Once you have settled in the Czech Republic, you will probably have to open a bank account, whether you are working or studying. In general, relating formalities are quite simple. Moreover, you can choose from several banks, which provide a wide range of services and facilities to their customers.
Banking system
As mentioned above, the Czech Republic hosts several national and international banks. You can thus choose from the following: Ceska Sporitelna, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, GE Capital Bank, KB Komercni Banka, Raiffeisenbank, and others.
In general, formalities are quite similar for all banks although each of them applies its own conditions. Make sure, however, to inquire about these before choosing your bank.
Good to know:
The majority of services provided by the Czech banks are paid. Thus, anything from obtaining a debit card to ATM withdrawals will typically incur a fee.
Types of bank accounts
Czech banks offer three main types of bank accounts: the basic account, the current account, and the savings account.
The basic bank account only allows you to deposit your money and make cash withdrawals at ATMs and settle your bills. However, you are not entitled to an overdraft.
Most consumers prefer to open a current bank account which allows them to make deposits and cash withdrawals at ATMs. It also allows you to make bank transfers and payments in-store and other commercial enterprises.
If your goal is to make savings, the savings account is the best option. However, interest rates are quite high. Moreover, you will not be entitled to a bank card or chequebook although you can still withdraw limited amounts of cash at ATMs.
Companies, for their part, can open a professional bank account provided they produce supporting documents such as their business license, an extract of their criminal record, proof of tax registration, among others. Note that there are different types of professional bank accounts: current account, foreign currency account, Internet banking account, etc.
In all cases, conditions are likely to vary from one bank to another.
Procedures
In general, you will need the following documents to open a bank account in the Czech Republic:
- a valid passport
- another identity document (your driver's license, identity card, birth certificate, resident card)
- a minimum deposit (between CZK 200 and CZK 2,000, depending on the bank).
If you are a student, you will need to present a study certificate from your educational establishment or your student visa
In some cases, it is possible to open a bank account online, but you will still need to drop by the bank in person with your identity documents and the minimum deposit to finalize procedures.
Facilities and services
The use of the Visa Electron is quite widespread in the Czech Republic. ATMs, for their part, are compatible with Visa, EuroCard, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express cards.
In general, you can select your preferred language on ATMs, whether English, German or even French. Note that these machines are available in all cities, at bank agencies, subway stations, post offices, among others.
Most shops, international retailers, hotels and restaurants accept card payments. However, smaller town restaurants and shops prefer cash payments.
Some banks also provide Internet banking services, but additional fees may apply.
Mobile payments are still not particularly popular in the country, but the situation is changing. Android Pay is already available in major retail centres and international restaurant chains like McDonald's across the country while there are also preparations for the launch of Apple Pay.
Useful links:
National Bank of the Czech Republic
National Bank Czech Republic ' List of banks (download)
Ceska Sporitelna
Commerzbank
Deutsche Bank
GE Capital Bank
KB Komercni Banka
Raiffeisen
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