English-Speaking Bank Loans in Germany
Several German banks now offer English-speaking bank loans in Germany, including N26, Commerzbank, and ING. As an expat, you can apply online in English, get a rate offer without affecting your SCHUFA score, and receive funds within 1-3 business days. This guide covers which banks support English, what documents you need, and how to apply step by step.
Key German Financial Terms
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Tip for Newcomers
Whether you just moved here for work, studies, or love, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about borrowing money in Germany as an English speaker. You will find which banks support English, what types of loans exist, what documents you need, how your SCHUFA credit score works, and a step-by-step process from application to approval.
Types of Loans Available in Germany
Before you start comparing offers, it helps to understand what kinds of loans are common here. Here is a quick overview:
Ratenkredit (Installment Loan)
The most popular type in Germany. You borrow a fixed amount and pay it back in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically 12 to 84 months. If you need money for furniture, a move, or consolidating bills, this is probably what you are looking for. You can compare loan offers for expats on our comparison platform.
Sofortkredit (Instant Loan)
Works like a Ratenkredit but with faster processing. Some lenders promise same-day or next-day payouts. Interest rates can be slightly higher for the speed. If you need cash fast, check out instant loan options for foreigners.
Autokredit
Car loan. The vehicle serves as collateral, so interest rates are often lower than a standard Ratenkredit. If you already have one, learn about paying off your car loan early.
Baufinanzierung
Mortgage for buying property. Much larger amounts, longer terms (10-30 years), and banks require at least 10-20% down payment. Compare mortgage rates.
Kleinkredit
Small loan, usually under EUR 5,000. Handy for unexpected expenses. See our small fast loan guide.
0%-Finanzierung
Interest-free retailer financing. Available at IKEA, MediaMarkt, and others. Learn how it works and what to watch out for in our 0% financing guide.
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Banks That Offer English-Speaking Bank Loans in Germany
Not every German bank speaks English, and you will need a German bank account before applying for a loan. Compare bank accounts if you do not have one yet. Here is what we found after checking each bank's current offerings:
N26Full English
N26 is a digital bank and probably the most expat-friendly option in Germany. Their app, website, and customer support are all available in English. They offer personal loans from EUR 1,000 to EUR 25,000 with terms of 12 to 60 months. Interest rates start at 3.99% and go up to 13.40% depending on your creditworthiness. The application is fully online, and you can get a loan offer in under a minute.
CommerzbankFull English
The best choice among traditional banks if you want English support. Their banking app and online platform both have a complete English interface. Customer service is available in English by phone and at branches in major cities. They offer personal loans, car loans, and mortgages. If you prefer face-to-face banking, Commerzbank is worth a look.
ING GermanyPartial English
ING offers personal loans from EUR 5,000 to EUR 50,000 with terms up to 84 months (7 years). They have English-speaking mortgage advisors, and parts of their online banking are available in English. However, the main website and loan application pages are primarily in German. ING is a solid choice if you have a German-speaking friend who can help with the initial setup.
DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank)App English Only
DKB is popular with expats for their free checking account, but their English support is limited. The banking app can be switched to English through your device language settings. However, their customer service, website, and loan application process are only available in German. DKB offers competitive loan products, but you will need at least basic German skills to use them.
Deutsche BankMajor Cities
Deutsche Bank has an English-language microsite for international clients living in Germany. English-speaking advisors are available at branches in major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. They offer personal loans, car loans, and mortgages. Keep in mind that all contracts and legal documents are still in German.
Looking for credit cards too? Compare credit cards in Germany on our platform.
Loan Requirements for Expats in Germany
German banks have specific requirements for loan applications. As a foreigner, you will typically need to provide:
ID and Residence
- Valid passport or ID card
- Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
- Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate)
Income and Employment
- Last 3 payslips (Gehaltsabrechnungen)
- Employment contract (ideally unlimited)
- Recent tax assessment if available
Financial Documents
- Bank statements from the last 3 months
- SCHUFA consent for credit check
Preferred by Banks
- Unlimited employment contract (unbefristet)
- Longer time at same address
- Consistent income history
Freelancers and self-employed people face tougher requirements but can still get loans. Check our freelancer loan guide for specific tips.
How SCHUFA Affects Your Loan Application
SCHUFA is Germany's main credit bureau, and your SCHUFA score plays a major role in whether your loan gets approved and what interest rate you receive.
If you are new to Germany, you probably have little or no SCHUFA history. That is not the same as having bad credit; it just means there is no data on you yet. Banks see this as a higher risk, which can mean higher interest rates or rejection.
Your SCHUFA score ranges from 0 to 100. Anything above 95 is considered excellent. Between 90 and 95 is good. Below 90, you may face difficulties. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on SCHUFA for foreigners explained.
Konditionsanfrage vs. Kreditanfrage
When shopping for loans, always make sure the bank runs a Konditionsanfrage (soft credit check), not a Kreditanfrage (hard credit check).
Konditionsanfrage (soft check)
Does NOT affect your SCHUFA score. Safe to request from multiple lenders.
Kreditanfrage (hard check)
Gets recorded on your SCHUFA. Too many can lower your score.
Want to improve your credit standing? Our guide to building your SCHUFA score has a practical 5-step plan. Also check our SCHUFA Reform 2026 guide for the latest changes.
How to Apply for English-Speaking Bank Loans in Germany
Check your SCHUFA status
Before applying anywhere, request your free annual SCHUFA report at meineschufa.de. This tells you where you stand and helps you avoid surprises.
Compare offers using a Konditionsanfrage
Use an English-language comparison tool (like the one on this page) to get personalized offers from multiple lenders. This is a soft check and does not affect your score.
Choose the best offer
Look at the Effektivzins (effective annual rate), not just the headline rate. The Effektivzins includes all fees and gives you the true cost of borrowing.
Complete the application
Fill out the bank's online form with your personal details, income, and employment information. Upload the required documents.
Verify your identity
Most banks use VideoIdent, which is available in English. You will need your passport or ID and a stable internet connection. The call usually takes about 10 minutes.
Sign and receive your money
After approval, you sign the contract electronically. Many banks transfer the money within 1-3 business days. Some Sofortkredit providers can do it the same day.
If your first application does not work out, do not give up. Check our guide on loans without SCHUFA history for alternative options.
Visa and Residence Permit: What Banks Check
Your visa type directly affects your loan chances. Here is what banks typically look at:
Niederlassungserlaubnis (Permanent Residence)
Best chances. Banks see this as low risk because you have the right to stay in Germany indefinitely.
EU Blue Card
Also viewed favorably. It signals a high-paying job and skilled employment. See our Blue Card holder loan options for specific advice.
Work Visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)
Depends on the remaining duration. Banks want your permit to cover the full loan term. If your visa expires in 2 years, getting a 5-year loan will be difficult.
Student Visa
Very challenging. Students usually have limited income and temporary residence, which are both risk factors for banks.
Key rule: Your loan term should always fit within the remaining validity of your residence permit. If your permit runs until December 2028, apply for a loan that ends before that date.
Tips for Getting Your Loan Approved
Start small
If you are new to Germany with no credit history, borrow a smaller amount first. A successful smaller loan builds your SCHUFA profile and makes future borrowing easier.
Get a co-signer (Buerge)
If a German friend or family member with a good SCHUFA score co-signs your loan, your approval odds go up significantly. The Buerge takes on responsibility if you cannot pay.
Show stability
Banks love to see an unlimited employment contract (unbefristeter Arbeitsvertrag), a registered German address, and consistent income.
Avoid multiple hard checks
Always request a Konditionsanfrage when comparing. Multiple Kreditanfragen within a short period raise red flags on your SCHUFA report.
What If Traditional Banks Say No?
Sometimes a standard bank loan does not work out, especially if you are new to Germany or self-employed. Here are some alternatives:
Online comparison platforms
Platforms like the one on this page connect you with multiple lenders at once. You may get offers from banks you would not have found on your own. compare loan rates for expats in Germany.
Auxmoney (online credit intermediary)
Auxmoney works differently from traditional banks. They consider borrowers that regular banks might reject, including those with limited credit history. Loan amounts range from EUR 1,000 to EUR 120,000. Interest rates vary widely based on your profile.
Specialized expat loan intermediaries
Some companies focus specifically on helping foreigners in Germany. They know which banks are most flexible and can guide you through the process in English.
Employer loans
Some larger companies in Germany offer their employees loans at favorable rates. Check with your HR department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which German banks offer English-language loan services?
N26 offers a fully English digital experience. Commerzbank has English support across their app, online banking, and branches. ING Germany has English-speaking advisors. DKB has an English app but German-only customer service. Deutsche Bank has an English microsite and advisors in major cities.
Can I complete the entire loan process in English?
With N26 and Commerzbank, most of the process can be done in English, including the application and VideoIdent. However, the final loan contract (Kreditvertrag) in Germany is always in German. Some banks provide English translations alongside the German document, but the German version is the legally binding one.
Do I need a SCHUFA score to get a loan in Germany?
You can apply without an existing SCHUFA record, but having one helps. Most banks check your SCHUFA as part of the application. If you have no record yet, the bank relies more heavily on your income, employment, and residence status.
Are interest rates higher for foreigners?
Interest rates depend on your creditworthiness, not your nationality. A foreigner with a stable job, permanent residence, and a good SCHUFA score gets the same rates as a German citizen in a similar financial situation. Current market rates for personal loans in Germany typically range from 4% to 6% APR for borrowers with good credit.
What is the difference between Konditionsanfrage and Kreditanfrage?
A Konditionsanfrage (rate inquiry) is a soft credit check that does not affect your SCHUFA score. A Kreditanfrage (loan application) is a hard check that gets recorded. Always start with Konditionsanfragen when comparing offers.
How much can I borrow as an expat?
This depends on your income, expenses, and existing debts. A common rule banks use: your monthly loan payment should not exceed 30-40% of your net income after rent and other fixed costs.
Can freelancers or self-employed people get loans in Germany?
Yes, but the requirements are stricter. Banks typically want to see 2-3 years of tax returns, business financials, and proof of ongoing contracts. Some online lenders like Auxmoney are more flexible with self-employed applicants.
What happens if my visa is renewed while I still have a loan?
As long as you continue making payments, visa renewal does not affect your existing loan. The original contract remains valid. If you leave Germany permanently, you still owe the remaining balance.
Related Guides
Loan Application Guide
How German banks decide on your loan application as a newcomer.
Build Your SCHUFA Score
5-step plan to build credit history as an expat in Germany.
ECB Interest Rates 2026
How ECB rate changes affect your loan costs in Germany.
Early Loan Repayment
Your legal rights to repay a loan early and how to calculate the fee.
Sparkasse Car Loan
Rates, conditions, and comparison with online lenders for Sparkasse auto financing.
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meinetarife24.de is an independent comparison platform. Our service is free and non-binding. Last updated: March 2026.