bunq Review 2026: Best Neobank for Expats and Multi-IBAN Users in Europe?
Overview
Europe's second-largest neobank by deposits (€8B+) with the most granular IBAN-per-sub-account architecture; first new fully licensed bank in the Netherlands in 38 years; strong sustainability angle
Why Expats Love bunq: The Multi-IBAN Architecture
bunq's standout feature is its ability to create up to 25 sub-accounts, each with its own IBAN. For expats living across EU countries, freelancers with multiple clients, or anyone who wants to separate finances by purpose (rent, travel, savings), this architecture is unmatched in Europe.
Regulatory Status
Full Dutch banking license (DNB regulated, ECB supervised since 2015); EUR 100,000 deposit protection (Dutch DGS); filed for US de novo banking license (OCC) in 2026
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Price | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Savings account only, no debit card |
| Core | €3.99/mo | Basic account with one IBAN |
| Pro | €9.99/mo | Up to 25 sub-accounts, 3 physical cards, joint accounts |
| Elite | €18.99/mo | Metal card, highest limits, priority support |
Key Features
- Up to 25 sub-accounts with individual IBANs
- Multi-currency holdings in 22+ currencies
- Joint accounts and shared expense splitting
- AI-powered budgeting (Finn AI assistant)
- Environmental impact: 1 tree planted per €100 spent (Easy Green)
- Automated savings rules and round-ups
- Virtual and disposable cards
- Low-fee SWIFT transfers (€5 flat up to €10,000)
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- • Up to 25 sub-accounts with individual IBANs
- • Multi-currency holdings in 22+ currencies
- • Joint accounts and shared expense splitting
- • AI-powered budgeting (Finn AI assistant)
- • Environmental impact: 1 tree planted per €100 spent (Easy Green)
❌ Cons
- • High monthly fees relative to competitors for comparable features
- • FX markups and international transfer fees add up for high-volume users
- • Cluttered app interface with steep learning curve
- • No telephone support; ticket resolution can be slow
- • Limited cash deposit options
- • Lower Trustpilot scores on regional sub-pages (bunq.de: 1.9/5)
Travel Features
Compare all banks for travel →Foreign Exchange
No markupMastercard rate on card spend globally — no markup. In-app currency conversion incurs a small fee. SWIFT transfers have a €5 flat fee.
ATM Abroad
ATM withdrawals incur a flat €0.99 fee per withdrawal on all tiers. No free ATM allowance.
Travel Insurance
bunq does not include travel insurance on any tier.
Airport Lounge
No airport lounge access on any tier.
Multi-Currency
22+ currency sub-accounts, each with its own IBAN (Pro/Elite tiers). Hold foreign currencies without conversion until you spend.
✈️ Travel Perks
- • Multi-IBAN in 22+ currencies — ideal for long-term expats
- • Worldwide Mastercard/Visa acceptance
- • Instant payment notifications
- • Disposable virtual cards for one-time bookings
- • SWIFT transfers for €5 flat (low-cost global payments)
Services: Crypto, Investing & Savings
Cryptocurrency
Not availablebunq does not offer cryptocurrency services.
Investments
Not availablebunq does not offer investment products.
Savings
AvailableECB-linked; varies
Automated round-up savings; goal-based savings pockets; competitive ECB-linked rate
Compare savings rates across EU neobanks →Business Banking
AvailableAccounting: Xero, QuickBooks, Moneybird, AFAS
Netherlands banking licence with €100K EDIS. Developer-friendly with fully open public API. Unlimited virtual cards on Pro XL. Good for Dutch and German businesses. No free tier — starts at €9.99/mo.
Compare all business accounts →Premium Plans
Compare all banks' premium plans →- • Savings-only account
- • No debit card
- • Basic budgeting tools
- • 1 IBAN and debit card
- • Basic sub-accounts
- • Instant notifications
- • Up to 25 sub-accounts with IBANs
- • 3 physical Mastercard/Visa cards
- • Joint accounts
- • Multi-currency support
- • Finn AI budgeting assistant
- • Metal card
- • Highest ATM and transfer limits
- • Priority support
- • Exclusive Elite perks
| Feature | Free Free | Core €3.99/mo | Pro €9.99/mo ★ Best value | Elite €18.99/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal card | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Travel insurance | — | — | — | — |
| Airport lounge | — | — | — | — |
| Free ATM/month | — | — | — | — |
| Free FX/month | — | — | — | — |
| Savings rate | ECB-linked | ECB-linked | ECB-linked | ECB-linked |
| Cashback | — | — | — | — |
| Top perks |
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Our Verdict
bunq holds a full Dutch banking licence (first new Dutch bank in 38 years) with €100,000 deposit protection and €8B+ in deposits. The multi-IBAN architecture is genuinely unique — no other EU neobank matches it for expats and multi-country freelancers. The main downside: it is expensive relative to Revolut and N26 for comparable everyday banking. Best for: expats, freelancers, and environmentally conscious users who need multiple IBANs.