N26 vs Revolut: Which Is Better for EU Residents in 2026?
Last updated: March 2026 · Our methodology
- ✓ You want Germany-regulated banking (BaFin)
- ✓ You need clean SEPA direct debits as primary account
- ✓ You prefer a simpler, focused product
- ✓ You're based in Germany or Austria
- ✓ You travel frequently or deal in multiple currencies
- ✓ You want investing + crypto + banking in one app
- ✓ You want the most features for free
- ✓ You need 120+ currency support
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | N26 | Revolut | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory licence | Full banking (BaFin, Germany) | Full banking (Bank of Lithuania) | 🤝 Tie |
| Deposit protection | €100,000 German DGS | €100,000 Lithuanian DGS | 🤝 Tie |
| Trustpilot score | 4.1/5 | 4.7/5 (367K reviews) | 🏆 Revolut |
| Free plan | Yes — free physical card | Yes — 1 free trade/month | 🏆 N26 (physical card free) |
| Currencies | EUR-primary, limited multi-currency | 36+ currencies at interbank rates | 🏆 Revolut |
| Investing | Stocks, ETFs, crypto (Smart+) | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, commodities | 🏆 Revolut |
| Travel insurance | N26 You plan (€9.90/mo) | Premium plan (€7.99/mo) | 🏆 Revolut (cheaper) |
| Customer support | Chat only, slow response | Chat only, faster response | 🏆 Revolut |
| Savings interest | 2% p.a. (Metal tier only) | Competitive, across more tiers | 🏆 Revolut |
| Markets available | 23 EU/EEA countries | 40+ EU/EEA + global | 🏆 Revolut |
| BaFin/regulatory flags | ⚠️ Dec 2025 BaFin oversight order | None active | 🏆 Revolut |
| EU account availability | Germany + Austria (new users) | All 40+ EU/EEA countries | 🏆 Revolut |
Full German banking license (BaFin regulated); EUR 100,000 deposit protection (German DGS); under additional BaFin oversight order since December 2025
Full EU banking license via Bank of Lithuania (ECB supervised); UK e-money institution (full UK banking license expected 2026); EUR 100,000 deposit protection (Lithuanian DGS)
Pricing Comparison
| Tier | N26 Plan | N26 Price | Revolut Plan | Revolut Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Standard | Free | Standard | Free |
| Entry paid | Smart | €4.90/mo | Plus | €3.99/mo |
| Mid | You | €9.90/mo | Premium | €7.99/mo |
| Premium | Metal | €16.90/mo | Metal | €14.99/mo |
| Ultra | — | — | Ultra | €45/mo |
Our Verdict
Revolut wins on breadth — more currencies, more investment options, better Trustpilot score, and available in more EU countries. N26 wins on regulatory trust — BaFin is Europe's strictest banking regulator, and for users who want German-licensed banking as a primary account, N26 Standard remains a solid choice.
The December 2025 BaFin sanctions limit N26's new customer acquisition to Germany and Austria — a real constraint for EU users outside those markets. For most EU residents, Revolut is the better default pick; N26 is the better pick if you're German-based and prioritise regulatory heritage over features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is N26 or Revolut safer?+
Both hold full EU banking licences with €100,000 deposit protection. N26 is regulated by BaFin (Germany), widely considered one of the strictest EU banking regulators. Revolut is regulated by the Bank of Lithuania. The December 2025 BaFin sanctions on N26 relate to mortgage lending and capital reserves — they do not affect account safety.
Is N26 or Revolut better for travel?+
Revolut edges ahead for travel: it supports 120+ currencies, offers free ATM withdrawals on the Standard plan (up to limits), and includes travel insurance on Premium/Metal. N26 You plan also includes travel insurance, but currency support is more limited.
Which is cheaper — N26 or Revolut?+
Both have free tiers. N26 Standard is free with no monthly fee and includes a physical card. Revolut Standard is free but commission-free stock trades are limited to 1/month. For premium plans, N26 Metal (€16.90/mo) is cheaper than Revolut Metal (€14.99/mo) — though Revolut Metal includes more features.
Can I use both N26 and Revolut?+
Yes, and many EU residents do. A common setup: N26 as the primary current account (full German banking licence, SEPA direct debits) and Revolut for travel, FX, and investing.