General

Each bank branch has its own opening times, so be sure to check the hours of your preferred branch before visiting. Viennese bank branches are usually open from8am to 3pm on weekdays (Thursdays until 5.30pm) with a lunch break between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

Erste Bank’s Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 58branch is open on weekdays from 9am to 6pm. Their English-speaking team looks forward to helping with your banking needs!

What you need to bring with you:

  • 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)

Debit and Credit

When you open an account at an Austrian bank, you will of course receive a debit card which allows you to withdraw cash and make electronic transfers. Electronic purchases can be made via Sofort payment using your bank account information, rather than a debit card directly. Austrian debit cards will not work on sites that require a card number for payment.

Getting an Austrian credit card is trickier, as most banks in Austria won’t issue a standard credit card to international students until they have been employed in Austria for three months or provided proof of a steady income. However, banks will issue you a pre-paid credit card through MasterCard or Visa. You can use this card to make online purchases.

Not all shops that accept debit cards also accept credit cards, so ask the clerk before making a transaction!

Student / Highschoolers

Erste Bank- Our partner Erste Bankoffers free student bank accounts, along with an English-speaking team that specializes in international students  just like you.

Needed for:

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

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(internal link) and view your personalized checklist.

During your requested time slot, visit the Erste Bank branch at Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 60, 1030 Vienna, or join us here at the Feels Like HomeSupport Center. Be sure to bring your:

  • Feels Like Homecommunity card
  • Student registration
  • Valid, government-issued photo ID

Within 48 hours, 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, an International Student Identity Card (link to unwritten ISIC tab). Even better, you’ll have Erste Bank’s countless convenient features at your fingertips! Erste Bank offers e-banking and free account maintenance, overdraft protection, a useful app, capable customer support, and much more.

 

Expat

The best option we offer to Expats and anyone really looking for a debit card is Erste Bank.

Here are some reasons why:

    • They offer the most modern banking in Austria, with the most user friendly mobile banking system – George.
    • It is one of the largest Austrian banks with a perspective on innovation.

Credit card

You have a choice between a Visa and a MasterCard which are perfect for online shopping, booking flights, reserving tickets etc.

This credit card system sets the security of your account as a priority.

    • The SMS-Service immediately informs you about all activity on your account.
    • The SecureCode increases the level of protection during online purchases.
    • Your online account provides you with a quick and clear overview of your financial status, as well as all transactions which have been made.

In case we have helped you make up your mind or you would simply like to find out more by meeting with an Erste Bank representative who speaks English and is aware of our FeelsLikeHome discounted offer, use the tool below to book an appointment in just 5 simple steps.

Opening a Bank Account2