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N26: The Best Online Bank for Expats in Germany

Updated: Oct 18, 2023

N26 is a great choice for anyone who wants a convenient, affordable, and secure digital bank in Germany. With its cutting-edge technology, user-friendly interface, and innovative financial services, N26 is quickly becoming one of the most popular banks in Germany.

is N26 a good option for expats?

If you are an expat living in Germany, you might be looking for a bank account that suits your needs. You want a bank that is easy to use, offers low fees, and supports multiple currencies. You also want a bank that has a user-friendly app, a reliable customer service, and a secure online banking system. Sounds too good to be true? Well, not anymore. Meet N26, the best online bank for expats in Germany.


What is N26?

N26 is a fully-mobile bank that operates in 25 countries across Europe and the US. It was founded in 2013 by two German entrepreneurs who wanted to create a simple and transparent banking experience for the digital age. N26 offers personal and business accounts, as well as savings, investment, insurance, and credit products. N26 has over 7 million customers worldwide and has raised more than $800 million from investors such as Tencent, Allianz, and Peter Thiel.



Why choose N26 as an expat in Germany?

There are many reasons why N26 is the best online bank for expats in Germany. Here are some of them:

  • No paperwork required: You can open an N26 account in just a few minutes from your smartphone or computer. All you need is your passport or ID card and a proof of address. No need to visit a branch or fill out any forms.

  • No monthly fees: N26 offers a free standard account that comes with a free Mastercard debit card. You can also upgrade to premium plans that offer additional benefits such as travel insurance, partner discounts, and metal cards.

  • No foreign transaction fees: You can use your N26 card to pay in any currency without any fees. You also get free ATM withdrawals in euros and up to 5 free withdrawals per month in other currencies.

  • No language barriers: N26 supports 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. You can choose your preferred language in the app and on the website. You can also contact the customer service via chat, phone, or email in any of these languages.

  • No hassle: You can manage all your finances directly from your smartphone or computer. You can view your transactions, set spending limits, lock/unlock your card, send money to friends, and more. You also get instant notifications for every activity on your account.

How to open an N26 account as an expat in Germany?

Opening an N26 account as an expat in Germany is very easy. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Go to N26 website or download the N26 app on your smartphone.

  2. Choose your country of residence and the type of account you want to open.

  3. Enter your personal details such as name, email, phone number, date of birth, and address.

  4. Verify your identity by taking a photo of your passport or ID card and a selfie.

  5. Confirm your email address and phone number.

  6. Choose your card design and delivery address.

  7. Activate your card by entering the PIN you received via SMS.

  8. Enjoy your N26 account!


Benefits of N26

  1. Easy and Quick Sign-Up: N26 makes it incredibly easy to open an account, with the process taking just a few minutes and can be done entirely online.

  2. User-Friendly App: N26’s app is user-friendly, intuitive, and offers customers a range of features, including account tracking, card management, and the ability to view transactions in real-time.

  3. Overdraft Protection: N26 offers overdraft protection, which means that customers can spend up to 10000 euros more than their account balance without incurring any fees.

  4. Competitive Interest Rates: N26 offers competitive interest rates on savings accounts, making it an attractive option for people who want to save money.

  5. No Hidden Fees: N26 is transparent about its fees, making it easy for people to budget and keep track of their finances.

  6. Secure: N26 uses state-of-the-art security measures to protect its customers' finances and is fully licensed and regulated by the German Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).


Disadvantages of N26

  1. Limited Services: Today, N26 can only offer basic banking services and does not have a branch network, which may not be suitable for everyone.

  2. No Physical Checks: N26 does not offer the option to write physical checks, which may be a drawback for some customers.

  3. Limited Customer Support: N26 offers limited customer support, with the only option being email or through its in-app support center.

  4. Limited Credit Options: N26 does not offer a wide variety of credit options like traditional banks offer, which may not be suitable for everyone.

  5. Not Yet Available in All Countries: N26 is currently only available in Europe and a few other countries, meaning that it may not be a suitable option for everyone.


Conclusion

N26 is the best online bank for expats in Germany because it offers a convenient, low-cost, and secure banking experience. You can open an account online in minutes without any paperwork or fees. You can also pay in any currency without any fees and access various financial products and services. N26 is the perfect bank for the digital nomads who want to live and work in Germany.


If you are interested in opening an N26 account, you can use this link.


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