N26 Credit Card
N26 Mastercard
- German IBAN and full mobile banking
- No SCHUFA check on Standard plan
- 3 free ATM withdrawals in EUR zone
- Virtual card issued instantly
| Monthly Fee: | €0 (Standard Plan) |
| Spending Limit: | Up to balance only |
| Insurance: | Available on You & Metal |
| Delivery Time: | Virtual: Instant / Physical: 3–7 days |
The N26 Mastercard is one of the most popular digital banking cards in Germany — and for good reason. With real-time notifications, a sleek mobile app, and full integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay, it appeals to users who want control and simplicity.
But how does it compare on fees, features, and credit limits? This review breaks down what N26 offers and whether it’s the right fit for your needs.
N26 Mastercard Overview
The N26 Mastercard is a debit card connected to a fully licensed German bank account. It functions like a credit card in usage — accepted worldwide wherever Mastercard is supported — but transactions are deducted directly from your balance. It’s ideal for digital users, expats, and travelers who value low fees and mobile-first banking.
Key Features of the N26 Mastercard
- Card Type: Debit (prepaid-style, no overdraft)
- Bank Account Included: Full German IBAN
- Accepted Worldwide: Works like a credit card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees (Premium plans)
- Real-Time Notifications for every purchase
- Apple Pay & Google Pay supported
- Mobile App with full control and spending insights
- No SCHUFA check for standard accounts
- Basic Plan Free – optional upgrades available
- Travel Insurance & Perks (Premium only)
- Instant Card Issuance for virtual card
How to Apply for the N26 Mastercard
Signing up for the N26 Mastercard is fully digital and takes just a few minutes. You don’t need to visit a branch or send physical documents — everything is handled in the app or on the website. Most users receive their virtual card instantly.
Step-by-step: How to apply for N26 Mastercard
- Visit n26.com or download the N26 app
- Choose a plan (Standard, Smart, You, or Metal)
- Register with your email and personal details
- Verify your identity with a video call and valid ID
- Get your IBAN and activate your account
- Receive your card (virtual instantly, physical in 3–7 days)
N26 typically does not run a SCHUFA check for the Standard (free) plan, making it suitable for students, expats, or anyone new to the German credit system. Higher-tier plans may require stronger identity verification but still avoid traditional credit scoring in most cases.
N26 Card Benefits
The N26 Mastercard offers a range of benefits tailored to users who prefer mobile banking, travel frequently, or want a low-hassle banking experience. While the free plan covers the basics, the premium tiers unlock more features — especially for international use and lifestyle perks.
Key Benefits
- No monthly fees on the Standard plan
- No foreign transaction fees on premium plans
- Free ATM withdrawals in the Eurozone (up to a limit)
- Instant spending notifications and card control via app
- Support for Apple Pay and Google Pay
- German IBAN — suitable for salary payments and bills
- No SCHUFA required for basic plans
- Travel insurance and flight delay coverage (You/Metal)
- LoungeKey airport access with Metal plan
- Purchase protection and extended warranties (select plans)
Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or frequent traveler, the N26 card provides flexibility and transparency — all managed through a top-rated mobile interface.
N26 Plans Compared
N26 offers four different account tiers — from the free Standard plan to the feature-rich Metal plan. Each includes the N26 Mastercard, but features like insurance, ATM withdrawals, and foreign transaction perks vary widely. The choice depends on your travel habits, spending volume, and need for extras.
N26 Plan Comparison Table
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Card Type | Free ATM Withdrawals (EUR) | Foreign Transaction Fees | Insurance Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | €0 | Virtual (physical optional for €10) | 3/month | ~1.7% | None | Basic users, students |
| Smart | €4.90 | Physical Mastercard | 5/month | ~1.7% | None | Everyday users in Germany |
| You | €9.90 | Physical Mastercard | Unlimited in EUR zone | 0% | Travel insurance | Travelers, freelancers |
| Metal | €16.90 | Premium metal card | Unlimited in EUR zone | 0% | Travel, lifestyle & phone insurance | Frequent travelers, premium users |
- All plans come with a German IBAN and full mobile banking features.
- Metal includes exclusive benefits like LoungeKey airport access and dedicated support.
- Only Standard has no monthly fee, but lacks physical card and travel perks unless added manually.
N26 Fees and ATM Withdrawals
N26’s fee structure is transparent, but it’s important to understand where charges apply — especially regarding ATM use, foreign transactions, and card replacement. While the Standard plan is free, some services require upgrades or come with usage limits.
| Feature | Standard | Smart | You | Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | €0 | €4.90 | €9.90 | €16.90 |
| Physical Card | €10 (optional) | Included | Included | Included |
| Virtual Card | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| ATM Withdrawals in EUR | 3/month free | 5/month | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Beyond Free Limit | €2 per withdrawal | €2 | €2 | €2 |
| ATM Withdrawals (non-EUR) | €1.70% fee | €1.70% | Free | Free |
| Foreign Exchange Rate | Mastercard rate + 1.7% | Same | Interbank rate | Interbank rate |
| Card Replacement | €10 | Free | Free | Free |
| Lounge Access | – | – | – | Yes (LoungeKey) |
Key Notes
- Standard users pay for the physical card and all non-EUR currency withdrawals.
- You and Metal plans are designed for frequent international use — no foreign ATM fees and full insurance coverage.
- Metal adds luxury features like airport lounge access and priority customer support.
Pros and Cons of the N26 Mastercard
The N26 Mastercard is praised for its digital-first experience and ease of use, especially for users who don’t need a traditional credit line. Still, it may not suit everyone — particularly those needing credit-building or in-person banking.
Pros
- Fully digital signup — no paperwork
- No SCHUFA check for Standard plan
- German IBAN with SEPA support
- Real-time spending notifications
- Supports Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Free ATM withdrawals in Eurozone (varies by plan)
- No FX fees on You/Metal plans
- International travel insurance (You/Metal)
- Lounge access and perks with Metal
- Instant virtual card issuance
Cons
- No credit line — prepaid/debit only
- Standard plan lacks physical card by default
- Premium plans are subscription-based
- ATM withdrawal limits on lower plans
- Not ideal for users needing overdraft or installment payments
- Customer support primarily via chat
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It’s a debit Mastercard, meaning purchases are deducted directly from your account balance. It works like a credit card but has no credit line.
Only for higher-tier plans with extended features. The Standard plan requires no SCHUFA, making it accessible for students, freelancers, and expats.
Yes. N26 cards are accepted worldwide. You and Metal plans include no FX fees and travel insurance, making them ideal for international use.
The virtual card is available immediately. The physical card typically arrives in 3–7 business days within Germany.
No traditional cashback program exists. The focus is on low fees, budgeting tools, and insurance benefits, not rewards.