The N26 Mastercard Debit Card offers a choice of colors. Sign-up takes minutes, enabling mobile payments immediately, even before the physical card arrives.
To learn how to apply online, read the complete guide for a successful application in Germany.
Our Key Takeaways
N26 offers a stress-free, 100% online banking experience, allowing you to manage your money seamlessly from anywhere, including within Germany.
- Customer Service: Available even on weekends, with support in English.
- Plans:
- N26 Standard (free)
- N26 Smart (€4.90/month)
- N26 You (€9.90/month)
- N26 Metal (€16.90/month)
- Debit Card: All premium plans include a free Mastercard debit card, while the Standard plan includes a virtual Mastercard.
- ATM Withdrawals: Limited free withdrawals each month.
- Sub-Accounts: Available to help you save for specific projects.
- Account Types: Only one account type per customer; no shared accounts or credit cards.
- Popularity: Highly rated among expats in Germany, often used as a secondary account alongside traditional banks for more comprehensive services.
N26 provides a convenient and flexible banking solution tailored for those in Germany, making it a popular choice despite some limitations.
What Is N26?
N26 is a modern mobile bank in Germany offering services in multiple languages, including German, with a straightforward signup process and user-friendly mobile and web applications. They provide personal and business accounts.
Launched in 2015 and headquartered in Berlin, N26 was initially named Number 26 Bank and rebranded to N26 in 2016. Unlike many fintech companies, N26 holds a banking license approved by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority.
Mastercard vs Visa
Mastercard and Visa are payment networks, not card issuers. Banks issue these cards.
Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted by most merchants, but the features like APR, perks, and benefits depend on the bank account.
Top 12 Features of N26 in Germany
N26 offers a range of features designed to simplify banking for users in Germany. Here’s a quick look at the top benefits you can enjoy with an N26 account.
- Customer Service: N26 offers quick, friendly customer support through live chat available daily from 7 am to 11 pm. Premium account holders get phone support.
- 100% Online: The entire process, from signup to transactions, is online. No paperwork required.
- Quick Signup: Open a bank account in about 10 minutes from home. Identification through IDNow completes the process.
- Money Saving: Sub-accounts help you save money for specific purposes, with options to create up to ten sub-accounts depending on the plan.
- Transaction Control: Instant push notifications on your mobile phone keep you updated on your transactions, helping to spot errors or misuse immediately.
- Expense Overview: The N26 app provides an easy way to track expenses, allowing custom tags for better categorization.
- No Bureaucracy: Adjust limits, activate payments, lock/unlock your card, and reset your PIN through the app without contacting customer support.
- Send Money Abroad: Integrated Wise (formerly Transferwise) allows sending money in 19 currencies abroad at lower fees than traditional banks.
- No Currency Conversion Fees: N26 charges no extra fees for payments in different currencies abroad, using the real Mastercard exchange rate.
- Card Control: N26 offers a virtual debit card, with an option to order a physical card for a one-time 10 euros fee. Card details can be added to Apple and Google Pay before the physical card arrives.
- App Features: The N26 app has high ratings and offers features like balance hiding, easy IBAN/BIC access, ATM locator, and scheduled payments management.
- Advanced Features: N26 provides advanced banking features like overdraft up to 10,000 euros, consumer credit up to 25,000 euros, installment loans for purchases between 50 and 500 euros, and saving options starting from 500 euros with EasyFlex Savings.
N26 Mastercard Debit Card Options and Benefits
N26 offers a range of Mastercard debit cards tailored to different customer needs.
N26 Smart customers have the option to select from five attractive card colors:
- Ocean,
- Sand,
- Rhubarb,
- Aqua, or
- Slate.
For those holding an N26 Metal account, there is a choice among three premium stainless steel card shades:
- Charcoal Black,
- Slate Gray, or
- Quartz Rose.
Additionally, N26 Standard account holders can acquire a distinctive transparent debit Mastercard for a one-time delivery fee of €10.
Using Your N26 Mastercard Globally
The N26 Mastercard debit card serves as an ideal travel partner. Accepted globally, this card eliminates foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad, ensuring no additional costs or markups.
Cardholders, especially those with N26 You or Metal accounts, benefit from fee-free ATM withdrawals in any currency.
The Mastercard ATM locator integrated within the N26 app allows users in Germany and elsewhere to find nearby ATMs easily. This feature supports hassle-free access to cash, regardless of your location.
How to Sign Up for an N26 Bank Account
To apply for the N26 Mastercard Debit Card in Germany, follow these steps:
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid ID as per German requirements. Details on acceptable IDs are available on the N26 website.
- You must not have an existing N26 bank account.
- Be proficient in German, English, French, Spanish, or Italian for verification purposes.
Step 1: Online Registration:
- Initiate the registration on the N26 website by clicking ‘Open Bank Account’.
- Fill out the form with your personal details including country of residence, full name, email, date of birth, and home address. Ensure your name appears on your mailbox or use ‘c/o’ with a valid name to ensure delivery of your card.
Step 2: Connect Your Smartphone:
- Ensure your smartphone meets the system requirements (iOS 11 or newer for iPhones, Android 6.0 or newer for Android devices).
- Install the N26 app and link your smartphone by verifying your phone number through a 4-digit code sent by N26.
Step 3: ID Verification:
- For residents in Germany, verify your identity through a video call in the N26 app. Have your ID and smartphone ready in a quiet, well-lit room. An N26 representative will guide you through the process, checking your ID’s security features.
Step 4: Receive Your N26 Debit Mastercard:
- After verifying your ID, expect your N26 Debit Mastercard to arrive via post within approximately one week.
Once you complete these steps, your N26 account will be active, and you can start using your new N26 Mastercard Debit Card in Germany.
Interest Rates
N26 offers various accounts, each with its unique benefits concerning interest on deposits and fees:
- N26 Standard: No monthly fees, suitable for basic banking needs without physical card unless requested for a fee.
- N26 Smart: €4.90 per month, offering more free ATM withdrawals and sub-accounts for organizing finances.
- N26 You: €9.90 per month, tailored for frequent travelers with no fees on foreign transactions and free withdrawals worldwide.
- N26 Metal: €16.90 per month, premium benefits including insurance coverage, and higher withdrawal limits.
For specific rates, N26’s terms and conditions provide detailed information on interest accrual and fees for overdrafts or loan services available to customers in Germany.
Contact Information
To manage inquiries or issues with your N26 account, several contact options are available:
- Customer Service Number: +49 303 6428 6881 (Available in English, support for all account types)
- Alternative Number for Urgent Requests: +44 2035 107126 (English support)
- Email Support: Not explicitly mentioned, but N26 typically offers email contact through their app or website for security reasons.
- Postal Address: For secure document submission or formal inquiries:
- N26 Bank AG
- Sign-up Document
- Voltairestraße 8
- 10179 Berlin, Germany
Conclusion
In conclusion, the N26 Mastercard Debit Card provides a comprehensive banking solution tailored for ease and convenience, particularly in Germany.
With competitive interest rates across various account types and accessible customer support through multiple channels, N26 ensures a seamless banking experience for managing personal finances or traveling abroad.
Whether you’re in Germany or elsewhere, N26 supports your financial needs with efficiency and security.