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Basiskonto

Bank account: your right to a Basiskonto

In Austria anyone lawfully staying in the EU has a right to a basic account — even without a fixed address and even as an asylum seeker. A bank cannot simply refuse.

Who
Anyone lawfully in the EU; also people without a fixed address and asylum seekers
Price
At most about €80 a year (indexed); reduced rate — half that
Bank's deadline
10 business days after a complete application
If refused
Free complaint: FMA or the banks' arbitration board

Step by step

  1. Choose a bank and say you want to open a Basiskonto (the statutory basic account under the Verbraucherzahlungskontogesetz).
  2. Bring an identity document. Asylum procedure cards and residence permit cards are accepted too.
  3. The bank must answer within 10 business days. It may refuse only in narrow cases — for example if you already hold such an account in Austria.
  4. The account covers the essentials: a card, cash withdrawals, SEPA transfers and direct debits, online payments.

What to bring

  • Passport or ID
  • Or: Verfahrenskarte, Aufenthaltsberechtigungskarte, subsidiary protection card, residence permit
  • Banks often ask for the Meldezettel — bring it along

Common mistakes

Accepting an expensive default package. Ask specifically for a Basiskonto — its price is capped by law.

Leaving after a verbal refusal. Ask for the refusal in writing and file a free complaint.

Words you will meet

das Konto eröffnento open an account
die Bankomatkartedebit card (in Austria)
die Überweisungbank transfer
der Dauerauftragstanding order
die Ablehnungrefusal

Official sources

Checked: 2026-10-05. This is a plain-language summary of official information, not legal advice. Deadlines and amounts change — check the linked official sources before you go.