The digital banking revolution has changed the way Europeans keep track of their finances, and there are two leaders in the field of neobanks: N26 and Revolut. Both promise to replace traditional banking with sleek mobile banking apps and innovative features, but which one deserves your trust and money?
Here’s your definitive guide to selecting among these digital banks in Europe, based on actual users’ experiences from G2 reviews, Reddit discussions, and current app capabilities.
Digital Bank Comparison Overview
Both N26 and Revolut target similar customers, but their approaches differ significantly. N26, the German-founded neobank, focuses on simplicity and European markets, while London-based Revolut emphasizes global reach and diverse financial services.
Current Market Position:
- N26: 8+ million customers across Europe
- Revolut: 45+ million users globally
Key Difference: N26 withdrew from the US market in 2022, focusing exclusively on Europe, while Revolut maintains global operations including the United States.
Complete Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | N26 | Revolut | Winner |
| Monthly Fees | Free – €16.90 | Free – $16.99 | Tie |
| Currencies Supported | EUR only | 25+ currencies | Revolut |
| ATM Withdrawals (Free) | 2/month in Europe | €200-€1000/month | Revolut |
| International Transfers | Wise integration (0.41%+) | 0.3-0.5% after limits | N26 |
| Exchange Rates | Mid-market (via Wise) | Mid-market with caps | N26 |
| Investment Options | Basic crypto | Stocks, crypto, commodities | Revolut |
| Savings Interest | Location dependent | Up to 4.25% APY | Revolut |
| Banking License | German (stronger) | Lithuanian/UK | N26 |
| Deposit Protection | €100k (German guarantee) | €100k (Lithuanian) | N26 |
| Customer Support | Multilingual, phone/chat | Chat, premium phone | Tie |
| App Store Rating | 4.0+ (iOS/Android) | 4.2+ (iOS/Android) | Revolut |
| Business Accounts | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Cards Included | Virtual + Physical | Virtual + Physical | Tie |
| Budgeting Tools | Basic categories | Advanced analytics | Revolut |
| Global Availability | Europe only | 150+ countries | Revolut |
| Account Opening | EU residents only | Broader eligibility | Revolut |
| Premium Perks | Travel insurance, lounges | Travel insurance, subscriptions | Revolut |
| Security Features | 2FA, biometrics | 2FA, biometrics, disposable cards | Revolut |
Neobank Features Breakdown
Both banks offer core digital banking services, but their feature sets diverge significantly:
Account Types Available:
- N26: Standard (free), Smart (€4.90/month), You (€9.90/month), Metal (€16.90/month)
- Revolut: Standard (free), Premium ($9.99/month), Metal ($16.99/month)
Multi-Currency Support:
- N26: EUR only (designed for eurozone customers)
- Revolut: 25+ currencies with real-time exchange
Investment Features:
- N26: Limited crypto trading options
- Revolut: Full stock trading, crypto, and commodities
According to Exiap’s 2025 comparison, “Revolut accounts come with investment options including stock trading, N26 has some crypto trading features.”
Digital Banking Fees Analysis
Monthly Account Fees: Both offer free basic accounts, but premium features require paid plans.
International Transfer Costs:
- N26: Powered by Wise, costs as little as 0.41% per transfer
- Revolut: 0.3-0.5% after free allowances (1-5 free transfers monthly depending on plan)
ATM Withdrawal Limits:
- N26: 2 free withdrawals monthly for European customers
- Revolut: Varies by plan (€200-€1000 free monthly)
One Reddit user noted: “With N26 you can withdraw more money for free (check both for specific info on that).” (Source)
Mobile Banking App Experience
G2 Ratings (2025):
- N26: 3.9/5 stars (14 reviews) – praised for “Ease of Use” scoring 9.8
- Revolut: 3.9/5 stars (18 reviews)
App Store Performance: Both apps consistently rank highly for user experience, though with different strengths:
N26 Strengths:
- Intuitive UI/UX design
- German engineering precision
- Clean, minimalist interface
Revolut Strengths:
- Feature-rich dashboard
- Advanced analytics and insights
- Frequent feature updates
A long-term N26 user shared: “The UI/UX is super intuitive, I get charged no fees, and easy to use features. I’ve moved transfers in the 5 figures both to another account of mine and to friends with zero issues.” (Reddit source)
European Digital Bank Regulations
Banking Licenses:
- N26: Fully licensed German bank, regulated by BaFin and ECB
- Revolut: Licensed in Lithuania (EU operations), with UK license in “mobilisation” stage
Deposit Protection:
- N26: €100,000 protection under German deposit guarantee scheme
- Revolut: €100,000 protection under Lithuanian deposit guarantee
A Reddit user explained the safety hierarchy: “N26 is a full bank in Germany and regulated by the German bank authorities. The first €100k is guaranteed by the German taxpayer. Revolut is a bank in Lithuania.” (Source)
Revolut Review: Pros and Cons
User Satisfaction: Revolut Metal users generally report positive experiences, though with notable caveats.
Positive Reddit Feedback:
“I’m a metal card owner, been using revolut for The last 3/4 years I would say. Never had a problem with anything and when I did support was on point.” (Reddit user)
“Revolut has more customers than HSBC (41 million vs 50 million+) at this point. They’re no longer ‘just a small startup’.”
Trustpilot Rating: 4.3/5 stars (128,000+ reviews)
Reported Issues:
- Account freezing during security investigations
- Customer support delays during complex issues
- Wide bid-ask spreads on investments
Warning from Users:
“It’s good ‘when it works’ 😂. Wait till you have a random stupid issue that locks you out of your money and customer support just laughs at you for weeks.”
N26 Review: Strengths and Weaknesses
Positive User Experiences: Long-term users praise N26’s reliability and German banking standards.
8-Year User Testimonial:
“N26 has been great for me over 8 years here. It’s convenient to use any ATM without charge, the app works well, and they resolved a fraud case for me.” (Reddit source)
Trustpilot Rating: 3.2/5 stars (26,000+ reviews)
Reported Problems: Similar to Revolut, N26 faces criticism for account freezing and customer service issues.
Critical Reddit Comment:
“Never work with N26! N26 has no security plan for any normal situation. Just a startup without any planing to implement boring security things.”
Account Blocking Concerns:
“Think Twice Before Banking with N26. Their lack of security, accountability, and customer service is concerning. If you’re considering N26, don’t trust this bank to keep your money safe.”
Best Digital Bank for Different Users
For Travelers and International Users: Winner: Revolut
- 25+ currencies vs N26’s EUR-only approach
- Better global acceptance
- More free ATM withdrawals worldwide
For European Residents: Winner: N26
- Full German banking license provides stronger regulatory protection
- Better integration with European banking systems
- More free EUR withdrawals
For Investment-Focused Users: Winner: Revolut
- Full stock trading platform
- Crypto trading
- Commodities investment
- Better investment research tools
For Budget-Conscious Users: Tie – Both offer competitive free accounts, but fee structures differ:
- N26: Better for frequent EUR transactions
- Revolut: Better for multi-currency needs
Neobank Security and Trust
Account Security Incidents: Both banks have faced criticism for sudden account freezes, often related to anti-money laundering checks.
Expert Banking Perspective:
“Truth is that ANY bank account can get frozen if the bank has suspicions about the source of income… Most people working a regular job with regular income and regular activities in their account have no problems.” (Reddit user)
Customer Support Quality:
- N26: Mixed reviews, with English support available
- Revolut: Generally responsive for premium users, but basic support can be slow
The Reality Check:
“Usually german banks do not allow US customers. So check in advance for all possible banks!”
FAQ
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose N26 if:
- You’re based in Europe and primarily use EUR
- You value traditional banking security and German regulation
- You prefer simplicity over feature complexity
- You make frequent European ATM withdrawals
Choose Revolut if:
- You travel internationally or deal with multiple currencies
- You want investment and trading features
- You need global accessibility
- You’re based outside Europe
The Bottom Line: Both are legitimate digital banks with proper licenses and deposit protection. Your choice should depend on your specific use case and geographic location.
Remember: Never put all your money in a single neobank. Traditional financial advice still applies – diversify your banking relationships to protect against service disruptions.
