When travelling, you naturally want as little hassle with money matters as possible. You want to be able to pay safely, avoid unnecessary costs and be flexible in different countries and currencies. Fortunately, there are several banks and apps nowadays that make this possible, such as N26, Wise and Revolut. But which one is really the best for travelling and paying abroad? In this blog, we explain the differences between these debit cards, the costs involved and which option is the most advantageous for your trip. With the right choice, you can save tens of euros just like that! In short: N26 vs Wise vs Revolut, which one suits your next adventure best?
N26 vs Wise vs Revolut, which one is best for you!
It is an important point that is often forgotten: how will you pay or withdraw during your trip? Will you use your debit card, a credit card or something else anyway? A good choice can sometimes save tens of euros per trip, which is why we looked into it for you!
In this blog, we talk about debit cards, not credit cards. A credit card works on credit: you pay back later and there may be additional fees or interest. A debit card, on the other hand, is directly linked to your balance. This means that you first deposit money in the linked account, after which your spending is automatically debited from it. N26, Wise and Revolut all offer debit cards that you need to top up before you can pay with them.
1. What is the difference between N26, Wise and Revolut?
Before we delve deeper into the different costs and exchange rates for each provider, we would like to tell you a bit more about the background of each provider. This can also be important in the choice you are about to make.
N26: N26 is a German digital bank with a banking licence in Europe since 2016. The N26 debit card allows you to make payments and withdraw cash worldwide. The advantage is that the app in which you arrange your payments is clear, you have real-time insight into your spending and can set additional features such as savings goals and notifications. For travellers, N26 is ideal: you pay and withdraw money without the hassle of hidden fees (except of course the exchange rate and fees of the bank where you withdraw cash), something that really makes a difference on the move.
Wise: Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, specialises in international payments and offers a debit card linked to your Wise account. The advantage of Wise is that you pay at current exchange rates, which means you are often cheaper than with another bank. Perfect for travellers who often pay in other currencies or need to transfer money regularly, for example if you are away for long periods of time or work as a digital nomad.
Revolut: Revolut, like N26, is a digital bank based in Lithuania with a banking licence in Europe since 2021. Besides a debit card, they also offer additional services such as crypto, savings and even travel insurance. Revolut is known for its flexible subscriptions and favourable exchange rates. For travellers, this is extra convenient as you can hold multiple currencies on one card and quickly change them in the app. Ideal if you travel a lot or for a long time, want to carry multiple currencies and manage your money smartly and flexibly.
Comparison table with core differences
| Feature | N26 | Wise | Revolut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card type | Debit card | Debit card | Debit card |
| Banking licence | Yes, in Germany | No, fintech company | Yes, in Lithuania and UK |
| Currency exchange | Good rate, sometimes small extra charges | Good rate with low fixed costs | Good rate, sometimes small extra charges |
| Cash withdrawals abroad | Free up to €5,000/month (depending on plan) | Free up to €200/month, after that small fees | Free up to €200-€600/month (depending on plan) |
| Monthly costs | Free basic, premium €4.90 - €16.90 | Free standard, you pay for extra features | Free basic, premium €2.99 - €13.99 |
| Extras | App, piggy banks, insurance at premium | Store multiple currencies, transfer money easily | App, budgeting, crypto and shares at premium |
| Ideal for | Daily banking and travel | Transferring money and paying in different currencies | Travelling, saving and paying in multiple currencies |
| Protection of assets | Up to €100,000 via German bank guarantee | No bank guarantee | Up to €100,000 via Lithuanian bank guarantee |
A fintech company is one that offers financial services, such as payments, remittances or payment cards, but is not a traditional bank itself. They use technology to make money work faster, easier and often cheaper. So Wise is a good example of this.
Brief summary of the differences
- N26: Digital German bank, clear app, ideal for daily payments and cash withdrawals abroad.
- Wise: Specialising in international payments, current exchange rates, advantageous for foreign currency purchases.
- Revolut: Versatile app, multiple currencies, additional services such as insurance, crypto and savings. Useful for travellers.
Hopefully, this already gives you a good idea of each provider. Read on to find out which debit card best suits your travel style. This will help you keep a grip on your money and save costs wherever you are.
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2. Functionalities and ease of use
Now that you know what the main differences are, it is useful to look at features and ease of use. Especially for travellers, this can make a big difference, both in your choice and in the daily use of your card while travelling.
N26: N26 offers a clear app where you can easily track all your spending, set limits and receive push notifications on every transaction. The app makes it easy to link accounts and manage payments in multiple currencies. Lost your card? Then you can easily block it in the app. Found it again? Then activate it again with one click. Super simple and another handy detail: you can even set your own PIN!
Tip: When travelling abroad, always choose a 4-digit PIN. Many ATMs are set to this and cannot process longer codes.
Wise: Wise focuses mainly on international money transfers and foreign currency payments. The app is user-friendly and clearly shows which exchange rate is used and the associated fees. In addition, you can easily manage multiple currencies at once, making you well prepared when travelling through different countries, for example during a world trip!
Revolut: Revolut combines features of a traditional bank with many extras, such as budget management, automatic currency exchange, crypto and stock options. The app is clear: you can quickly transfer money, block your card or set limits and receive notifications. For travellers who do a lot of digital payments, this can be a big advantage.
In short, all three apps of N26, Wise and Revolut give you instant insight into your expenses and are flexible during your travels, making daily use a lot easier.
3. Safety and warranty
Security is an important issue for any traveller using a bank card abroad. Unfortunately, it happens regularly that a debit card is swallowed by a local ATM. Yes... this really happens and unfortunately we have experienced it ourselves! So never travel with just 1 card.
N26: The N26 card assures you of bank protection of up to €100,000, as it is an authorised bank in Germany. You can block or unblock your card directly via the app, so you can react quickly in case of loss or theft. In addition, you receive a notification with every transaction, so suspicious activity is immediately noticed. You can also set limits for contactless and online payments. So you can always keep a grip on your money while on the move.
Wise: With the Wise card, you also have good insight into all your transactions and get notifications of payments you don't recognise. This allows you to react quickly in case of suspicious situations. The card is PIN-protected and through the app you can easily track withdrawals, payments and exchange rates. Take note: Wise is not a “real” bank like N26 or Revolut, but a regulated financial institution. This means your money is held in a separate account. So you don't have a traditional bank guarantee like N26 or Revolut, but your money is safely managed under the supervision of European regulators.
Revolut: Revolut offers comprehensive security options that give you a lot of control over your spending abroad. You can temporarily freeze your card, receive notifications on every transaction and set limits for contactless payments and online purchases. In addition, you can create a virtual card for online payments, offering extra protection against fraud. Revolut, like N26, is a real bank (based in Lithuania) and therefore also offers protection up to €100,000 under the EU bank guarantee.
4. Costs and tariffs abroad
OK, this may sound like dry reading, but trust us: this bit can really save you money. We will specify the costs per provider and give examples, so you get a clear picture. That is of course very handy!
Cost overview of a N26 debit card
- Exchange rate: N26 uses the interbank rate, usually the best exchange rate you can get. A small surcharge of 0.5% applies for transactions on weekends.
- Withdrawing money: Free up to €3,000 per month, above that 1.7% per withdrawal. With a N26 You account or N26 Metal account, this limit is higher.
- Monthly charges: Basic account is free, N26 You account is €9.90 and the N26 Metal account is €16.90 per month.
Cost overview of a Wise debit card
- Exchange rate: Wise also uses the interbank rate, supplemented by a small fixed fee of 0.35% - 1% depending on the currency.
- Withdrawing money: Free up to €200 per month, thereafter 1.75% per withdrawal.
- Monthly charges: The basic account is free and the other extra features have variable costs.
Cost overview of a Revolut debit card
- Exchange rate: Revolut also uses the interbank rate. Weekend transactions are subject to a surcharge of 0.5-1%.
- Withdrawing money: Free up to €200 per month (Standard account), €400 (Plus account), €600 (Premium & Metal account). If you exceed these amounts, it is 2% per withdrawal.
- Monthly charges: The Standard account is free, Plus account is €2.99, Premium account is €7.99 and the Metal account €13.99 per month.
Example: maximum pins in Thailand
Say you want to withdraw 20,000 THB (about €525) and the local bank charges 150 THB (€3.96) in fees for this. Then the overview of total fees per provider looks like this:
| Feature / Cost | N26 Basic | Wise Base map | Revolut Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free recordings per month | 2x free within euro zone, thereafter €2 per withdrawal; in foreign currency always +1.7% | 2x free per month (up to €200 total); after that €0.50 per withdrawal + 1.75% | Up to €200 per month free; thereafter 2% of withdrawal amount |
| Local bank charges | 150 THB (€3.96) | 150 THB (€3.96) | 150 THB (€3.96) |
| Total cost (within free limit) | €3,96 | €3,96 | €3,96 |
| Total cost (after free limit) | €3.96 + 1.7% × €525 ≈ €12.89 | €3.96 + €0.50 + 1.75% × €525 ≈ €13.65 | €3.96 + 2% × €525 ≈ €14.46 |
As you can see, the costs remain limited as long as you stay within the cards' free withdrawal limits. If you go over that, then the differences get bigger. Therefore, it is smart to check which card really suits your way of travelling. Our advice: look not only at the basic free options, but also at the paid plans and decide which is most beneficial for your adventures.
5. N26, Wise or Revolut: which card suits your trip?
Now that you know the differences between the three providers, it's time to consider which card best suits your travel style. Here you can think about: will you be withdrawing a lot of cash? Do you mainly make purchases in foreign currency? Or do you regularly transfer money to other countries? We'll give you some more practical tips for each situation!
1. The best debit card for cheap foreign currency payments
If you plan to pay mostly in cash (and therefore have a few withdrawals) or regularly spend small amounts during your trip, for example at restaurants, shops or for activities, it is important that your card charges low fees for cash withdrawals and foreign currency payments.
- Featured card: Wise or N26
- Why? Wise does not charge a margin on the exchange rate and uses current exchange rates, so you always pay at the best rate. N26 offers the first two cash withdrawals per month for free and does not usually charge extra fees for payments made with the card. Revolut can be advantageous, but be careful: with the free cards, there are limits on withdrawals and payments.
2. The best debit card for international transfers
Do you travel frequently for work or are you a digital nomad and often send money abroad? Then it is important that your card charges low fees for international transfers.
- Featured card: Wise
- Why? Wise specialises in international payments and charges low and transparent fees at the latest exchange rate. N26 and Revolut also offer international transfers, but charge higher fees or have limited options with their free accounts.
3. The beste debit card for full banking functionality
Want to use a card as a replacement for your traditional bank account, with features such as savings, automatic payments or insurance? Then full banking functionalities are a plus.
- Featured card: N26 or Revolut
- Why? N26 is a real bank in Germany and offers comprehensive features such as direct debits, savings and payments. Revolut is a real bank in Lithuania and offers insurance and other functions in addition to standard functionalities. Wise focuses mainly on payments and international transfers and has less extensive banking functionality.
6. Tips for getting the most out of your N26, Wise or Revolut card while travelling
Now that you probably have a better idea of which card suits your travel style and how charges work abroad, it's time for the next step: using your card smartly. With a few handy tips, you can make big savings and avoid unpleasant surprises on the road.
1. Pay attention to withdrawal and payment limits
Each card has its own limits for withdrawals and payments, depending on the type of card and plan you choose. Check in advance how much you can withdraw or spend free of charge. That way, you can avoid unexpected surcharges during your trip.
2. Avoid extra charges when withdrawing money
Local bank fees and exchange rates can add up quickly. Therefore, stay within your card's free withdrawal limits as much as possible and always choose the option withdraw without conversion. With that, you use the current exchange rate of your card instead of the often more unfavourable rate of the local bank.
3. Use the app to its full potential
The N26, Wise and Revolut apps give you real-time insight into your spending, transactions and exchange rates. Set notifications for payments and monitor exchange rate changes. This way, you are always in control of your money and therefore your travel budget!
4. Combine cards smartly
It can be convenient to carry multiple cards. For example, use N26 or Revolut for everyday payments and your Wise card for international transfers. This way, you benefit from the strengths of each provider and save on costs at the same time.
5. Keep safety in mind
Block your card immediately via the app in case of loss or theft, and pay contactless or by PIN wherever possible. This not only makes your payments easier, but also more secure.
Tip: To use the apps, you obviously need internet. Therefore, arrange a local SIM card or use an e-sim, for example via Airalo.
Conclusion: N26 vs Wise vs Revolut - which card suits you?
That was a lot of information, but now you have a complete overview of these three popular travel cards. There is no such thing as one perfect choice for everyone: your ideal map depends on your priorities, travel style and what you mainly use the map for.
- N26 is ideal for those who want a full-fledged bank with European bank guarantee and a clear app. Perfect for travellers looking for security. We ourselves have been using N26 for several years and are very satisfied with its user-friendliness and security. When a withdrawal went wrong in Mexico, we were helped within three hours via the support chat, which gives confidence.
- Wise excels in low-cost foreign currency payments and international transfers. A smart choice for travellers or digital nomads who often send money abroad. Just keep in mind that Wise offers less protection than a traditional bank.
- Revolut combines many advantages of both: convenient for cash withdrawals, online payments and additional security options such as virtual cards. Ideal for those who seek flexibility and like to keep track on the go.
In short: do you often pay in foreign currency, regularly send money internationally or do you mainly want banking functionality and security? Compare all features and costs carefully so that you choose the card that best suits your trip.
Frequently asked questions about N26, Wise and Revolut
1. Which card is cheapest abroad?
It depends on your usage, but in general, Wise is most advantageous for foreign currency payments, as long as you stay below the free withdrawal and transaction limits.
2. Which card is the safest?
N26 is a full-fledged European bank and offers bank protection up to €100,000. This provides extra security.
3. Can I pay with N26, Wise and Revolut anywhere?
Yes, all three cards work with Mastercard or Visa and are accepted worldwide, both online and in shops and restaurants.
4. Which card is best for withdrawing money abroad?
This depends on your recording behaviour. N26 and Revolut offer free recording up to a certain limit. Wise charges low fees, but also has a free threshold.
5. Can I use multiple cards at the same time?
Yes, many travellers combine cards. For example, Wise for cheap foreign currency payments and N26 as a main bank account for security.
Disclaimer
We have written this blog with care and share our own experiences here. However, prices, conditions and features of N26, Wise and Revolut may change. Therefore, always check the most up-to-date information on the official websites before making your choice.
Please note that we do not give personal financial advice. The final decision lies with you. Think of this blog primarily as a handy starting point to discover which card best suits your travel plans.
Still have questions about the differences between N26, Wise and Revolut or want to know how to plan your trip smartly? Then check out our other blogs or send us a message at [email protected] or Instagram!
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