Bunq vs N26: Travel-Focused Banking Options Compared

N26 and Bunq are two of the most popular app-based banks in Europe, both offering low-cost spending abroad and modern features. However, their pricing, strengths, and ideal users differ significantly.

Bunq's tiered system is built around the 'Easy Bank,' 'Easy Money,' and 'Easy Green' models, with monthly fees ranging from 9 euros to over 17 euros. In contrast, N26 has four main tiers: Standard (free), Smart, Go, and Metal, with monthly fees starting at under 5 euros.

Both banks handle day-to-day travel spending better than traditional banks, but the real question for travelers is how they compare on details that matter in airports, restaurants, hotels, and ATMs around the world. N26's travel-oriented tiers remove foreign currency ATM fees entirely in many markets and increase the number of free withdrawals each month.

For example, a traveler visiting Thailand for four weeks could save 34 euros in extra fees with N26 Go or Metal by avoiding the 1.7 percent withdrawal surcharge on lower-tier plans. However, Bunq's structure is less generous on ATM cash, especially on lower tiers, charging fixed fees per withdrawal.

Both banks shine in avoiding 'dynamic currency conversion' traps at payment terminals and ATMs. If a restaurant offers to charge your card in euros instead of the local currency, both N26 and Bunq will perform best if you decline that option and insist on being charged in the local currency.