The ‘best’ bank really comes down to your individual requirements. Students will want fee-free accounts and ATM access, expats need strong English support and easy international transfers, and digitally savvy users want to access banking via apps.
Leading traditional banks, such as CSOB and Raiffeisenbank, are great at providing holistic English services and widespread benefits, whereas digital-first options such as Air Bank provide a streamlined, low-cost experience. For those placing a premium on a highly developed network of physical branches, Ceska sporitelna is still a top contender.
Best by category
Best for students: CSOB or RaiffeisenBank (completely free ATM withdrawals anywhere)
Best for expats & English support: CSOB & Raiffeisenbank (great English support & digital services).
Best Traditional Bank, Most Branches: Ceska sporitelna (a branch almost everywhere).
Best for high-value clients & premium services: Komercni banka (KB), or UniCredit Bank.
Detailed breakdown of top banks
Here’s a closer look at the leading options and who they’re best for:
CSOB Ceskoslovenska obchodni banka
Best for: Students, Expats, looking for a full-service bank with awesome digital tools.
Pros:
Excellent English support: One of the best supports for English-speaking customers from among the traditional Banks, both in-branch and also in its app.
Top-Tier mobile app: The “Smart Banking” mobile app is highly rated, modern, and user-friendly.
Widespread network: Good branches and ATM network.
Cons:
Fees for the standard accounts can be higher than digital peers.
Raiffeisenbank
Best for: Students, tech-savvy users and those who want fee-free ATM access.
Pros:
Modern services: Good emphasis on digital banking and a good app.
Competitive terms: Often has good international exchange rates and low fees.
Cons:
Smaller physical network of branches in comparison with CSOB or Ceska sporitelna.
Air Bank
Best for: Anyone who wants a simple, digital-first and low-cost banking experience.
Pros:
No monthly fees: their basic current account is free for all and not only students.
Free ATM Withdrawals: Withdraw from any ATM in Czechia for free.
User-Friendly: Very user-friendly, intuitive mobile banking app and online banking.
Cons:
Very limited number of branches (“points” rather than full service branches).
Fewer complex financial products (i.e. mortgages, investments) as compared to full-service banks.
Ceska sporitelna (Erste Group)
Best for: Those who have a preference for a traditional bank with a wide physical presence, or older residents.
Pros:
Largest Branch & ATM Network: The most physical locations in the country, best if you’re the type that needs in-person service frequently.
Comprehensive Products: Provides a complete range of banking products, ranging from loans to investments.
Cons:
Free ATM withdrawals are usually within its own network only (which is large, but not universal).
It can be seen as less modern and agile than its competitors
Komercni banka (KB)
Best for: High-end clients, employees of large corporations, and those who require sophisticated banking services.
Pros:
Premium Services: Offers high-level account packages (e.g. KB Klient) with exclusive benefits and personal client managers.
Extensive Network: 2nd largest branch network after Ceska sporitelna.
Corporate Partnerships: Usually have integrated services with employers.
Cons:
Generally, higher fees for ordinary accounts
If it’s not the easiest to access or not as attractive to students or those looking for a simple, free account.
Digital Neobanks & financial apps (important aspect)
These are not always full-fledged banks with a Czech banking license, but they are incredibly popular for daily use.
Revolut / Wise (TransferWise)
Best for: Expats, travellers, online shoppers and splitting bills. Perfect for currency exchange and international transfers with great mid-market rates.
Important: They are not an alternative to the classical Czech bank account. You will still need an account with a bank licensed by the Czech Republic (like the ones above) for your salary (if you work in CZ). Rent payment, and other transactions that you need to do within the Czech territory that require a Czech IBAN.
How to select
Key decision factors:
Fees: Look for accounts that have no monthly maintenance fees (especially if you’re a student). Check costs on ATM withdrawals, payments and international transfers.
ATM Access: Do you need to withdraw some cash from any ATM, and that too for free? Then CSOB, Raiffeisenbank or Air Bank are your best bet.
Branch Network: How often will you have to visit a physical branch? Many times, go with Ceska sporitelna or KB.
Digital Experience. So if you do everything on your phone, prioritise Air Bank or Raiffeisenbank.
Language Support: As a foreigner, check if there is English support in the branches and, importantly, in the mobile app and website.
Your Status: Students have the best deals. Expats should prioritise English and ease of international transfers. Long-term residents may consider a much wider range of products, such as mortgages or savings.
Documentation needed to open an account
Valid Passport (or EU national ID card).
Proof of Address in Czechia: Residence permit (for non-EU), or Rental agreement + confirmation from landlord
Proof of student status (if applicable): Potvrzení o studiu (Confirmation of Studies) from your university or an ISIC card that is valid.
Take away
For most expats and students, a combined approach of having a conventional Czech bank to receive salary and pay local bills (CSOB or Air Bank are the most popular). And a digital app like Revolut for travel and currency exchange is the most powerful setup and the most cost-effective.
You can also view these posts:
Living in Czechia
Traveling to Czechia: Visa requirements
Frequently Asked Questions on Czechia
