Why This Banking App Changed the Way I Manage My Money Abroad

Get Started

Welcome

Why This Banking App Changed the Way I Manage My Money Abroad

med.ghuidaoui

04:05:26 May 8, 2025

Blog

Why N26 Is the Best Banking App I’ve Ever Used — And How You Can Start With €140

In the world of digital banking, I’ve tested several apps—from traditional institutions trying to go mobile, to flashy fintech startups offering flashy features but little depth. But one app consistently stands above the rest: N26.

As someone who lives internationally and runs multiple projects, including Nomadic Group Inc., I need a bank that works seamlessly, globally, and intelligently. That’s exactly what N26 delivers—and it’s the reason I’ve made it my primary banking app.

And the best part? You can get started with up to €140 using my referral link below:

Open your N26 account and claim your €140 bonus
(T&Cs apply. Offer valid for a limited time.)

What Makes N26 Stand Out ?

1. Simple, Fast Onboarding

Forget long queues and paper forms. I opened my N26 account in less than 10 minutes—completely from my phone. All I needed was my ID and a stable internet connection. That’s it. No branch visits, no bureaucracy.

2. Beautiful, Intuitive App Design

The app is clean, fast, and incredibly well-organized. The user interface is built with modern life in mind—clear visuals, color-coded categories, real-time updates, and full control at your fingertips.

You can:

Instantly freeze/unfreeze your card
Change your PIN from the app
Set daily spending/withdrawal limits
Enable/disable online and international payments
Tag and organize transactions
Get push notifications for every movement

It’s banking without the headache.

3. No Hidden Fees, Transparent Pricing

Here’s what I personally love about N26: they don’t play games with fees. Here’s a breakdown:

Plan	Monthly Fee	ATM Withdrawals in EUR	Foreign Withdrawals	Card	Extra Features
Standard	€0	3 free / month	1.7% fee	Free virtual card	Budget tools, real-time alerts
Smart	€4.90	5 free / month	1.7% fee	Physical card	Premium support, more Spaces
You	€9.90	Unlimited free in EUR	Free	Free card	Travel insurance, lounge access
Metal	€16.90	Unlimited free in EUR	Free	Metal card	Extended insurance, phone protection, exclusive offers

Even the free plan is more than enough for everyday use. I personally use N26 You, since it fits perfectly with my frequent travel and cross-border payments.

4. Smart Money Management with ‘Spaces’

N26 offers “Spaces”, sub-accounts that you can use to organize your money, automate savings, or plan goals.

I use Spaces to:

Set aside savings for trips
Budget my monthly expenses
Keep business funds separate from personal ones
Create shared Spaces with collaborators

You can even round up purchases to the nearest euro and automatically send the difference to a Space—perfect for saving without thinking about it.

5. Investing in Stocks and Crypto

One of the most exciting features N26 has recently introduced is the ability to invest directly in cryptocurrencies and (soon) in stocks—all from within the app.

With just a few taps, I can buy and sell top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. The interface is clean, with real-time charts and performance tracking built in. Fees are transparent, typically ranging from 1.5% to 2.5%, and the process is beginner-friendly.

Even better, N26 has announced plans to expand into commission-free stock and ETF trading, including fractional shares and long-term investment plans. This positions N26 not just as a bank, but as a full financial hub where I can manage my day-to-day spending and build wealth for the future—all in one place.

6. Multi-Currency Support & Travel-Ready

As a global citizen with three nationalities and frequent travels, I can say confidently: N26 is built for people like me.

Global ATM withdrawals (free with premium plans)
Foreign currency payments with real exchange rates
Instant currency conversion
Travel & lifestyle insurance (delays, cancellations, emergencies)

You can also pair it with Wise (formerly TransferWise) via the N26 app for affordable global transfers.

7. Bank-Level Security You Can Trust

Security is a top priority for any bank, and N26 takes it seriously.

The app includes biometric login, two-factor authentication, and real-time notifications for every transaction. I can instantly freeze or unfreeze my card from the app, control payment settings, and review any suspicious activity within seconds.

All funds are protected by the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS), which insures deposits up to €100,000. Knowing that my money is both accessible and protected gives me complete peace of mind—whether I’m making a payment in Berlin, booking a trip in Dubai, or managing bills from anywhere in the world.

Start your N26 journey with a €140 bonus!

I’ve been using N26 as my main bank for everyday spending, travel, and investing—and I genuinely love it. If you’re thinking of joining, use my referral link below to get up to €140 for free after signing up and using your account. It’s quick, secure, and 100% mobile.

Get Started

Welcome