Trying to figure out if N26 is right for you as an Au pair? Check out this post for everything you need to know about N26 from my N26 review.
When I first arrived in Germany as an Au Pair, I had no idea which bank account I was going to use. Like many prospective Au Pairs, I was focused on finding a host family, learning the language, and figuring out my visa, not banking. When I finally found a match, my host mom suggested I try Revolut or N26, and since N26 is based in Germany and popular among other Au Pairs, I decided to go with it. The setup was quick and digital, which made things much easier when I was still adjusting to life abroad.
In addition, having a reliable bank account as an Au Pair is essential since your host family will most likely pay you through direct deposit, and you’ll often need access to cash for things like the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) or Oktoberfest. A dependable bank also helps you avoid hidden fees, manage your money in euros, and withdraw cash easily when you need it. So, in this post, I’ll share my honest N26 review based on my experience living and working as an Au Pair in Germany by stating what I liked, what I didn’t, and whether I’d recommend it to others.
Au Pair in Germany Series
P.S. This is a post in my Au Pair in Germany series. Here is the complete series:
Au Pair Origin and History: What is an Au Pair: The Origin and History
Au Pair Tasks: What Does an Au Pair Do: Au Pair Tasks
Au Pair Agencies: The 7 Best Au Pair Agencies for Americans
German Language Learning Apps: The 10 Best Apps for German Learning as an Au Pair
Au Pair Guide: How to Become an Au Pair in Germany
Au Pair Visa: Au Pair Visa Germany: Requirements for Americans
Au Pair vs. Nanny: Au Pair vs. Nanny: What is the Difference?
Au Pair Salary: German Au Pair Salary: What to Expect
Au Pair Rematch: The Top 10 Reasons Why Au Pairs Rematch
Au Pair Driving: The Au Pair Guide to Driving in Germany
German A1 Exam: How To Pass Your German A1 Test To Become An Au Pair
Host Family Interview: Here Are 100 Host Family Interview Questions You Need To Ask
Host Family Red Flags: 10 Host Family Red Flags You Should Watch Out For
Packing List: Au Pair Packing List: Germany Edition
BFD: BFD in Germany: What Americans Need To Know
FSJ: How to Do an FSJ in Germany
Ausbildung: Ausbildung in Germany: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
What is N26?
N26 is a fully digital bank based in Germany that offers a modern, app-first banking experience. Unlike traditional banks, N26 operates entirely online, allowing users to open accounts, manage money, and make payments directly from their smartphones. It also provides features like instant notifications for transactions, fee-free card payments abroad, budgeting tools, and fast international transfers through partnerships like Wise. N26 is even regulated by German authorities, and deposits are protected up to €100,000, making it both convenient and secure for expats, travelers, and Au Pairs living in Germany.
Why I Chose N26 as an Au Pair in Germany
I chose N26 as an Au Pair in Germany mostly because of my host mother’s recommendation, and I noticed that many other Au Pairs I knew were already using it. Knowing that it’s based in Germany was also a big plus, since it felt more reliable and locally supported than other international digital banks. In addition, the ease of opening an account digitally, combined with the convenience of managing everything through the app, made it the perfect choice for someone like me, who needed a simple, secure, and efficient banking solution while living abroad.
N26 Account Options and Costs
N26 offers a range of account options tailored to different needs and lifestyles, each with its own set of features and costs. Here are the accounts they offer:
- N26 Standard: A free account with no monthly fee, providing a virtual Mastercard, two free ATM withdrawals per month in the Eurozone, 24/7 chat support, and 100% digital banking. (Most Au pairs choose this account since it’s free)
- N26 Smart: Priced at €4.90 per month, this account includes all the features of the Standard plan, plus the ability to create up to 10 Spaces (sub-accounts) for better budgeting and saving.
- N26 Go: At €9.90 per month, N26 Go offers all the benefits of the Smart plan, along with travel insurance and free ATM withdrawals abroad.
- N26 Metal: For €16.90 per month, this premium account provides a metal debit card, enhanced travel insurance, unlimited free ATM withdrawals worldwide, and 2% interest on savings.
Ultimately, as an Au pair in Germany, the N26 Standard account is a solid choice, offering essential banking services without monthly fees.
My Honest Experience Using N26 as an Au Pair in Germany
My experience with N26 came with its ups and its downs, but despite them all, I would highly recommend the digital bank to any Au pair! So, I will share what my pros were as an Au pair in Germany using N26, as well as my potential drawbacks!
Pros for Au Pairs in Germany
- Deposits from your host family come instantly if they have a German bank account. (In fact, the moment my host mother paid me, I would get the direct deposit in seconds.)
- No monthly maintenance fee. (This is perfect if you end up leaving Germany and want to keep your account open while abroad.)
- Easy to split costs with other Au pairs. (If your Au pair friends also have N26, sending and receiving money from them also comes instantly.)
- Customer support is in English. (If you’re not fluent in German, this is such a lifesaver if you have any additional questions.)
- Travel ESIMs are available at an affordable cost. (This will come in handy if you plan on traveling outside the EU frequently to countries like Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, etc.)
Potential Drawbacks for Au Pairs in Germany
- Free ATM withdrawals are limited on the N26 Standard account.
- There’s a 10 euro fee to obtain the debit card.
- If you need to withdraw cash at a Partner Store, you have to wait in line at the cashier like everyone else.
- While English support is available online, there’s no physical branch you can go to for in-person help.
Tips for Au Pairs Using N26 in Germany
Here are some tips I have for Au pairs in Germany who plan to use N26:
- Plan out your ATM withdrawals precisely. With the N26 Standard account, you only get two free ATM withdrawals a month, so it’s better to take out a large sum of money than a small one.
- Set up real-time notifications. This will come in handy as an Au pair since it’ll help you know when your pocket money reaches your account.
- Take advantage of the travel ESIMs they have available. This is a new feature that they just rolled out, and I wish I could’ve used it when I was an Au pair in Germany.
N26 vs Traditional German Banks for Au Pairs
If you’re unsure whether N26 is better than getting a traditional German bank, read this table to see how N26 measures up:
| Feature | N26 | Traditional German Banks (e.g., Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse) |
|---|---|---|
| Account Setup | Completely digital; open via the N26 app without visiting a branch. | Requires in-person appointment and paperwork, including proof of residence. |
| Language Support | English-speaking customer support and app interface. | Limited English support; primarily German-speaking services. |
| Monthly Fees | Free for the Standard account; premium plans available. | Typically €5–€10/month for basic accounts; additional fees for services. |
| ATM Access | Fee-free withdrawals at partner stores using Cash26; limited free ATM access. | Extensive ATM network; fee-free withdrawals within the bank’s network. |
| Customer Support | 24/7 chat support through the app; no physical branches. | Branch visits required for in-person assistance; limited online support. |
| Account Closure | Easy to close via the app; no need to visit a branch. | Requires in-person visit to close account; may involve paperwork. |
| International Transfers | Integrated with Wise for low-fee, fast international transfers. | May involve higher fees and longer processing times for international transfers. |
N26 Review Frequently Asked Questions
Ultimately, to end this N26 review, I thought I would finish it off with a beautiful GIF and some frequently asked questions about N26!
What is needed to open an N26 account?
Here is what you’ll need to open an N26 account in Germany:
- Valid Proof of Identity
- This could be a passport, or a national ID card if you’re from an EU country.
- An Address in Germany
- Use your host family’s address if you’re an Au pair. Anmeldung isn’t strictly required, but it can make things easier.
- Be of Legal Age
- You need to be at least 18 years old.
Can Au pairs open an N26 account without a German residence permit?
Yes, sometimes Au pairs can open an N26 account without a German residence permit. However, this depends on the Au pair’s nationality and ID type.
- EU/EEA citizens can open an account with just their passport or national ID and a German address, so a residence permit is not required.
- Non-EU citizens (like those on Au Pair visas) often need a biometric residence permit to pass identity verification. Some have been able to open accounts using just their passport and visa, but others have been asked for the residence permit later.
- Since I’m American, I was able to open my N26 account with my passport and my visa!
Is N26 a trustworthy bank?
Yes, N26 is a trustworthy bank! As a fully licensed German bank, N26 is regulated by BaFin, and deposits are protected up to €100,000 under the EU deposit guarantee scheme. The N26 app also uses strong security features like two-factor authentication, biometric login, and instant card freezing.
What bank owns N26?
N26 is an independent bank, so it isn’t owned by any other bank.
Can I deposit cash into N26?
Yes, you can deposit cash into your N26 account using the Cash26 feature. Here’s how it works:
- Open the N26 app: Navigate to the Cards tab.
- Select Cash26: Tap on Cash26 and choose the Deposit option.
- Enter Deposit Amount: Specify the amount you wish to deposit (minimum €50).
- Generate Barcode: A unique barcode will be created.
- Visit a Partner Store: Go to any participating partner store (e.g., REWE, Penny, dm, Rossmann).
- Show Barcode: Present the barcode to the cashier for scanning.
- Complete Transaction: Hand over the cash; the deposit will be processed.
Why is it called N26?
N26 is called “N26” because the founders wanted a simple, modern, and memorable name. The “N” stands for “Number”, and “26” represents the 26 letters of the alphabet, symbolizing a bank for everyone and a new, digital approach to banking.
Can I cash a check with N26?
No, you cannot cash or deposit a check with N26.
Does N26 charge fees for international transfers?
Yes, N26 does charge fees for some international transfers, but it depends on the type:
- International transfers via the N26 app (powered by Wise): Usually no additional N26 fees, and the transfer uses the mid-market exchange rate.
- Card payments abroad: No foreign transaction fees, but free account plans charge 1.7% for ATM withdrawals outside the Eurozone. Premium plans waive this fee.
- SEPA transfers within the Eurozone: Generally free.
So for most online transfers, N26 is low-cost and transparent.
Can I easily close my N26 account when I finish my Au Pair year?
Yes, you can easily close your N26 account when you finish your Au Pair year. You just need to:
- Transfer any remaining balance to another account.
- Close or empty any secondary accounts (e.g., savings, business).
- Close your main account via the N26 app or website via Settings.
- Destroy your N26 card.
The process is straightforward, and N26 will send a confirmation once your account is closed.
(FYI, once I left Germany, I didn’t close my N26 account at all. I knew deep down I would probably be back in Europe someday, so I left it open with some euros in it, which ended up working out since I’m teaching English in Spain. <3)
Overall, I hope you enjoyed my honest N26 review! Please let me know in the comments below if you ended up opening an account using my link. I would love to hear from you! 🙂
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