In 2026, traditional banks feel outdated: high fees, slow transfers, no app magic. Enter neobanks like N26 and Revolut – digital-first, mobile-only, low-cost alternatives loved by expats, travelers, freelancers and everyday users across Europe.
But in the N26 vs Revolut 2026 showdown, which one is truly better? N26 shines with its full German banking license, free euro transactions and simple interface. Revolut counters with a super-app packed with crypto, stocks, insurance, multi-currency pockets and global perks.
This in-depth guide – updated for January 2026 trends like higher interest on savings and expanded AI budgeting – compares everything: fees, features, security, user reviews and real-life scenarios. By the end, you’ll know exactly which fits your needs. Let’s break it down.
What Are N26 and Revolut in 2026? Quick Overview
N26: German neobank founded in 2013, now with full banking license (BaFin-regulated). Focuses on clean, reliable mobile banking for EU residents. In 2026: strong on free euro withdrawals, instant transfers via SEPA, and premium perks like travel insurance.
Revolut: UK/Lithuania-based (now full banking license in EU via Lithuania). Serves 40+ million users worldwide. It’s a “financial super-app”: banking + crypto trading + stocks + commodities + insurance + lounge access. In 2026: AI-powered insights, staking, and expanded savings vaults with competitive rates.
Core difference: N26 = simple, trustworthy bank account. Revolut = everything-finance in one app.
N26 vs Revolut: Fees and Exchange Rates Head-to-Head (2026 Data)
Fees decide 80% of choices. Here’s the 2026 reality (sourced from official sites, Monito, The Poor Swiss updates).
Exchange Rates & Foreign Transactions
- N26: Mastercard rate (close to mid-market), no markup on weekdays/weekends for card spending. Free foreign card payments on all plans.
- Revolut: Interbank rate weekdays (up to limits by plan), 0.5-2% weekend markup. Premium plans remove limits/markups.
Winner: N26 for consistent no-markup spending abroad; Revolut if you pay for premium.
ATM Withdrawals & Other Fees
| Feature | N26 Standard | N26 You/Metal | Revolut Standard | Revolut Premium/Metal/Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | €0 | €9.90–€16.90 | €0 | €7.99–€45 |
| Free ATM Withdrawals (EUR) | 5/month (then €2) | Unlimited / 8 free | €200/month (5 withdrawals) | €400–€2000/month |
| Foreign ATM Fee | 1.7% (non-EUR) | Free | 2% after limit | Free up to limit |
| Card Shipping | €10 | Free | €5–€10 | Free/Express |
| Currency Exchange Free Limit | Unlimited (no markup) | Unlimited | €1000/month (then 0.5–1%) | Unlimited |
Sources: N26 official, Revolut official, Monito 2026 updates.
Features Comparison: What You Actually Get
Core Banking
- N26: German IBAN, SEPA Instant, sub-accounts (Spaces), overdraft on premium.
- Revolut: Lithuanian/EU IBAN, multi-currency pockets (40+), joint accounts, kids’ accounts.
Investments & Crypto
- N26: No built-in crypto/stocks (third-party only in some regions).
- Revolut: 100+ cryptos, stocks/ETFs, commodities, staking. Big win for 2026 investors.
Savings & Interest
- N26: Up to 2.8–4% on savings vaults (plan-dependent).
- Revolut: 3–4.5% variable on flexible savings (higher on premium).
Travel & Perks
- N26 You/Metal: Travel insurance, partner discounts.
- Revolut Premium+: Lounge access, cancellation insurance, cashback up to 1%.
Pros and Cons: N26 vs Revolut 2026
N26 Pros
- Full German banking license → Deposits insured €100k.
- No markup on currency exchange ever.
- More free euro ATM withdrawals on base plans.
- Clean, fast app – less overwhelming.
N26 Cons
- Limited to EU (no UK/US).
- No crypto/investments built-in.
- Premium plans pricier for fewer “extras”.
Revolut Pros
- Super-app: banking + investing + crypto + more.
- Global reach (better for non-EU travel).
- Higher savings rates + perks on paid plans.
- Virtual/disposable cards, budgeting AI.
Revolut Cons
- Weekend FX markup on free plan.
- Support chat-only (slower on free).
- Not full bank in all countries yet (e-money in some).
Real Scenarios: When to Choose N26 or Revolut
- EU resident wanting simple, free banking: N26 Standard – reliable, insured, no surprises.
- Frequent traveler/expat: Revolut Premium – multi-currency, insurance, lounges.
- Crypto/stock trader: Revolut – built-in exchange, no need for separate apps.
- Freelancer with international clients: Revolut Business (multi-currency pockets) or N26 Business (cashback).
- Budget user avoiding subscriptions: N26 Standard edges out for free features.
User ratings 2026: Trustpilot – N26 ~4.1/5, Revolut ~4.2/5. Many praise Revolut’s innovation but note N26’s stability.
Security & Regulation 2026
Both safe:
- N26: Full German banking license, €100k deposit protection.
- Revolut: EU banking license (Lithuania), segregated funds, 2FA/biometrics.
No major incidents recently. Enable notifications and use virtual cards for online buys.
How to Sign Up: Step-by-Step
N26
- Download app.
- Verify ID (passport + selfie).
- Choose plan & order card (€10 for Standard).
- Top up via SEPA/bank transfer.
Revolut
- App download & sign-up.
- ID verification.
- Add funds (card/bank).
- Order physical card (free/fee depending plan).
Both approve in minutes to hours.
FAQ – N26 vs Revolut 2026
Which is better overall in 2026, N26 or Revolut?
Revolut wins for most users thanks to features/crypto/investments. N26 better if you want simple, insured banking with no FX surprises.
Does N26 have better ATM withdrawals than Revolut?
Yes on euro withdrawals (more free on base/premium). Revolut better abroad on paid plans.
Is N26 safer than Revolut?
N26 has full German deposit protection (€100k). Revolut secure but varies by region/license.
Can I use N26 or Revolut outside Europe?
Revolut: Yes, global. N26: Limited (works but no new accounts outside EU).
Which has crypto support?
Revolut – full trading/staking. N26: None native.
N26 vs Revolut for business accounts?
Revolut Business: More tools (teams, API). N26 Business: Simpler, cashback-focused.
Do they offer interest on savings in 2026?
Yes – both ~3-4% variable on vaults/savings (higher on premium).
Which app is easier for beginners?
N26 – cleaner interface. Revolut more powerful but can overwhelm.
Conclusion: N26 vs Revolut – My 2026 Recommendation
If you want a straightforward, reliable EU bank with excellent free features: go N26. If you love extras (crypto, stocks, travel perks, AI tools): Revolut is the clear winner in 2026.
Best move? Try both free tiers – they’re quick to set up. Many users keep N26 for core banking and Revolut for spending/investing.
What’s your pick? Drop a comment with your experience – N26 loyalist or Revolut fan? Let’s discuss!
