N26 is a bank account with a Mastercard debit card. It works well for everyday card spending abroad, although a hotel or car rental company may require a credit card for a deposit. Standard includes a virtual card; a physical card costs extra, while paid plans include one.
The plans at a glance
Standard has no monthly fee and suits travellers who mostly pay by card. Smart adds a physical card and budgeting features, but keeps the N26 fee on cash withdrawals outside the eurozone. Go removes that fee and includes travel insurance for events such as medical emergencies, delays and baggage problems. Metal adds purchase and phone protection, a metal card and one airport lounge visit per calendar year. N26’s plan comparison lists current prices and all included features.
Paid plans begin with a twelve-month contract. Paying monthly does not make Go a one-month holiday add-on. Insurance has limits, eligibility rules and exclusions. Existing cover may make an upgrade less valuable.
Spending and withdrawing abroad
Card purchases in other currencies use the Mastercard exchange rate without an additional N26 foreign transaction fee. Cash withdrawals are different: outside the eurozone, Standard and Smart incur an N26 charge of 1.7% of the amount. Go and Metal avoid that charge, although an ATM operator may still charge its own fee. Select the local currency at a terminal or ATM instead of accepting its conversion into euros.
For an ordinary holiday, upgrading to Go solely to save withdrawal fees is rarely economical. Frequent cash users outside the eurozone who also use the insurance may reach a different conclusion. Metal makes sense if its extra protection and included lounge visit have real value to you; one visit alone seldom covers the higher plan fee. N26 also offers a travel eSIM, with data packages priced separately.
Our advice
Standard is a good starting point for occasional trips, particularly within the eurozone. Go suits people who regularly withdraw cash outside it and use the insurance. Choose Metal when you will also use its protections and lounge access. Carry a second card accepted by your hotel or rental supplier. Product details checked on 28 September 2026.
The application link below goes directly to N26. We do not publish personal invite codes.
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Sources: N26 plans, travel benefits and lounges.