Finance

N26 card review: Advantages & disadvantages

Explore N26 card reviews, benefits, and user experiences—your go-to for seamless international payments and banking on the go.

Are you someone who spends more time on a plane than at home? As a frequent traveller, you need to simplify many things, including your finances, to make your trips a more enjoyable experience. You’ll come across many N26 card reviews, but none like the ones from Holafly, which provides first-hand information and the best recommendations, especially for you, a world explorer.

Now, let’s answer your question: Is the N26 card really useful? Stick around to discover the details of this digital banking option that is creating quite a buzz for its easy and quick mobile experience, allowing you to manage your money from anywhere.

In this article

What is N26?

N26 is a 100% digital bank founded in Berlin in 2013, which has changed the way we manage our finances in the modern world, with no paperwork, bureaucratic requirements, or long in-person appointments, all available with just one click.

With a presence in over 20 countries, including Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and some markets outside Europe like the United States, N26 card reviews place it as one of the top banking options for travellers who want an easy way to manage their money abroad.

Its tech-focused services are designed to fit a global lifestyle, giving you control of your money no matter where you are, as long as you have internet access. A big plus for travellers and digital nomads.

One of the most popular N26 card reviews and its major strength is simplicity: You can open an account in minutes from your mobile and start using your virtual card instantly.

What cards does N26 offer for travellers?

Travellers have various N26 card reviews regarding the available options, highlighting functionality and savings on commissions for world explorers. Let’s review the most common alternatives:

N26 You Card

This card is designed for frequent travellers. With it, you can make payments in any currency with no extra charges and withdraw cash for free at ATMs worldwide.

The N26 You includes an insurance package that covers medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and protection in case of theft, making it an excellent travel companion.

N26 Metal Card

If exclusivity is your thing, the N26 Metal card is the premium option. This offers all the benefits of N26 You, plus extras like additional insurance for car rentals, events, and electronic devices.

Its physical design in stainless steel is not only durable but also adds a stylish touch.

Both cards are Mastercard, meaning they are accepted in over 200 countries. Whether you’re in Europe, Asia, America, or Africa, you can use the N26 card to make purchases, book hotels, or withdraw cash with ease.

N26 Debit Card Features

Unlike many travel cards, the N26 card stands out for its simplicity and functionality.

The card is a debit card, meaning you can only spend the money in your account and not more than your travel budget. Below, we share some features that make it special:

100% digital management: Everything is managed from the mobile app, from opening your account to setting spending limits or blocking your card if you lose it.
International payments with no commissions: With premium plans, you can pay in any currency without worrying about hidden fees.
Real-time notifications: Every transaction is instantly recorded, helping you keep full control of your expenses.
Advanced security: N26 offers advanced security features, including biometric authentication, real-time alerts, and protection up to €100,000 ($108,000) thanks to its European banking licence.
Spending statistics: The app categorises your expenses automatically, so you can analyse where your money is going.
Shared spaces: If you’re travelling with friends or family, you can create sub-accounts to easily split expenses.

N26 Card Fees and Commissions

What makes N26 card reviews so positive are its competitive fees, especially when compared to traditional banks that often charge high fees for international payments or withdrawals abroad. Take a look at these tempting plans for anyone looking to minimise expenses:

Standard Plan (Free)

No commissions on payments in euros.
1.7% commission on foreign currency withdrawals.
Virtual card included (physical card available for an additional cost).

N26 You: €9.90/month ($10.70)

Free withdrawals in any currency at international ATMs.
No commissions on payments in foreign currencies.
Full travel insurance and coverage for medical emergencies.

N26 Metal: €16.90/month ($18.30)

All N26 You benefits, plus additional insurance for car rentals, events, and electronic devices.
Priority customer support.
Physical card with an exclusive stainless-steel design.

Check these options and choose the one that best suits your travel needs. N26 card reviews suggest that if you plan to frequently leave the Eurozone, the You or Metal plans offer the best balance between price and benefits.

Where Can You Use the N26 Card?

The N26 card is accepted in over 200 countries and millions of establishments thanks to its partnership with Mastercard.

Europe: Perfect for travel within the EU, as there are no fees for transactions in euros.
Latin America: The N26 card is your best ally if you’re visiting countries like Mexico, Brazil, or Argentina, where local currency transactions are usually expensive with other banks.
Asia: From Japan to Thailand, you can use the N26 card to book activities, pay for hotels, or withdraw cash.
North America: In the US and Canada, its acceptance is high, and international ATM withdrawals are included in premium plans.

Wondering how to find the nearest ATMs at your destination? With the N26 app, you can easily view a map showing the closest ATMs available for withdrawals. Sounds good, right?

Pros and Cons: N26 Card Reviews

N26 card reviews usually receive positive feedback from travellers and digital users.

At Holafly, we want to help you make the best decision for you and your finances while you travel, so we’ve put together a list of the positive aspects and advantages, but also some areas for improvement or disadvantages you should consider.

What users love

Aspects to improve

Savings on Fees: Many travellers highlight the significant savings when using N26 cards, rather than exchanging money at currency exchange offices or using traditional bank cards.
Ease of Use: The N26 app is intuitive, allowing users to manage their accounts instantly, from anywhere.
Security Features: Real-time notifications and quick lock options for your card give you peace of mind wherever you are.

Security Features: Real-time notifications and quick lock options for your card give you peace of mind wherever you are.
App dependency: If you don’t have access to your phone, managing your account can be difficult.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the N26 Card

Pros	Cons
No maintenance or opening fees for the standard account.	1.7% fee on withdrawals outside the Eurozone (for standard and smart plans).
Three free withdrawals in the Eurozone per month (standard account).	Only three free withdrawals per month in euros. After that, there’s a €2 ($2.15) fee per additional withdrawal.
Payments in other currencies with no fees.	No physical offices to resolve issues or handle complex procedures.
Advanced security: Biometric authentication and real-time notifications.	No direct cash deposits, except through Cash26 with a 1.5% fee.
Customer support in multiple languages.	Requires a smartphone to manage all banking operations.
Travel insurance and additional coverage (available on premium plans like N26 You and Metal).	Requires internet connection for all banking operations and balance checks.
Compatible with Google Pay and Apple Pay.	12-month minimum contract for paid plans like N26 You and N26 Metal.

How to Apply for the N26 Card

N26 card reviews on its application process are one of its highlights, as it’s very easy, fast, and completely online. Follow this step-by-step guide to open your account and get your card:

Download the N26 app: Available for Android and iOS.
Create an account: Enter your personal details like full name, email address, and phone number.
Choose a plan: Decide if you want the free option (standard) or one of the premium versions (You or Metal).
Verify your identity: You’ll need an official document like a passport or national ID. Verification is done through photos or a video call, depending on your country.
Activate your account: Once your documents are approved, you’ll receive an email or notification in the app. Your account will be ready to use with a European IBAN.
Physical Card Request: For the Standard Plan, the virtual card is free, but the physical card has a shipping fee of approximately €10 ($10.80).

And that’s it! In under 10 minutes, you can complete the process and start enjoying the benefits of your new account.

N26 Card Experiences and Reviews

N26 card reviews are varied, but they mostly reflect a positive service experience with room for improvement.

At Holafly, we’ve gathered some recommendations and testimonials from travellers who have already had the experience with the N26 card and left their ratings on popular websites like Trustpilot.

Making Payments at Establishments

Users highlight that payments with the N26 card at hotels, restaurants, and physical stores are quick and secure. Thanks to its integration with Google Pay and Apple Pay, many travellers find it convenient to use in European countries without needing cash.

“The N26 online bank works great, I’ve been using it for several years without any problems. It doesn’t charge extra fees and you can use it anywhere…”

Fátima Navarro

Trustpilot

Withdrawing Money from ATMs

While withdrawals in the Eurozone are free up to three times a month, some users mention that the fees for withdrawals outside the Eurozone may be an inconvenience. However, the 1.7% fee is still lower than that of traditional banks.

“Very satisfied. On two intercontinental trips, the commission at an ATM of a well-known Spanish bank was lower than that of the bank’s own customers.”

Carlos Alocen

Trustpilot

Online Payments

Travellers often praise the ease of making online payments, especially in other currencies, as there are no hidden fees. This makes it ideal for booking accommodations or tourist services online.

“I recently switched to their Metal account to enjoy the 4% on their savings account. All operations I’ve done like adding the card to Apple Pay, transfers, online payments, direct debit… have been smooth.”

J. Ferrer

Trustpilot

Restrictions and Limits

Some users report that the limit on free withdrawals may be an issue if they need cash frequently during their travels. However, most appreciate the clarity of the usage conditions.

“I’m very satisfied with this bank and its services… It’s a zero-fee bank that allows you to use the card abroad 5 times a month at no extra cost.”

Emiliano Villena

Trustpilot

Security

Biometric authentication and real-time notifications offer peace of mind to travellers, who value the ability to easily block or unblock their card from the app in case of loss.

“When I needed help after falling victim to fraud and charges appeared on my account, I quickly notified N26. They told me that the amounts hadn’t been deducted yet from N26. They assured me that the necessary steps would be taken to refund them to my account.”

Fernando

Trustpilot

Other Alternatives to the N26 Card

While the N26 card is an excellent option, it’s important to know there are other alternatives for frequent travellers:

Revolut

Revolut allows you to withdraw up to €200 ($215) per month without fees on its Standard Plan and offers competitive exchange rates for currency conversion. It’s recommended for those who frequently travel outside the Eurozone.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Known for its low and transparent fees on international transfers, Wise also offers a card that allows payments in different currencies with the real exchange rate.

It’s not just us saying this! N26 card reviews suggest it’s one of the best digital banking options for travellers, remote workers, digital nomads, and anyone who wants to manage their finances with just one click, no interest fees, and very competitive rates.

Remember, to use the N26 app, you need to have internet access at all times during your trip, and we’ve got the solution for that too. The monthly plans from Holafly accompany you to over 200 destinations with unlimited data or 25GB that you can share with other devices.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Discover Holafly’s international unlimited eSIM & its benefits.

Buy Global eSIM

That’s right! High-speed internet without hassle is also possible with Holafly. Visit our website and choose an eSIM for international travel with unlimited data and no roaming charges. Stay connected with us!