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Comparison

Wise vs Revolut vs bunq vs N26

Four popular app accounts for young professionals and expats in Europe. What each one is, how safe your money is, what it costs, and who it suits. Checked on 27 October 2026.

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WiseRevolutbunqN26
What it isNot a bank (licensed money service)Licensed bank (Revolut Bank UAB)Licensed bankLicensed bank
Supervised byNational Bank of Belgium (Wise Europe SA)European Central Bank and Bank of LithuaniaDe Nederlandsche BankBaFin (Germany)
Deposit guaranteeNo. Money is safeguarded (kept separate from Wise's own money), not covered by a deposit guaranteeUp to €100,000 (Lithuanian scheme) for bank depositsUp to €100,000 (Dutch scheme)Up to €100,000 (German scheme)
Free planNo monthly fee; you pay per conversion and transferYes (Standard)Yes (Free, virtual card only)Yes (Standard)
Paid plansNoneSeveral, with more perks per tierFrom €3.99 a month (Core)From €4.90 a month (Smart)
Best forGetting paid or holding money in other currenciesTravel and spending abroadSplitting your salary into pots automaticallyA simple free everyday account

Prices and features differ per country and change often. Check the provider's own website before you sign up. Sources: the providers' plan and legal pages, De Nederlandsche Bank, BaFin, Bank of Lithuania and National Bank of Belgium.

Which one should you pick?

  • You want one simple everyday account: N26 or bunq, both full banks with the €100,000 deposit guarantee.
  • You want separate pots for bills, buffer and fun: bunq's sub-accounts make this easy (see the 1-hour money setup).
  • You travel a lot: Revolut, and keep large savings somewhere else.
  • You earn or send money in another currency: Wise. Don't use it as your only place for savings, because it isn't covered by a deposit guarantee.

Many people combine two: a full bank for salary and savings, plus Wise or Revolut for travel and currencies.

The four, one by one

Money abroad

Wise

What it is
A multi-currency account and cheap international transfers at the real exchange rate.
Good for
Moving abroad, getting paid in another currency, travelling.
Watch out
Wise is not a bank: your balance is safeguarded but not covered by a deposit guarantee.
Visit Wise ↗
QR code for WiseOn a computer? Scan with your phone to open Wise in the app.

Affiliate link: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Bank

Revolut

What it is
An app bank with low-cost currency exchange and budgeting tools.
Good for
Travel and spending abroad.
Watch out
The app also pushes trading and crypto. Use it for everyday money and keep investing separate.
Visit Revolut ↗
QR code for RevolutOn a computer? Scan with your phone to open Revolut in the app.

Affiliate link: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Bank

bunq

What it is
A Dutch app-only bank with sub-accounts you can split your salary into automatically.
Good for
The 1-hour money setup: separate pots for bills, buffer and fun.
Watch out
Most useful features sit in paid plans. Compare the monthly fee with what you would actually use.
Bank

N26

What it is
A German app-only bank with 'Spaces' for saving goals and instant spending notifications.
Good for
A simple free current account with good budgeting views.
Watch out
Features and interest differ per country and plan. Check what is offered where you live.

General information, not personal advice. Your situation and country matter.