N26 Credit Cards in Germany — Fees, Benefits & Application

Compare N26 Cards in Germany

Alternatives to N26 Cards

Overview of N26

N26 emerged as a pioneer of mobile banking, embracing the modern trend of managing banking transactions via smartphones.

This innovative approach quickly gained traction. High-profile investors include Allianz X, Earlybird Venture Capital, members of Zalando’s leadership team, Axel Springer SE, and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel.

Originally established in 2013 under the name NUMBER26 GmbH, it wasn’t until June 2016 that the bank got its banking license. Following this, the name was changed to N26. Today, N26 operates in 24 European countries and has around 5 million customers. At the end of 2024, N26 reported 4.8 million revenue-generating customers, after BaFin lifted its customer growth cap in mid-2024.

N26 Checking Accounts and Mastercards

N26 Bank offers its customers 4 different bank account models. The N26 Standard account is free of charge.

The N26 Smart, Go, and Metal accounts cost €4.90, €9.90, or €16.90 per month. These price differences are reflected in the account and card services. Freelancers and self-employed individuals can optionally open a business account with N26.

Every card provided by N26 is a Mastercard debit card, and they are only available when you open an N26 bank account. Notably, the German bank does not offer traditional credit cards that provide users with a credit line for their bank account.

Additional services offered by N26

In addition to checking accounts and cards, N26 Bank offers its customers a range of other services. These include:

• Up to 10 sub-accounts with individual IBAN (only for paid plans)
• A call money account with interest rates between 0.25% and 1.50% p.a. (Instant Savings)
• A Flexible Cash Fund managed by Fidelity, with variable yield potential and capital risk
• Insurance (only in premium plans)
• Options for trading securities and cryptocurrencies
• Low-cost international transfers in cooperation with Wise
• Cash deposits and withdrawals in retail stores with N26CASH
• Low-cost mobile phone plans, including eSIM service

Accounts and cards are managed in the mobile banking app. All other N26 services can also be accessed through this platform. The N26 app is intuitive to use and equipped with various money tools for an optimal budget overview.

Bank Account and Card Security at N26

All N26 accounts are held with a fully licensed German bank and are protected by the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme (Einlagensicherung) up to €100,000 per customer.

N26 also places strong emphasis on digital security. The N26 app features real-time push notifications, biometric login, customizable card settings, and 2-factor authentication. In the event of loss or theft, cards can be instantly locked via the app. Additionally, all debit cards are protected by Mastercard’s zero-liability policy for unauthorized transactions.

Types of N26 Cards

The N26 Mastercards are modern debit cards that function much like credit cards.

N26 debit cards are accepted worldwide wherever Mastercard is supported and allow the same transactions as traditional credit cards. The key difference lies in how payments are processed: All card payments are debited directly from your bank account. You can only spend what’s available.

In contrast, classic credit cards operate on the principle of short-term borrowing: you make purchases on credit and receive a bill later, typically with the option to repay in full or in installments.

For card transactions, N26 offers a transparent price structure with no hidden fees.

The N26 cards support mobile payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay, as well as contactless payments via NFC.

Use a credit line with N26 Overdraft

For those with proven creditworthiness, N26 offers the option to access an overdraft facility on their bank account up to €15,000.

This allows you to spend money beyond what’s available in your checking account, but be aware, this comes with a fixed overdraft interest rate of 13.4% annually for German accounts.

N26 Standard Mastercard

N26 offers a free current account that includes a Mastercard debit card. With this transparent debit card, you can make payments worldwide without foreign transaction fees.

However, a 1.7% fee applies to cash withdrawals in foreign currency. In the Eurozone, you can withdraw euros from ATMs up to 2 times per month for free. Each additional withdrawal costs €2.

By default, the N26 Standard account includes a virtual card designed for mobile and online payments. If you prefer a physical card, you can order one for a one-time shipping fee of €10 — the same applies for any additional cards.

The N26 Mastercard is fully integrated with the N26 mobile app, offering features like real-time push notifications for every transaction and MoneyBeam for instant transfers to other users. The N26 app combines usability and security, with login options via password, fingerprint, or facial recognition.

N26 Smart Mastercard

The N26 Smart account offers both a physical Mastercard debit card and a virtual card. This card (available in 5 colors) allows you to withdraw and deposit cash with CASH26 at over 13,000 partner stores across Germany.

CASH26 withdrawals at retail partners are free and not limited by the monthly ATM withdrawal allowance, but cash deposits are not free: N26 charges a 1.5% fee on the total deposit amount.

The Smart plan includes 3 free euro ATM withdrawals per month, while a 1.7% fee applies to ATM withdrawals in foreign currencies. Moreover, the bank account offers up to 10 subaccounts, each with its own individual IBAN and premium partner benefits. The monthly fee for this service is €4.90.

N26 Go Mastercard

The N26 Go Mastercard (also available in 5 colors) is a debit card designed for frequent travelers. You get it together with a N26 Go premium account.

It includes comprehensive travel insurance and allows free payments and money withdrawals worldwide in any foreign currency.

Within Germany and the Eurozone, the card provides 5 free cash withdrawals per month. The monthly fee is €9.90. Like all N26 debit cards, spending is limited to your account balance, helping you stay in control without incurring debt.

N26 Metal Mastercard

N26 Metal Mastercard (in 3 colors: Quartz Rose, Slate Grey, and Charcoal Black) is the premium option in N26’s product range, combining sleek design with extended financial benefits.

Similar to the N26 Go card, it allows payments and cash withdrawals worldwide in any foreign currency at no additional charge.

In Germany and the Eurozone, the Metal plan includes 8 free ATM withdrawals per month.

This N26 card costs €16.90 per month. It includes all travel insurance options offered with the N26 Go plan, and provides additional protection for smartphone theft and damage, as well as purchase insurance.

Priority customer support and exclusive partner offers round off the package of the Metal premium account and card.

Insurance Benefits of the N26 Premium Cards

Pros & Cons of N26 Credit Cards

Advantages

• Pay all over the world without card payment fees.
• Make contactless payments.
• A free bank account (N26 Standard) comes with a debit card.
• Overdraft is available up to €15,000.
• Manage everything using the free N26 app.
• All transactions are instant.
• Everything is in English.
• All N26 accounts and cards support free card payments worldwide.
• With a N26 premium account (Go and Metal), you can withdraw money outside the Eurozone without the 1.7% foreign-currency ATM withdrawal fee.
• Get push notifications for every transaction in your account.
• You can even send money to people using SMS or email.
• As a premium customer, you receive comprehensive travel insurance.
• Generally, N26 offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden fees.

Disadvantages

• The N26 Mastercard is a debit card; it does not offer a credit limit. You can only spend the money you have in your account or use the overdraft. If you use the overdraft, you will pay interest.
• Not everything is free. For example, you can only withdraw cash outside the Eurozone without foreign-currency ATM withdrawal fees if you have a paid premium card.
• To obtain an N26 credit card, you must open a bank account with N26.
• N26 may run a Schufa check during account opening. If you do not qualify for a standard account, you may be offered N26 Flex instead, which has a monthly fee and fewer card features.
• CASH26 cash withdrawals at retail partners can be free, but cash deposits cost 1.5% of the deposited amount.

Who is the N26 Mastercard ideal for?

The N26 Mastercard is ideal for those who lead a digital lifestyle. Especially if you frequently use online services and want to manage your finances on the go, N26’s offerings are perfect for you.

N26 cards are also an excellent option for student life. Typically, students find it difficult to get a credit card because most banks require a certain income. But with N26 Bank, this isn’t an issue. Why?

Because N26’s debit card works by allowing you to spend only what you have, the digital bank doesn’t require an income check. However, N26 may still run a Schufa check when opening an account.

Applicants who do not qualify for a standard N26 account may be placed on N26 Flex instead, which costs €8.90 per month, does not include virtual cards, and has different cash withdrawal fees.

How do I get an N26 Mastercard?

Requirements

If you’re looking to apply for an N26 debit card, make sure you meet these essential requirements:

• Age: You must be 18 years or older.
• Address: You should have a valid address in Germany or in another country that N26 supports.
• Identification: Please have valid documents, such as a passport or national ID card, ready.
• Smartphone: Ensure you have a phone that’s compatible with the N26 app for online banking (with iOS or Android).

Steps to open an N26 Bank Account

Opening an N26 account is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the bank’s website.
2. In the top menu, click on “Open Free Bank Account”.
3. Register using your email address and fill out the required personal information.
4. Link your smartphone with your new N26 account.
5. Confirm your identity. This is done through a video call where you’ll show your passport or national ID.
6. Select the bank account type you prefer (Standard, Smart, Go, or Metal) and complete the application.

Receiving your N26 Mastercard

After you’ve set up your N26 account, you’ll instantly get a virtual N26 Mastercard in your app. If you prefer a physical card or if it’s included in your account package, it will be sent to your postal address. Please expect to receive it in 5 to 7 business days.

Alternatives to N26 Cards

While N26 sets a high standard in mobile banking, there are other options to consider if you’re primarily looking for a free payment card and don’t require app-based banking. Debit cards from DKB, ING, and Comdirect are viable choices.

If you’re searching for a free traditional credit card that comes with comprehensive travel insurance, the TF Bank Mastercard Gold might be an ideal pick.

Our Experience With the N26 Mastercard

We tested the N26 Mastercard for this review — choosing the N26 Metal card as our primary test product. The card’s pricing and features fully convinced us.

Its travel benefits are particularly noteworthy, including free global ATM withdrawals, airport lounge access, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

In our test, a real insurance claim was processed quickly and without hassle.

We can confidently recommend the N26 Metal card, as well as the other N26 Mastercard options, to anyone seeking a secure, flexible, and globally accepted payment solution. N26 cards are ideal for expats due to their low barriers to entry, but applicants should still check whether they received a standard account or N26 Flex after the account-opening process.

When considering N26 cards, it’s essential to consider the fees, the features they offer, and how they align with your financial needs.

N26 Standard is a good choice if you want crucial banking services without incurring excessive costs. For those who often travel or want more advanced features, N26 Go and N26 Metal are better options. They offer additional benefits and cater to those seeking a premium banking experience.

Conclusion: N26 – the Best Mobile Bank

N26 cards stand out for their modernity and innovation, mainly through their seamless integration with the smartphone app.

This offers numerous features that many traditional banks don’t provide. However, it’s essential to note that these aren’t actual credit cards, but debit cards with a linked bank account that may include overdraft options.

Furthermore, using the N26 Mastercard isn’t always without fees. You may receive a free debit card, but please note that you will incur expenses for certain transactions and account maintenance fees with the paid N26 plans.

Standard and Smart users also pay a 1.7% fee for ATM withdrawals in foreign currencies. Applicants who do not qualify for a standard account may be offered N26 Flex instead, which has a monthly fee and fewer card features. Cash deposits through CASH26 also cost 1.5% of the deposited amount.

With a N26 premium account and the associated Mastercards N26 Go and Metal, you get access to a comprehensive travel insurance package and other benefits that are useful in everyday life and when traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions