Berlin has long been at the forefront of fintech innovation in Europe, and N26 Bank stands out as a shining star. Founded in the heart of the German capital, N26 was among the first banks in Europe to truly embrace digital-first banking. Fast forward to 2025, and the question remains: Is N26 still the best digital bank in Germany, especially for Berliners?
Let’s dive into our hands-on review of N26 in 2025, with insights tailored for both locals and internationals living in Berlin.
1. Account Options & Plans in 2025
N26 continues to offer a range of flexible account types:
- N26 Standard (Free): A no-fee basic account with a virtual Mastercard.
- N26 Smart (€4.90/month): Adds perks like Spaces sub-accounts and better customer support.
- N26 You (€9.90/month): Ideal for travelers with free ATM withdrawals abroad and insurance.
- N26 Metal (€16.90/month): Premium lifestyle banking with metal card, concierge service, and exclusive partner deals.
New in 2025: N26 has rolled out Family Spaces for couples or roommates to manage shared expenses—a game changer for co-living in Berlin.
2. Mobile App & User Experience
N26’s app remains one of the most intuitive banking apps in the market:
- Real-time push notifications for all transactions
- Instant money transfers via SEPA and N26-to-N26
- Budgeting and insights tools
- Google Pay & Apple Pay support
The 2025 app update introduced:
- Multi-language support for English, German, Spanish, and French
- Fingerprint login with advanced biometric security
- Integration with Deutsche Rentenversicherung for easier pension management
3. Customer Service & Support
This has long been a weak spot for N26. In 2025, they’ve made strides:
- 24/7 Live Chat Support for premium customers
- Dedicated email support for free accounts
- AI-based support for faster issue resolution
Still, phone support remains unavailable, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
4. Fees & Costs
One of N26’s main attractions is its transparent fee structure. Here’s what you get:
- No monthly fee for Standard account
- Free SEPA transfers
- Free ATM withdrawals in EUR zone (limits apply)
- Competitive currency exchange rates (via Wise integration)
Watch out for:
- Fees after exceeding monthly ATM limits
- Charges for cash deposits via CASH26 partners
5. International Friendliness: Perfect for Expats in Berlin
N26 remains one of the best banks for expats in Berlin:
- Fully online account opening with video ID verification
- English-speaking support and app
- No need for SCHUFA to open the Standard account
- Easy integration with tax reporting apps
6. Safety & Security in 2025
N26 is a fully licensed German bank (BaFin regulated), offering up to €100,000 deposit protection under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
They now offer:
- Dynamic CVV codes
- Temporary card freezing via the app
- 2FA for every critical action
7. Downsides: What You Should Know Before Joining
- No physical branches (100% digital)
- No phone support
- Still not ideal for people who frequently deposit cash
Top Reasons to Choose N26 in Berlin (2025)
- Free, fast account setup for locals and foreigners
- Innovative features like Spaces, Shared Accounts, and Budgeting Tools
- Transparent pricing and strong digital UX
- Bilingual support and expat-friendly
- Berlin-based support teams
Conclusion: Still the Champion of Digital Banking in Germany?
In 2025, N26 continues to set the standard for mobile banking in Berlin and beyond. While some limitations remain (like cash handling and lack of phone support), its sleek interface, powerful features, and international friendliness make it the top choice for tech-savvy Berliners and expats alike. N26 is also considered a direct competitor to other modern banks such as Revolut.
If you want a digital-first, stress-free banking experience in Berlin, N26 is still hard to beat.
Final Rating: 4.7/5
- User Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Fees & Transparency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Support: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Expat-Friendliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Want more Berlin banking guides and life hacks? Stay tuned on thegermanylife.com!