Step-by-Step Guide:
Opening Your Comdirect Depot
Complete English instructions to help you open your securities account and start investing
Go directly to depot opening →Complete Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to open your Comdirect Depot online and start investing in stocks, ETFs, and funds.
Check the Prerequisites
Check the Prerequisites
To open a Comdirect Depot, you need a Comdirect GiroKonto as settlement account. If you don't have one yet, you can open both together — the GiroKonto is free with active use. The entire process takes just a few minutes online.
Tip: Having an existing Comdirect GiroKonto makes the process faster, as your identity is already verified and data is pre-filled.
Start the Online Application
Start the Online Application
Click "Open Depot" on the Comdirect website to start the application. If you're an existing customer, log in first — your personal data will be pre-filled. New customers fill in their personal details and choose login credentials.
Tip: If you're a new customer, you'll need to complete the full application including personal details, GiroKonto setup, and tax information.
Provide Investment Experience Information
Provide Investment Experience Information
As required by German regulations (WpHG), you must answer questions about your investment knowledge and experience. This includes your familiarity with stocks, bonds, funds, and derivatives. Answer honestly — this determines which products you can trade.
Tip: Even if you have limited experience, you can still open a depot. You may receive risk warnings for certain complex products.
Provide Tax Information
Provide Tax Information
Enter your tax identification number (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer) and select your tax residency. You can also set up a Freistellungsauftrag (tax exemption order) for up to €1,000 in capital gains per year (€2,000 for couples).
Tip: Set up the Freistellungsauftrag immediately to avoid unnecessary tax withholding on your first investment gains.
Complete Identity Verification via VideoIdent
Complete Identity Verification via VideoIdent
If you're an existing Comdirect customer with verified identity, this step is automatic — just confirm with a TAN. New customers complete a VideoIdent video call (5-10 minutes). Show your passport or ID card to the agent. No branch or post office visit needed.
Activate & Start Investing
Activate & Start Investing
Existing customers can start trading immediately. New customers receive their photoTAN activation within 1-2 business days. Once active, log in, navigate to the depot section, and place your first order or set up a free ETF savings plan.
Tip: Consider starting with one of the 600+ free ETF savings plans — you can begin with as little as €25 per month with no order fees.
Open Depot Now
Follow these steps to open your Comdirect Depot online. You'll need a GiroKonto or another reference account.
Open Depot Now →Helpful Tips for Your Depot
Before You Start
Have your tax ID (Steuer-ID) ready. Decide on your investment strategy. Research ETFs and funds that match your risk profile. Check the list of 600+ free ETF savings plans on the Comdirect website.
Cost-Saving Tips
Use the 600+ free ETF savings plans to avoid order fees. Take advantage of the €3.90 introductory pricing in your first 12 months. Set up a Freistellungsauftrag to optimize taxes. The depot itself is always free — no minimum orders needed.