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N26 Credit Cards in Germany
- Card Types: N26 Standard, Smart, Go, and Metal — all issued as Mastercard debit cards. Each card is linked to a N26 checking account, offering different benefits and pricing options.
- Cash Withdrawals: 2–5 free ATM withdrawals per month in the Eurozone, depending on the plan. Free worldwide withdrawals with a N26 premium account and the associated cards, N26 Go and Metal.
- Foreign currency fees:None. Card payments and cash withdrawals are free worldwide.
- Travel & Lifestyle Benefits: Go and Metal include comprehensive travel insurance packages and lounge access at selected airports. The Metal card also comes with a smartphone and shopping insurance.
- Customer Support: All paid plans (Smart, Go, and Metal) include priority phone support. Users of the free Standard card get support from a chatbot and live chat.
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. Currently, N26 operates across 24 European countries, serving over 4 million customers.
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 2% (Instant Savings)
- 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 an overdraft interest rate of 13.4% annually.
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. Within Germany, you can withdraw money 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 11,500 partner stores across Germany. 3 free cash withdrawals are allowed each month. 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. This N26 Mastercard Debit Card costs €16.90 per month.
The Premium N26 Mastercards (Go and Metal) offer a 1% travel cashback on all purchases made in foreign currency, helping you save when spending abroad. Additionally, all N26 cardholders have access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide via LoungeKey. Prices vary by card: Smart and Standard users pay €33 per visit, Go users pay €15 for the first visit and €30 thereafter, while Metal users enjoy their first visit for free, with subsequent access costing €30.
Insurance Benefits of the N26 Premium Cards
| Insurance Type | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Travel delay (over 2 hours) | €500 |
| Baggage delay (over 4 hours) | €500 |
| Theft, loss, or damage of luggage/valuables | Up to €2,000 |
| Travel health insurance (emergencies only) | Up to €1,000,000; dental treatment up to €250; emergency transport up to €2,300 |
| Trip cancellation and interruption | Up to €10,000 |
| Travel liability insurance | Up to €500,000 |
| Smartphone insurance (Metal only) | Up to €2,000 if the device is less than 2 years old |
| Purchase protection (Metal only) | Up to €10,000 annually for eligible purchases over €100 |
| Note: This table summarizes benefits for premium plans. Coverage is subject to specific terms and conditions. | |
Compare N26 Cards
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.
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N26 Standard Mastercard
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N26 Smart Mastercard
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N26 Go Mastercard
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N26 Metal Mastercard
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| Links | Apply now | Apply now | Apply now | Apply now | |
| Kartengesellschaft | |||||
| Partnerkarte | |||||
| eff. Jahreszins | 13.4% | 13.4% | 13.4% | 13.4% | |
| Guthabenszins | — | — | — | — | |
| Girokonto | |||||
| Contactless pay | |||||
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| Apple Pay | |||||
| Google Pay | |||||
| Garmin Pay | |||||
| Fitbit Pay | |||||
| Max. Haftung | €50 | €50 | €50 | €50 | |
| Kosten Ersatzkarte | €10 | €10 | €10 | €45 | |
| Schufaprüfung |
Advantages of N26 Credit Cards
N26 cards offer many benefits. They mix traditional payment methods with modern online banking. These are cost-effective and offer new features. Key benefits include:
- Pay and withdraw money all over the world.
- 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 payments worldwide.
- With a N26 premium account (Go and Metal), you can withdraw money worldwide for free (except for Euro withdrawals).
- 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 of N26 Cards
N26 debit cards have many good points, but there are also some downsides:
- 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 fees.
- Not everything is free. For example, you can only withdraw cash for free worldwide if you have a paid premium card.
- To obtain an N26 credit card, you must open a bank account with N26.
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.
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:
- Visit the bank’s website.
- In the top menu, click on “Open Free Bank Account”.
- Register using your email address and fill out the required personal information.
- Link your smartphone with your new N26 account.
- Confirm your identity. This is done through a video call where you’ll show your passport or national ID.
- 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.
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, 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.
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.
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
No, the N26 Mastercard is a debit card, not a credit card. However, it does come with an overdraft facility, allowing customers to spend more than the balance in their bank account up to a certain limit. The interest rate of the overdraft is determined by the current market interest rate.
Yes, N26 is a licensed bank headquartered in Germany. It operates with a full European banking license, ensuring that customer funds up to €100,000 are protected under the German Deposit Protection Scheme.
Yes, N26 is regulated by the German financial regulatory authority BaFin, making it as safe as traditional banks. It uses modern encryption methods to secure user data and transactions. You get push notifications to your smartphone about all card transactions.
No, while you need a German address to receive your N26 card, you don’t need an official registered address (Anmeldung) or a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung).
No, N26 does not require a residence permit. However, you do need valid identification documents, such as a passport or national ID card, to open an account.
Whether N26 Metal is worth it depends on individual needs and preferences. N26 Metal offers a range of premium benefits, including travel insurance, free ATM withdrawals in foreign currencies, dedicated customer support, and exclusive partner offers. If you frequently travel or make international transactions and would benefit from these enhanced features, then N26 Metal could be a good choice.
Yes. When you withdraw cash with your N26 card, the daily limit is €1,000 and the weekly limit is €2,500. You can configure these cash withdrawal limits individually in the N26 app.
Please note that banks also set cash withdrawal limits for their ATMs, typically ranging from €200 to €300 per day.
