N26 Review: Is It Worth It?
N26 Review
In this N26 review, we will be examining whether or not N26 is a good fintech banking option.
Background And History
N26 is a German neobank, founded by Max and Valentin in 2013 with the aim to set new standards in an industry that’s remained institutional and dysfunctional for many. Their vision was to transform the way you manage your money with the latest technology and the best minds from around the globe, in order to change banking for the better.
Since then, they've grown to a team of over 1,500 people of 80 nationalities, with teams in Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Vienna, New York, and São Paulo.
At N26, the team believes that your bank should be as mobile and flexible as you. That’s why they're offering a 100% digital banking experience that’s designed to be simple and transparent. Centered around you, it’s an app that feels good to use—integrating the most innovative technology to make life easier, and enabling you to live and bank your way.
Security
N26 has been operating with a full European banking license since 2016 and is governed by the same laws and regulations as any other bank. This means that your funds are protected up to €100,000 by the German Deposit Protection Scheme—and that your money and N26 bank account are secure. Below, learn more about the additional security settings and measures that keep your finances safe.
Your N26 bank account comes with three-tier security measures that protect all your transactions, as well as additional in-app features for extra peace of mind.
Smartphone pairing
Pair your account to one smartphone at a time, ensuring that only you have access to your money.
Biometric authentication
Log in within seconds using a secure password—or via fingerprint identification and face recognition—and manage your bank account on the go.
3D Secure technology
Benefit from extra security against fraud, thanks to advanced 3D Secure (3DS)—an additional authentication step that protects your online purchases.
Discreet mode
With this innovative feature, you can blur your account balance with the swipe of your finger—great for using the N26 app in public.
Instant push notifications
With real-time push notifications on all account activity, stay up-to-date with all your incoming and outgoing payments, and always know what’s happening with your account.
Customizable security settings
Control your card’s setting wherever you are, right from the N26 app. Adjust your cash withdrawals and spending limits, and set restrictions on transactions made online or abroad. Reset your PIN, lock your card to prevent any unauthorized access if you misplace it, and even unlock it again if it turns up.
Free Bank Account
Free Mastercard
Get a free virtual Mastercard debit card with your free bank account, and start spending with your smartphone right away. Simply tap to pay contactless with Apple Pay or Google Pay, and enjoy 3 free cash withdrawals per month from NFC-enabled ATMs.
Don’t have an NFC-enabled ATM nearby, or prefer to keep a card in your pocket? No stress—simply order a physical Mastercard debit card(new tab) for a one-off €10 delivery fee.
Instant Payments
Make free bank transfers in real-time with N26 MoneyBeam—instantly send, receive, or request money from other N26 users using just an email or phone number.
Urgently need to move funds into your N26 account from another bank? Avoid the delay with SEPA Instant Credit Transfers to receive incoming payments into your free bank account in seconds.
N26 Spaces
Give your financial goals even more room to grow with N26 Spaces sub-accounts. Upgrade to a premium bank account and personalize each space with a name, set your savings target, and easily stash savings aside with just a few taps.
Rather set it and forget it? Easy—create Rules to regularly move money over to space from your free bank account, or try Round-Ups to save up the spare change whenever you pay by card.
Customer Support
Whatever your need, N26 has got your back. Connect with its N26 Customer Support specialists in English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian via the in-app chat, or visit the N26 Support Center to quickly find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
N26 Smart
Want to get even smarter about your spending and saving? Go premium with N26 Smart and create 10 Spaces sub-accounts, including Shared Spaces to save together with others. Plus, pick a Mastercard in your choice of color, get even more free ATM withdrawals each month, and call N26 via a direct hotline if you ever need support.
Alternatively, you can get a Free Business Bank Account
Metal Account
Make a statement with N26 Metal, and enjoy a new generation premium banking experience with zero fees abroad, an extensive insurance package—including phone and car insurance—and a world of extra benefits.
Metal Debit Card
N26 Metal’s Mastercard debit is crafted in 18-grams of stainless steel and is available in three distinct metallic shades. Standing for the ultimate in premium banking, the engraved card offers a minimalist design, along with all the contactless functionality you need.
Fee-free ATM withdrawals worldwide
Pay with your N26 Metal Mastercard online and in stores, avoiding hidden fees and benefiting from zero foreign transaction fees worldwide. You can also withdraw cash for free in any currency from ATMs worldwide.
Mobile phone insurance
Losing your smartphone is frustrating. Yet, with N26 Metal, your phone is covered in case of theft or damage up to €1,000*. It doesn’t even matter if you paid for your phone with your N26 debit card or not.
Exclusive rewards
Enjoy access to hand-picked deals and selected discounts from world-renowned partner brands—all chosen with modern lifestyles in mind. With N26 Perks, benefit from an ever-growing range of offers from the likes of WeWork, Hotels.com, GetYourGuide, and many more. For more information on what’s currently available to you—as well as how to redeem your deals—please check your N26 app.
Spaces sub-accounts
Open up to 10 Spaces sub-accounts with IBANs in seconds, and effortlessly organize your money. Instantly put money aside from your main account, then create standing orders for recurring payments, send and receive SEPA transfers, or pay bills via direct debit—right from each space.
Plus, enjoy premium features such as Shared Spaces to manage money together with others, and try Round-Ups to save up the spare change whenever you pay by card. Staying on top of your finances has never been easier.
Travel assistance package
Your N26 Metal account comes with extensive travel coverage that protects you wherever you are. Minimize the stress during necessary travel, and breathe deep with extra peace of mind.
Lifestyle insurance
Commute and ride without the worry, be it down your street or during a ski trip—N26 Metal has you covered, wherever you go.
Priority Customer Support
Need a quick answer or urgent technical support? With N26 Metal, get access to a dedicated Customer Support specialist and speak to them via the phone, or chat to them directly in the app.
A backup for your Metal card
A Mastercard made of metal is a special thing, and losing it is frustrating. That’s why it’s a good idea to get an additional one to rely on in your day-to-day, or if you’re traveling. Simply order an extra card for your Metal account from the N26 You color range.
Alternatively, you can get a Business Metal Account
Perks
Your N26 bank account is much more than just a space for your finances. Packed with exciting offers from partner brands, enjoy a wide selection of ever-changing perks that make your money go further, and enhance your daily life.
Exclusive Deals
Whether you’re traveling, getting into shape, up-skilling yourself, looking for entertainment, or going shopping, get access to offers from world-class brands—right from your N26 app. That’s right, even if you’re an N26 Standard customer with a free account!
Choose from hand-picked perks that add to your daily life, if you have a premium N26 Smart, You, or Metal account, take advantage of even more special discounts. Just keep checking your N26 app to stay up-to-date with what’s available to you.
Here’s how to access your N26 Perks
- Open your N26 app
- Tap on the Explore tab
- Find your deals and offers under Perks
- Follow the instructions to redeem your offer
Subscription Plans
There are three different N26 plans / N26 cards.
-
Transparent Card
- Contactless Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Mobile Banking
- Free Payments Worldwide
- Up to 3 Free Withdrawals in Eurozone
- Up to 2 Sub-Accounts
- Chatbot Support
- In-App Livechat
- €100,000 Deposit Protection
- 3D Secure
- Two-Factor Authentication
-
Colorful Card
- Contactless Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Mobile Banking
- Free Payments Worldwide
- Up to 5 Free Withdrawals in Eurozone
- Unlimited Free Withdrawals in Any currency
- Medical Travel Insurance
- Trip Insurance
- Flight Insurance
- Luggage Coverage
- Mobility Insurance
- Winter Sport Insurance
- Up to 10 Sub-Accounts
- Shared Sub-Accounts
- Partner Offers
- Chatbot Support
- In-App Livechat
- €100,000 Deposit Protection
- 3D Secure
- Two-Factor Authentication
-
Metal Card
- Contactless Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Mobile Banking
- Free Payments Worldwide
- Up to 8 Free Withdrawals in Eurozone
- Unlimited Free Withdrawals in Any currency
- Medical Travel Insurance
- Trip Insurance
- Flight Insurance
- Luggage Coverage
- Mobility Insurance
- Winter Sport Insurance
- Car Rental Insurance
- Phone Insurance
- Up to 10 Sub-Accounts
- Shared Sub-Accounts
- Partner Offers
- Unique Experiences
- Chatbot Support
- In-App Livechat
- Dedicated N26 Metal Line
- €100,000 Deposit Protection
- 3D Secure
- Two-Factor Authentication
Pricing
As we've said, there are three different N26 plans / N26 cards.
-
Free
-
€9.90/mo
-
€16.90/mo
N26 Pros & Cons
N26: Pros
- €100,000 customer protection on all cards
- Travel, Medical and Equipment insurance with some cards
- Good customer support
N26: Cons
- App needs improvement
- Lacks cashback features
- Paid plans are more expensive than average
N26 Review: Verdict
N26 is a good fintech banking option, it has good customer support, it's a reliable well-established company and it backs all your deposits with protection of up to €100,000.
The perks offered with the N26 You card and the N26 Metal card are very appealing, that being said, when compared to other providers like Revolut, these premium cards are a bit pricey.
Also, it would be great to see some cashback perks being offered with these high-tier cards.
If you'd like to get an N26 account with a free card, free delivery, and earn €5 completely free after you've completed your first purchase of €5 or more using your card, simply follow the N26 Referral link below or insert the N26 Referral code: rodrigor0372
