Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Advertiser disclosure
Revolut vs. N26
Both fintech companies are fully digital with app-based budgeting.
Both of these European fintech companies are relatively new to the US, but N26 is temporarily closed to new applicants while it seeks a new partner bank. Which one you should choose depends on how you spend and manage your money.
Revolut vs. N26: Side-by-side comparison
Revolut offers a free plan as well as two different premium plans. At the time of writing N26 offers one plan. The following chart compares the N26 plan against the free standard Revolut plan.
| Revolut | N26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fees and charges | $0 Standard plan, $9.99 Premium plan, $16.99 Metal plan | $0 |
| Domestic ATM charges | Free withdrawals up to $1,200/month. Then 2% of the withdrawal amount | 2 free withdrawals per month, then $2 per withdrawal |
| Foreign ATM charges | Free withdrawals up to $1,000/month for Standard plan, unlimited transactions for Premium Plan and Metal plan. Then 2% of the withdrawal amount | 2% of the withdrawal amount |
| Send money to friends | Free to anyone with a Revolut plan | Free to anyone with an N26 plan |
| Transfer money internationally | For Standard plans, exchange up to $1,000 in 28 fiat currencies for free — but only on weekdays. For the Premium and Metal plans, exchange in 28 fiat currencies — no monthly limit | N/A |
| Spending insights | Shows spending by category, merchant, country, and month | Offers insights into where you spend your money, along with monthly reports help understand your spending habits |
| Freeze your card | Yes: Touch of a button in app | Yes: Touch of a button in app |
| Interest | 4.25% annual percentage yield (APY) for Premium or Metal users with Savings vault and 0.05% APY for Standard users | None |
| Savings goals | Set budgets in the app and open savings vaults that let you store your money | Spaces feature lets you open subaccounts to stash your money away |
| Visualization | Spending graphs show which days you’ve spent most/least money | Monthly spending statistics shown in pie chart |
| Foreign exchange fees | 0.5% for spending more than a certain unspecified amount each month, plus a flat markup on weekends and for some currencies | None |
Revolut vs. N26: The verdict
Using the app
In terms of the actual app, there’s not much separating these two. Both Revolut and N26 offer stylish graphics and spending insights, categorizing your transactions and showing you how much you’ve spent in a category or at a particular shop. Budgeting with both apps is easy and structured. Both also offer the ability set aside funds for savings. N26 has Spaces and Revolut has Vaults.
Security
Since launching in the US, N26 has provided FDIC insurance through its partner bank, Axos Bank. However, that partnership is ending. N26 is currently closed to new applicants as it transitions to a new partnership with a different, currently unnamed FDIC-insured institution. We spoke with an N26 representative who confirmed that existing accounts will remain FDIC insured during the transition.
Revolut partners with FDIC-insured bank Metropolitan Commercial Bank to protect funds on its prepaid debit cards.
Video: Alex Weber, head of international markets, on why N26 is different
Compare with other financial apps and digital banks
1 - 5 of 20
What is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches over 300 checking accounts from hundreds of financial institutions. It takes into account the product's monthly fees, overdraft fees, opening deposit, customer support options, ATM network and features — this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, Finder’s banking experts analyze hundreds of checking accounts against what we consider is the best option: no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, a large ATM network of 50,000 or more, additional features outside of typical banking services, and the optional perk of earning interest. Accounts that are nearly free to maintain and use are scored the highest, while accounts with costly fees and few features are scored the lowest.
Bottom line
Both N26 and Revolut offer consumers a fully in-app way to control their finances. The products are very similar, but one might be better or you based on your unique needs and preferences.
If you’re considering switching banks, compare other checking accounts to N26 and Revolut before making a decision.
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
-
4 Banks with Metal Debit Cards
Banks that offer a metal debit card include Acorns, Cash App, Revolut and Crypto.com. See the pros and cons of a metal debit card here.
-
American Express Rewards Checking review
American Express’ first-ever consumer checking account comes with no monthly fees and rewards.
-
First Citizens Bank Free Checking review
There are no fees with e-statements, but First Citizens Bank isn’t available nationwide.
-
Zeta Joint Account review
Zeta’s joint account features in-app tools for tracking and budgeting, but there are extra fees for more members.
-
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus review
The free Upgrade Rewards Checking account offers 2% cashback, but you can’t deposit cash.
-
Best checking accounts of 2024
SoFi wins the best checking account overall, with close runners-up: Chime, Upgrade, Chase, Bluevine, Step, Varo and Capital One.
-
10 Second-Chance Bank Accounts for Bad Credit
These banks don’t require ChexSystems or a credit check to open an account: SoFi, Chime, Varo, Dave Spending, Chase Secure Banking and more.
-
Best interest-bearing checking accounts
Earn a little interest without limiting your transactions. But don’t expect it to replace your high-interest savings account.
-
Virtual debit cards
Compare the top banks and fintechs that offer virtual card options and learn how to use them.
-
Chime® Checking Account review
Chime’s checking account has almost no fees and comes with great modern banking features.
Ask a question
ATM withdrawals abroad. Revolut lets you withdraw $300 a month at foreign ATMs, but charges a 2% fee after that. N26 charges $2 plus 2% of the withdrawal amount.
That’s not true ! N26 charges 1,7% of the withdrawal amount, without extra 2 $ !!!
Mischa,
Thanks for reaching out to us. The 1.7% is the percentage amount for N26’s EU account holders. US account holders have a 2% charge. We also doubled checked N26’s extra $2 fee. Its website still mentions the $2 fee, but an N26 customer service rep confirmed that there’s actually no $2 extra, just 2%. Hopefully N26 will update its website soon. We’ve updated our reviews. Thanks for pointing that out.