Who is N26?
N26 was founded in Berlin in 2013 and has grown to become one of Europe’s most successful neobanks. The bank holds a full European banking licence from BaFin (Germany) and operates in over 25 countries, serving more than 8 million customers. In the Netherlands, N26 is a popular alternative to traditional banks, particularly among expats, digital nomads, students and frequent travellers.
Unlike many other fintechs, N26 is a fully licensed bank — not just a payment institution. This means your deposits are protected up to €100,000 under the German deposit guarantee scheme (EdB). N26 operates entirely via its app, with no physical branch network, which keeps costs low and the user experience fast and intuitive.
N26 issues Mastercard-branded cards across all its plans. The cards can be used worldwide at any Mastercard-accepting merchant, online or in person, and for contactless payments. Setting up an account takes approximately 10 minutes, with no BKR credit check required and no minimum income threshold.
N26 is particularly popular with three groups in the Netherlands: expats and international workers who value English-language banking, frequent travellers who benefit from zero FX surcharges, and younger users who want a modern, app-first banking experience without the complexity of traditional Dutch banks.
N26 Cards Available in the Netherlands
N26 Standard
- ✦No monthly fee — free forever
- ✦Mastercard accepted worldwide
- ✦3 free ATM withdrawals per month
- ✦Account open in 10 minutes
N26 Standard is the entry-level card — completely free with no annual fee. It is ideal for everyday use within the Netherlands and the eurozone. The 1.7% foreign exchange surcharge makes it less suitable for frequent international travel, but for domestic use and euro-zone payments it performs excellently. The Mastercard is accepted at virtually every online and physical retailer worldwide.
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N26 Smart
- ✦0% FX surcharge 7 days a week
- ✦Free ATM withdrawals worldwide
- ✦Sub-accounts for savings goals
- ✦Shared Spaces for couples/flatmates
N26 Smart is the sweet spot in the N26 range — offering 0% foreign exchange surcharge seven days a week (unlike Revolut which adds 1% at weekends), free ATM withdrawals worldwide, and useful budgeting tools. At €4.90 per month, frequent travellers will quickly recover the cost through FX savings alone. This is the most popular N26 plan among Netherlands residents who travel regularly.
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N26 You
- ✦Full travel insurance included
- ✦Unlimited free global ATM withdrawals
- ✦Car rental insurance
- ✦Winter sports & adventure activities cover
N26 You is designed for frequent travellers who want an all-in-one solution. The comprehensive travel insurance package — including medical cover, trip cancellation, luggage and car rental — can save significant money compared to purchasing separate travel insurance policies. For someone who travels 3+ times per year, N26 You often represents better value than separate insurance plus a basic card.
⚡ View N26 You on SmartCreditcardWho is N26 best for?
Digital nomads and remote workers
N26 was built for people who live and work digitally. The account can be opened online without visiting a branch, managed entirely via the app, and used across the EU without any administrative complications. For remote workers based in the Netherlands but travelling regularly, N26 Smart or You eliminates the hassle of foreign transaction fees and ATM charges.
Expats and international workers
N26 is one of the most popular banking solutions for expats in the Netherlands. The app and customer service are fully available in English, the onboarding process requires only a passport (no Dutch BSN required initially), and the card works seamlessly across all of Europe. Many expats use N26 as a practical card alongside their main Dutch bank account.
Students and young adults
N26 Standard is completely free with no income requirement, making it an excellent first card for students. There is no BKR check, the application process is straightforward, and the virtual card is available immediately for online purchases. Students who study or intern abroad will particularly benefit from the zero FX surcharges available on the Smart plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about N26 in the Netherlands
What is the difference between a gold and platinum credit card?+
How much does a platinum credit card cost per year?+
Who is a platinum credit card suitable for?+
What insurance is included with a platinum credit card?+
Do I need a high income for a platinum credit card?+
Can I apply for a platinum credit card online?+
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