Bunq Credit Card
bunq Mastercard
- No SCHUFA check required
- Virtual card issued instantly
- Real exchange rates (Easy Money/Green)
- Buy crypto directly in app
| Monthly Fee: | From €0 |
| Spending Limit: | Up to balance only |
| Insurance: | Included with Easy Green |
| Delivery Time: | Virtual: Instant / Physical: 3–5 days |
Looking for a flexible and modern credit card solution in Germany? The bunq credit card stands out with its app-first banking approach, eco-conscious features, and built-in crypto support. But is it the right choice for daily spending, travel, or business use — or does its fee structure outweigh the perks? This review breaks down everything you need to know before signing up.
Bunq Mastercard Overview
The bunq Mastercard isn’t your typical credit card. Issued by a fully licensed Dutch bank, it functions more like a debit or charge card — but with premium features and full Mastercard acceptance. It’s designed for digital users who value transparency, sustainability, and travel-friendly benefits.
Key Features of the bunq Mastercard:
- Card Type: Debit/charge card with prepaid-like control
- Accepted Globally: Mastercard network
- Crypto Access: Buy/sell crypto directly in the bunq app
- No Credit Check: No SCHUFA entry required for most accounts
- Subscription-Based Plans: From €0 to €18.99/month
- Multiple IBANs: Create and manage sub-accounts easily
- Real-Time Spending Control: Freeze/unfreeze, limits, and alerts
- Apple Pay & Google Pay: Fully supported
- Travel Benefits: Currency exchange without hidden fees (on premium plans)
- Eco Features: Plant a tree for every €100 spent (optional)
How to Apply for the Bunq Credit Card
Applying for a bunq credit card is entirely digital and takes just a few minutes. Since bunq is an app-based bank, there’s no paperwork, no branch visits, and — importantly — no SCHUFA credit check for most plans.
Step-by-step: How to apply for a bunq credit card
- Download the bunq app from the App Store or Google Play
- Choose your plan (Free, Easy Bank, Easy Money, or Easy Green)
- Verify your identity with a passport or national ID
- Add funds to your account using bank transfer or debit/credit card
- Order your virtual or physical Mastercard
- Start using it immediately (virtual card is issued instantly)
Once your identity is confirmed, you can access all features in the app — including setting spending limits, managing sub-accounts, and enabling crypto purchases. The virtual card is ready to use instantly, and physical cards typically arrive within a few days.
Bunq Subscriptions Compared
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Card Included | FX Fees | Crypto Access | Sub-Accounts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | €0 | Virtual only | Yes (0.5–1%) | No | 1 | Budget users, testing bunq |
| Easy Bank | €3.99 | Virtual + Physical | Yes | No | 1–3 | Basic banking |
| Easy Money | €9.99 | All cards | No (real FX rate) | Yes | 25 | Frequent spenders, crypto users |
| Easy Green | €18.99 | All cards | No (real FX rate) | Yes | 25 | Eco-conscious, travel heavy |
- Easy Money and Easy Green give you access to real-time FX rates and allow you to buy and sell crypto directly in the app.
- All plans support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and advanced card controls.
- Easy Green adds eco features like tree planting for every €100 spent, and travel extras.
Pros and Cons of the Bunq Credit Card
The bunq credit card appeals to modern users with its sleek app experience, subscription flexibility, and travel-friendly features. But its value depends on how you use it — and whether the monthly fees justify the perks.
Pros
- No SCHUFA check for most plans
- Instant virtual card issuance
- Real-time control over spending and security
- No FX fees on premium plans
- Built-in crypto trading via Kraken
- Supports multiple IBANs and sub-accounts
- Eco features (tree planting, CO₂ tracking)
- Transparent, modern user interface
- Great for digital nomads and travelers
Cons
- Monthly subscription fees (up to €18.99)
- No traditional credit line (acts like a charge card)
- Some features locked behind higher tiers
- Limited cashback or loyalty rewards
- Physical card not included in Free plan
- No overdraft or installment options
- Not ideal for users needing traditional credit building
Fees and ATM Withdrawals
While bunq offers transparent pricing through its subscription model, users should still pay attention to ATM withdrawal limits, foreign transaction fees, and card replacement costs. These fees vary depending on the selected plan.
bunq Credit Card Fees Overview
| Fee Type | Free | Easy Bank (€3.99) | Easy Money (€9.99) | Easy Green (€18.99) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | €0 | €3.99 | €9.99 | €18.99 |
| Physical card | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| Virtual card | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| ATM withdrawals (free/month) | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| ATM fee beyond limit | €0.99 | €0.99 | €0.99 | €0.99 |
| Foreign exchange (FX) fee | ~0.5–1.5% | ~0.5–1.5% | 0% (real exchange) | 0% (real exchange) |
| Card replacement | €9.00 | €9.00 | Free (1/year) | Free (2/year) |
| Crypto trading fee | N/A | N/A | From 0.25% | From 0.25% |
| Apple/Google Pay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Notes on ATM Withdrawals and FX
- Withdrawals beyond the monthly limit are charged per use.
- Only Easy Money and Easy Green offer interbank FX rates, making them ideal for travel.
- Free and Easy Bank users incur hidden FX markups, even if no “fee” is explicitly shown.
This setup makes Easy Money and Easy Green far more cost-effective if you plan to travel, withdraw cash regularly, or make non-EUR purchases. For light users, Easy Bank might strike a better balance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in the traditional sense. It’s a debit/charge card linked to your bunq balance. There’s no revolving credit or overdraft — you can only spend what you have.
No. bunq does not perform or report to SCHUFA, making it ideal for users who want to avoid credit checks or protect their score.
Yes. All bunq Mastercards work worldwide wherever Mastercard is accepted. Easy Money and Easy Green offer real FX rates with no added fees, making them excellent for travel.
The virtual card is available instantly after signup. The physical card usually arrives in 3–5 business days in Germany.
Yes. bunq is a fully licensed EU bank, offers IBAN accounts, supports biometric login, and partners with Kraken for crypto. Your funds are protected under the Dutch deposit guarantee scheme up to €100,000.