payment accounts, so a business account may not be covered by the statutory right. Some banks offer a switching service for business customers anyway. Confirm whether your provider offers one for a business account. As of 10 March 2026.

What does a German account switch involve?

A switch moves standing orders and direct debit details to the new account, notifies the payers and payees you list, transfers any remaining balance, and closes the old account. For a business you also update invoices, your tax office details and any payment platforms. Both accounts can run in parallel for a short period. As of 10 March 2026.

Does switching a business account cost money?

Under the statutory consumer switching service, providing information, sending lists and closing the previous account are free of charge. For a business account, fees depend on the provider and the new account may carry its own monthly fee. Confirm any costs with both the old and new provider. As of 10 March 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 10 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.